This Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the easiest way to make dinner feel fancy. It’s got soft chicken, a super creamy sauce, and pasta thats cooked just right. Even if youre not a pro cook, you can totally pull this off for any night you wanna impress someone (or just treat yourself).
So why they call it “Marry Me”? Well, legend says the first bite is so good you might wanna pop the question. Tons of friends swear this dish was the star of their romantic night or family gathering. Some say it even helped seal the deal on a proposal, cause it tastes that amazing. After one forkful, youll see why people keep coming back for seconds (and maybe shouting “Will you marry me?”).
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To pull off this creamy pasta youll need these things:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, they give you tender bites.
- Pasta of Choice: Fettuccine or penne work great, but pick whatever pasta you like.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce velvety and rich.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a sweet-tart kick.
- Garlic, Onions, and Herbs: These build the flavor base, so dont skip em.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated or shaved, it adds that salty finish.
- Spinach or Arugula (Optional): Toss in some greens for color and extra vitamins.
You can also try these variations to switch things up:
- Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a veggie twist.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Works just as well if you need to cut out gluten.
- Vegan Alternatives: Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of cheese.
Directions to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time:
- Prep the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken about 6–7 minutes per side until golden and done (165°F inside). Then take it out and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While chicken cooks, boil a big pot of salted water. Add pasta and cook till al dente. Save a cup of pasta water before you drain it – you might need it later.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions till you see them turn soft and smell awesome. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and greens if you’re using them. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring till it melts into a smooth sauce.
- Combine: Slice the chicken and put it back in the pan with the pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time so the sauce clings perfectly. Plate it up and sprinkle extra cheese or herbs on top.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Cooking Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and veggies really boost the taste. High-quality cream and cheese = extra creaminess.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your chicken so it doesnt dry out, and pull pasta al dente so it isnt mushy.
Presentation Tips
- Garnish: Top with freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, or some chopped basil or parsley for color.
- Plating: Shallow bowls make the dish look more inviting. Twirl the pasta with a fork and lay chicken slices on top.
- Pairings: A crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or a glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay goes great with this.
Storage and Reheating Advice
- Storing Leftovers: Let it cool fully, then pop it in an airtight container. Keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: Warm it in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it saucy. Stir until hot.
The Nutritional Profile of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Knowing what’s in your plate can help you balance flavor and health. Here’s a rough idea:
Caloric Content and Macronutrient Breakdown
A typical serving runs about 600–700 calories, but that varies. You get:
- Protein: Chicken is a lean source, good for muscles and full feeling.
- Carbs: Pasta gives you energy – try whole grain for more fiber.
- Fats: Cream and cheese add richness, but you can use lighter versions to cut calories.
Benefits of Key Ingredients
- Chicken: Low in fat but high in protein and nutrients.
- Spinach: Packed with vitamins A, C, K, plus iron and calcium.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, and bring a sweet-acid punch.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce tossed with pasta. It’s called 'Marry Me' because it's so delicious that you might just want to propose after enjoying it! Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 skillet
- 1 cutting board
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 serving plates
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts Season with salt and pepper.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- 1 small onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Cook with the onion.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream Used to make the sauce creamy.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Stir in to make sauce creamy.
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning as needed.
- for garnish fresh basil leaves Optional garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Combine the chicken with the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve on plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
This dish pairs well with a side salad and a glass of white wine. You can substitute chicken with shrimp or sautéed vegetables for a different variation. For added spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. Enjoy your delicious meal!
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