Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a romantic and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. It’s perfect for date night or any special occasion. The rich flavors and beautiful presentation make this meal a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can impress your loved ones without spending all day in the kitchen.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to reduce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil on top.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a large plate or in a bowl. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil to make it look inviting. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you want to eat it again, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- To enhance flavor, consider marinating the chicken in Italian herbs for an hour before cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste.
- Customize the pasta type to your liking.
Variation
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. Also, try substituting the chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breast for this recipe?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can skip them if you prefer a milder dish.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and mix in the pasta just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- to taste Salt and Pepper
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated Use freshly grated for best taste.
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional for spice
- 8 oz Pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Method
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook until golden and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet.
- Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to reduce.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil on top.