Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. It’s called "Marry Me" because many say it’s so delicious that it might just win over your heart! This meal is perfect for impressing your partner on date night or for a cozy family dinner. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and savory Italian spices adds a touch of romance to the table. It’s simple to make and can be prepared in just under 30 minutes. You’ll want to make this dish time and time again!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot and fresh from the skillet. Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor, and garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy it with a glass of wine for a perfect meal!
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The pasta is best eaten within three days. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave if you want to keep the pasta from drying out.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender.
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in garlic and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- If you like a little spice, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
- Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw them first. Cooking them from frozen will take longer and may result in uneven cooking.
2. Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes add unique flavor, but you can use fresh tomatoes or diced canned tomatoes if preferred.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh before serving to ensure it stays firm and doesn’t get mushy.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta that’s perfect for impressing your partner or a cozy family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in garlic and Italian seasoning before cooking. Fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
