Welcome, dear friends, to the heart of my kitchen, where I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s become a staple in my home: Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a creamy sauce, with sun-dried tomatoes dancing across the plate, and pasta enveloped in this warm hug of flavor. It’s a dish that feels like a cozy embrace, yet it’s surprisingly quick to make, perfect for those busy weeknights when time is precious, but comfort and nourishment are non-negotiable. This recipe balances heartiness with health, making it a wonderful option for anyone craving something filling and nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Serving Versatility
What I love most about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its versatility. You can serve it over rice for a gluten-free option, toss it with your favorite noodles, or even wrap it in a tortilla for a delightful lunch. For those looking to cut back on carbs, consider using zucchini noodles instead. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this dish always brings a smile to the table!
Full Recipe Section
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
Directions:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 600 per serving
- Start by seasoning your sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Simple items you likely have in your pantry.
- Big, cozy flavor: Comfort food at its finest.
- Nutritional value: Packed with protein and flavor without the guilt.
- Customizability: Swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note (Optional)
This dish draws inspiration from classic Italian flavors, blending creamy sauces with rich aromas. It’s about bringing together simple ingredients to create something that feels like a warm hug.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it over a fluffy bed of rice for a heartier meal.
- Toss it with noodles for an Italian-inspired feast.
- Wrap it up in a tortilla with some fresh veggies for a savory lunch.
- Enjoy it solo for a light and satisfying dinner option.
Pro Tips for Success
- Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Taste as you cook, adjusting seasonings to suit your palate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For freezing, place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s richness.
Closing Paragraph
I can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe and make it your own! Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to fit your family’s taste. It’s all about creating those delicious moments together. After you’ve savored this dish, I’d love to hear how it went. Please share your thoughts, leave a rating, or drop a comment below!
🎀 Final Thoughts
Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet! Remember, every meal is an opportunity to connect and create beautiful memories. Happy cooking!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated Use freshly grated for best flavor
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 2 Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, optional For spice
- 1 2 Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 2 Chicken Broth
- 8 oz Pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by seasoning your sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.