Are you looking for a delicious and romantic dish to impress your loved one? Look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta, making it a perfect meal for date night or any special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The creamy sauce, rich in flavor, pairs perfectly with chicken and pasta, creating a comforting dish that is sure to win hearts. Its blend of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian spices adds a unique twist that makes it stand out. Whether it’s a regular family dinner or a special celebration, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, (minced)
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, (drained)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Add the flour and stir for an additional minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Mix well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot from the skillet. Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore its creaminess.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil really enhances the dish’s flavor, so don’t skip this step!
- Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and paprika to taste.
- Add Veggies: For added nutrition, consider tossing in some spinach or mushrooms when making the sauce.
Variation
You can easily customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta to fit your taste. Try swapping the chicken for shrimp or using a different type of pasta, like fettuccine or rigatoni. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus to make it more colorful.
FAQs
1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time, then combine it with the pasta just before serving.
2. Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta healthy?
While it contains cream and cheese, you can reduce the amount of these ingredients or use lighter alternatives to make it healthier.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat it gently when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Enjoy making this flavorful dish that is sure to make you feel loved!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- to taste Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Boil a pot of water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the flour and stir for an additional minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Mix well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
