Discover a delightful meal with our Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes. The easy chicken pasta recipe serves tender chicken breast with luxurious sun-dried tomato sauce that will win over your taste profile. The dish features all its ingredients, which are prepared in one pot to create a delicious penne pasta, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese combination. The quick preparation makes it ideal for rushed evenings as it produces restaurant-style flavors within less time. A dish of simplicity allows you to savor a filling and eye-catching dinner that will make each bite a delightful experience. This dish provides an unforgettable version of traditional tastes.
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Key Benefits Marry Me chicken pasta recipe.
The dish reduces preparation time while decreasing the required work. This meal recipe takes only 30 minutes to prepare a satisfying dining experience. This cooking method simplifies the preparation process while reducing cleanup time, making it suitable for after-work evening meals.
Key benefits include:
- Quick Preparation: Enjoy a complete, satisfying meal in half an hour.
- Ease of Cooking: The one-pot approach reduces the number of dishes and streamlines the process.
- Balanced Flavors: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken breast, garlic, and Parmesan cheese combine to deliver a memorable taste.
- Versatility: You can adapt the recipe by using different pasta shapes or adding vegetables like spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Restaurant-Quality Taste: This recipe combines fresh ingredients to create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant meal.
Each bite offers a perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors, ensuring a delightful dining experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- Chicken:
- • 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- • Salt and pepper to season
- Pasta:
- • 1 lb (16 oz) penne Pasta (or your preferred shape), cooked to al dente
- Sauce & Flavor Base:
- • 1 tablespoon olive oil
- • 4 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- • 1 cup heavy cream
- • 1/2 cup chicken broth
- • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- • 2 cups fresh spinach for extra color and nutrients
The selected ingredients produce a complex but easy-to-cook dish that maintains robust flavors. This appropriately composed ingredient selection creates the desired creamy, tangy, savory taste alongside an easy-access preparation method.
Instructions
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet until they are lightly browned on all sides and nearly cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until fragrant. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them into the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring continuously to combine the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes so that the flavors blend evenly.
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and mix it with the sauce. Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken finishes cooking thoroughly. As the sauce gently simmers, set a large pot of water with salt on the stove and heat it until it reaches a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, usually around 10 minutes. Measure one cup of the pasta water and set it aside before draining the Pasta.
Add the drained Pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the Pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. For extra color and flavor, gently fold the spinach and let it wilt. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning before serving immediately.
Stir during each step to ensure ingredients mix evenly and form a smooth sauce.
Pro Tips and Variations
When preparing this dish, a few simple tips can boost your results. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F for safe, juicy meat. Sear the chicken well in olive oil to lock in flavor before setting it aside. Stir the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes carefully to avoid burning, and keep the heat at medium when adding the cream and broth.
For a thicker sauce, let the mixture simmer slightly longer. If you prefer a lighter version, replace half the heavy cream with extra chicken broth. This substitution provides a less rich texture while still delivering flavor. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can introduce a subtle, smoky note that complements the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
You can experiment with different pasta shapes. While penne Pasta best captures the sauce, rigatoni or farfalle are also excellent choices. Consider adding vegetables beyond spinach. For example, a handful of kale or mushrooms can enhance flavor and texture. Another option is to incorporate caramelized onions; their natural sweetness pairs well with the savory sauce.
Before you begin, organize all your ingredients on the counter. Pre-chopped garlic and sun-dried tomatoes speed up the process, and pre-cooked chicken can be used if you are short on time. Reserve one cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later, ensuring it remains silky and smooth.
Finally, tasting the sauce before combining it with Pasta helps you adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking. These adjustments let you personalize the dish, ensuring each time you prepare it, the meal is both delicious and consistent. Use these tips to simplify your process and explore variations that suit your taste, making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta a go-to favorite for any weeknight dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that elevate your meal. For a balanced dinner, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp mixed green salad drizzled in a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens add a refreshing contrast to the creamy, rich sauce.
A warm slice of garlic bread or a piece of crusty artisan bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For added texture and flavor, consider a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese on top. Fresh basil or chopped parsley works well as a garnish, lending a pop of color and an additional layer of aroma.
If you’re looking for a beverage pairing, a glass of chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy and tangy flavors of the dish. Alternatively, a light sparkling water with a slice of lemon can keep the palate refreshed.
For a heartier meal, pair the Pasta with a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus. These vegetable sides not only add vibrant color to your plate but also boost the overall nutritional value. Consider a small bowl of tomato soup or a light broth-based soup as an appetizer to further enhance your dining experience.
These serving suggestions help create a well-rounded meal that highlights the bold flavors of the Pasta while offering a variety of textures and complementary tastes. Enjoy the combination of warm, comforting Pasta with crisp, fresh sides for an inviting, satisfying dinner.
Conclusion
Our Marry Me Chicken Pasta serves as an excellent choice for weekday dinners because it produces a flavorful outcome while requiring just half an hour of cooking time. A perfect culinary union between tender chicken and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce transforms al dente penne pasta into exquisite comfort food. Each cooking step, beginning with chicken browning, leads to a blend of balanced ingredients while the sauce simmers. People who need a fast dinner while searching for an elegant meal that transforms essential ingredients into gourmet tastes will find this recipe perfect. This pasta dish provides straightforward preparation and extraordinary taste elements that turn it into an exceptional favorite. Savor every
FAQs about the Marry Me Chicken pasta recipe
What Pasta is good with Marry Me Chicken?
When choosing Pasta for this dish, select varieties that hold the sauce well. Penne pasta is an excellent choice due to its ridged surface that traps the creamy sauce. Rigatoni or farfalle also work nicely, as they have a shape that pairs well with the tender chicken and rich sun-dried tomato sauce. These types of Pasta ensure each bite carries a balanced mix of flavor and texture. While penne remains a popular option, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes that complement the dish’s creamy consistency.
How long can you keep creamy chicken pasta in the fridge?
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the taste and texture of your creamy chicken pasta. Once the dish cools completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Generally, you can keep the Pasta for 3 to 4 days without losing too much of its quality. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened. This ensures the dish remains moist and the flavors stay balanced. Always check the Pasta for any changes in smell or appearance before consuming leftovers.
What does Marry Me pasta taste like?
Marry Me Pasta offers a rich and comforting flavor profile. The dish is defined by a creamy sauce made with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, which combine to create a velvety texture. The tangy flavor of the tomatoes pairs with the savory taste of garlic and the mild seasoning of Italian herbs. Tender pieces of chicken add substance and a subtle spicy note. Overall, the dish provides a well-rounded taste experience where creaminess meets a slight tang and just a hint of spice, making each bite both indulgent and satisfying.
How long is leftover Pasta with chicken good for?
Leftover Pasta with chicken should be stored properly to keep its quality intact. When kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, leftovers remain suitable for up to 3 to 4 days. It is essential to reheat the Pasta slowly to avoid overcooking the chicken or drying out the sauce. If you notice any changes in texture or an off smell, it is best to discard the leftovers. By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta safely, even on days after the initial preparation.
