Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Craving a rich, comforting dish that’s sure to impress? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe to make for a cozy dinner. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a delightful meal that combines flavors everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this dish is a great option to serve.

Follow the steps below to prepare this creamy, dreamy pasta dish.

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Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make this flavorful dish, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 oz dried pasta of your choice (half a standard box)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Cooking Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by preparing the pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to cook the chicken and aromatics:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and butter. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pan, seasoning with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to create the rich sauce:

• Pour the heavy cream into the pan, followed by the reserved pasta water.
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now that the sauce is ready:

• Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat it evenly.
• Stir well to ensure the pasta is covered in the rich chicken and tomato mixture.

5. Serve and Garnish

For the finishing touch:

• Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves for added color and a burst of flavor.
• Serve immediately while the dish is hot, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.

Substitutions and Variations

This versatile recipe can be easily adapted to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are a few ideas:

Pasta Variations

• Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary preferences.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta to add a bit more fiber and nutrition to the dish.

Chicken Substitutions

• Chicken Thighs: For a juicier and more flavorful alternative, swap the chicken breasts with chicken thighs.
• Shrimp: Add a seafood twist by using shrimp in place of chicken for a fresh and light variation.

Cream Alternatives

• Lighter Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative to create a lighter sauce while maintaining the creamy texture.

Cheese Options

• Pecorino Romano or Asiago: For a different flavor, swap out the Parmesan cheese with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.

Tomato Substitutions

• Fresh Cherry Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, use fresh cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, or roasted red peppers for a smoky flavor.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all about nailing the balance between creaminess, richness, and seasoning. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out perfectly every time:

1. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and adds extra creaminess.
2. Cook Chicken Properly: Make sure the chicken is thoroughly cooked but still juicy. Overcooking can make the chicken dry and tough.
3. Season Gradually: Always taste the sauce as you cook. Adjust the salt and pepper to suit your preferences as the sauce thickens.
4. Fresh Basil Garnish: Don’t skip the basil! It adds a fresh and fragrant element that balances the rich and creamy sauce beautifully.

Additional Serving Suggestions

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few sides to enhance the dining experience.

• Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread or a baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this for a special occasion, a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory flavors of the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully.

• Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a delicious meal; it’s a recipe that’s easy to fall in love with for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavor, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s indulgent but not overwhelming.
• Customizable: Whether you want to make it healthier, lighter, or add a different protein, this dish is highly adaptable to your preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, date night, or a special occasion, this dish always impresses.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy comfort food that you can make easily at home. With a few simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll create a rich, flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, with all the possible variations and substitutions, you can tweak the recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or preparing something special, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed hit. Try it out and enjoy the comforting flavors of this irresistible dish!