Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that marries rich flavors with tender chicken for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress. I stumbled upon this recipe during a weeknight dinner rush, and it quickly became a favorite for busy evenings and special occasions alike. What makes this recipe truly unique is its creamy sauce, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan that create a delightful Italian-inspired dinner. Whether you’re trying to win someone over or simply looking for a cozy meal to enjoy with loved ones, this dish is perfect!

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to give Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try. First, it’s incredibly quick to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners when you don’t have all evening to spend in the kitchen! It’s also budget-friendly, using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The culmination of flavors makes it a hit, especially among kids and picky eaters.

“I made this for my partner on a whim, and let’s just say, he proposed the next day! This pasta is a game-changer!” – a happy home cook.

How This Recipe Comes Together

This dish flows seamlessly from boiling the pasta to creating a savory creamy sauce. You’ll start by cooking the pasta and setting it aside. Next, season and sear the chicken to golden perfection. After sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll deglaze the pan and enrich the sauce with chicken stock and half & half. Finally, combine everything and watch magic happen as your dish comes together beautifully.

What You’ll Need

Gather These Items:

• 12 oz dry pasta
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil

If you’re out of any of these ingredients, feel free to substitute with what you have at home. For instance, cream can be replaced with a dairy-free option or skip the sun-dried tomatoes if they’re not available!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve a bit of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub half of the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Optionally, add a splash of the sun-dried tomato oil. Adjust the heat to low and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping up the tasty brown bits.
7. Stir in the half & half and gradually melt in the parmesan cheese. Keep the heat low, add the cheese bit by bit, stirring frequently.
8. Once the cheese is melted, raise the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the remaining seasoning mix and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken.
9. After cooking, slice the chicken breast and place it over the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and combine thoroughly, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For a beautiful presentation, plate the pasta with the sliced chicken delicately arranged on top. Sprinkle the dish with fresh basil and a generous amount of parmesan for an eye-catching finish. Pair this dish with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the creamy flavors. A glass of white wine can elevate the dining experience even further!

Storage and Reheating Tips

To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding additional chicken stock or pasta water to prevent it from becoming too thick. Microwaving is also an option, but be sure to stir halfway through the heating process for even warmth.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Make sure to allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before adding it to the skillet to avoid clumping.
• Mixing in the parmesan in stages will help it melt more smoothly into the sauce.
• If you’re short on time, consider using rotisserie chicken to speed up the process.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to play with this dish! Add spinach or kale for a nutritious twist or experiment with different types of cheese, like goat cheese or mozzarella. If you prefer a bit more heat, additional red pepper flakes can be included, or swap chicken for shrimp to create a delicious seafood variation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta take to prepare?

The dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for dry pasta, feel free to use any shape you love, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.

What can I serve with this dish?

For a balanced meal, serve it with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

I hope this article engages your audience and helps them appreciate the delightful experience of making Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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A comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz dry pasta
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve a bit of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub half of the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure it’s evenly coated.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Optionally, add a splash of the sun-dried tomato oil. Adjust the heat to low and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
6. Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the bottom of the pan by scraping up the tasty brown bits.
7. Stir in the half & half and gradually melt in the parmesan cheese. Keep the heat low, adding the cheese bit by bit, stirring frequently.
8. Once the cheese is melted, raise the heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the remaining seasoning mix and return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken.
9. After cooking, slice the chicken breast and place it over the pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and combine thoroughly, adjusting the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.