If you're searching for a romantic meal that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This delightful dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. The rich flavors and creamy texture will make this dish a favorite at your dinner table, perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion where you want to impress someone special. With its combination of savory and slightly tangy notes, this pasta is as delicious as it is beautiful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
- Flavorful and Creamy: The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich and bursting with flavor, making every bite unforgettable.
- Romantic Appeal: The name alone sets the mood for a romantic dinner, making it ideal for special occasions.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients List
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Slice Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Heat until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the pasta just before serving.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.
Is there a way to lighten this recipe?
You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with tender chicken and pasta, making it perfect for any romantic occasion. With its quick preparation and impressive presentation, it’s bound to win hearts at your dinner table. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments! For more delicious recipes, visit https://eldralys.com/ for culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Romantic Dinner Favorite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Leave a Reply