Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in half an hour.

• Rich Flavors: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a deeply satisfying taste.

• Versatile: Suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions.

• Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and children alike.

• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins or pasta types.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size 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

• Basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté Aromatics: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

3. Cook Chicken: Add minced garlic and butter to the pan, sauté for 30 seconds. Add chicken pieces and seasonings, cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.

4. Prepare Sauce: Stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.

5. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.

• Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat.

• Cheese Options: Try using Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal as they hold the sauce well.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it after the sauce has simmered to warm it through without overcooking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?

You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute, though the flavor will differ.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can be used as alternatives.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It's not recommended as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously; simmer gently and stir continuously.

What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

A fresh green salad or garlic bread complements the richness of the pasta.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delectable dish that combines the comfort of creamy pasta with the savory flavors of seasoned chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Its quick preparation and rich taste make it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give it a try and let this dish win over your heart and palate.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting, restaurant-quality dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, all ready in just 30 minutes.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

8 oz dried pasta of choice

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup onion, finely chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon butter

1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon pepper

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add minced garlic and butter, sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. Stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency.
• Use short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for best results.
• Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a variation.
• Simmer sauce gently to prevent curdling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg