Print

Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

8 oz dried pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ cup onion, finely chopped

3-4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon butter

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté the onion: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  3. Cook the garlic and chicken: Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  4. Prepare the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta and chicken in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.
  • Seafood twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
  • Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Extra greens: Incorporate spinach or kale for added color and nutrition.
  • Cheese lovers: Mix in mozzarella or Gouda for a different cheese profile.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyjanet.com/delicious-marry-me-chicken-pasta/