PERFECT MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA

Imagine twirling your fork through a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, each strand coated in a decadent, creamy sauce bursting with the savory flavors of juicy chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, promising an unforgettable culinary experience. Get ready to fall head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish so irresistible it just might lead to a proposal!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
• Salt for pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse the oil.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining Everything:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pasta

Don’t Overcook the Pasta:

Al dente pasta is key for the best texture. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well. Set a timer and taste-test frequently toward the end of the cooking time.

Use Quality Ingredients:

The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the flavor of the dish. Use good-quality olive oil, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

Salt Your Pasta Water:

Don’t underestimate the importance of salting your pasta water. This seasons the pasta from the inside out and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water.

Reserve Pasta Water:

As mentioned in the instructions, reserving some of the pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. The starchy water helps to emulsify the sauce and creates a creamy, velvety texture.

Adjust Seasoning to Taste:

Taste the sauce throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan cheese to suit your personal preferences.

Variations to Make it Your Own

Spice it Up:

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.

Add Vegetables:

Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus. Sauté the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Make it Lighter:

To make the dish lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or substitute Greek yogurt for some of the Parmesan cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Try Different Cheeses:

Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyere. Each cheese will add a unique flavor dimension to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic Bread:

Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Side Salad:

A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing complement to the rich pasta dish.

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.

Wine Pairing:

Pair the pasta with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Why This Recipe Will Win Your Heart

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy, flavorful sauce, combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. It’s easy enough to make on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Craving even MORE pasta recipes? You should also try this Garlic Beef Pasta for a flavorful twist. Or, if you’re a parmesan lover, you might like this Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Looking for something with seafood? Marry Me Shrimp Pasta might be exactly what you need! For another creamy chicken experience, try Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. And of course, for all the bacon lovers out there, Chicken Bacon Pasta is calling your name. Don’t forget to check out the original Marry Me Chicken Pasta too!

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe! I truly believe this dish has the power to bring people together and create lasting memories. Gather your loved ones, whip up a batch of this creamy goodness, and prepare to be amazed. Happy cooking, my friend!