Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a dish so delightful it might just inspire a proposal! This recipe combines tender chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions, this meal is sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The name suggests it’s so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal.
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and refrigerate it. Reheat gently on the stove and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: Cream-based sauces may separate upon freezing and reheating. It’s preferable to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for up to two days.
Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be used if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable.
Q: Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream substitute for a lighter version.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and 1 tbsp butter; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
