Marry Me Chicken Pasta

$To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you will need the right ingredients. Each one plays a part in making this dish special. Here’s what you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients work together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken brings protein, while the pasta adds a nice texture. Olive oil and garlic add flavor, with tomatoes bringing freshness. Heavy cream and chicken broth create a luscious sauce. Parmesan cheese gives a salty finish, and basil adds color and aroma. You can easily find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Fresh items, like basil and tomatoes, give the best taste. Enjoy cooking with these simple yet delicious ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, boil water in a large pot. Use enough water to allow the pasta to move freely. Add a pinch of salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Al Dente Cooking Tips - Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. - Taste a piece a minute or two before the time is up. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about a cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and can help adjust your sauce later. Set the pasta aside in a bowl. Next, we need to cook the chicken. Take your two chicken breasts and season them well with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cooking Time and Techniques - Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. - Make sure the outside is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. When done, remove the chicken from the pan. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. After resting, slice the chicken into strips. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burnt. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Adding Stock and Cream Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then, stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce. Now comes the fun part. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce. Mix everything together gently. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Adding Cheese and Seasonings Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste the dish and adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. For a great presentation, serve the pasta in wide bowls. Top each bowl with more grated Parmesan. Add a fresh basil leaf on top for a pop of color. Optional Spicy Enhancements If you like heat, offer extra crushed red pepper on the side. This way, everyone can spice it up to their taste. Enjoy your meal! - Key Cooking Techniques Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. While the pasta cooks, season your chicken well with salt and pepper. Sear it in olive oil until golden brown. This step adds great flavor. Don't rush; give the chicken enough time to cook. - Adjusting Flavor Profiles Taste as you go! You can add more crushed red pepper if you like heat. For a fresh touch, add lemon juice or zest before serving. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic when sautéing. This dish is all about making it yours. - Time-Saving Tips Use a large pot to cook pasta and chicken at the same time. Prep your ingredients before you start cooking. This keeps things moving smoothly. When in doubt, keep a little reserved pasta water nearby. It helps adjust the sauce's thickness. - Alternative Chicken Options If you're short on chicken breasts, try thighs or even turkey. Both options work well and add good flavor. For a plant-based version, use chickpeas or tofu for protein. - Pasta Varieties You can swap fettuccine for penne or even whole wheat pasta. Each type gives a unique twist to the dish. Just follow the cooking times on the package. - Non-Dairy Cream Alternatives For a lighter option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both choices add creaminess without dairy. Adjust seasonings to balance the flavors; they can be a bit sweeter. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente. This will keep it firm and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Flavorful Chicken: Marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before cooking can enhance the flavor and tenderness. Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. This water also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta better. Fresh Herb Finish: Always add fresh basil just before serving. It not only adds a beautiful touch but also a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the dish. {{image_4}} - Replacing Chicken with Mushrooms Swap chicken breasts for mushrooms. Use portobello or button mushrooms for a hearty bite. Sauté them until golden in olive oil. They will absorb flavors well and add a nice texture. - Suggested Vegetable Additions Add bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the dish. These veggies enhance color and nutrition. For more flavor, try sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. They pair perfectly with the creamy sauce. - Increasing Red Pepper Flakes To kick up the heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with an extra half teaspoon. Adjust it to your taste for a spicy twist. It brings a lovely warmth to the dish. - Adding Hot Sauce or Chili Paste For a bolder flavor, mix in your favorite hot sauce. Sriracha or chili paste works great. Stir it into the sauce before combining with pasta. This adds a nice punch without overpowering the dish. - Incorporating White Wine Add half a cup of white wine to the sauce. Choose a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc. This gives a bright, rich flavor. Let it simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol. - Adjustments to Cream and Stock Reduce the cream slightly for a lighter sauce. Use chicken broth to balance the flavors. This keeps the dish creamy but adds freshness, making it perfect for any occasion. Refrigeration Guidelines You can store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in the fridge. Place it in a sealed container. It stays fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps preserve the flavor and texture. Freezing Instructions If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Best Methods to Reheat To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place it in a bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. For the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Heat over low until warmed through. Preserving Creaminess To keep the sauce creamy, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps restore the sauce's texture. Stir well to combine. Avoid high heat, as it may break the cream and ruin the dish. Total preparation and cooking time for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about 30 minutes. You will need 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15 minutes for cooking. This quick time makes it a perfect meal for busy nights. Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. To prepare it, cook the pasta and chicken as directed. Then, store them separately. When you are ready to eat, just heat them up together with the sauce. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. Here are some great side options: - Garlic bread - Caesar salad - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus These sides add freshness and flavor to the meal. Yes, you can use whole wheat pasta. Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber and nutrients. It will change the texture a bit, but it still tastes great. Cook it just like regular pasta, but check for doneness a minute early. You learned the steps and tips to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We covered the key ingredients, cooking methods, and ways to make it your own. Remember, you can swap ingredients and adjust the spice level. This dish is flexible and great for many tastes. Keeping leftovers fresh is easy with the right storage. Enjoy your delicious pasta meal, and feel free to share your variations. Cooking should be fun, so experiment and make it yours.$

A creamy and delicious pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a romantic dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Then add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, mixing well. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the sliced chicken. Toss everything together in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts.
Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve in wide bowls topped with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for those who like it spicier. A sprig of basil on top adds a nice touch!

Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, romantic