Are you ready to impress your loved ones with a dish so good, they’ll be asking to marry you? My Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is not only savory and satisfying but also simple to whip up. Join me as I walk you through this easy recipe, ensuring you’ll create a meal that warms hearts and satisfies cravings!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This pasta dish features a creamy sauce enriched with garlic and tomatoes, making every bite a burst of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute the chicken or pasta with your favorite proteins or gluten-free options.
- Impressive Presentation: Garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this dish looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Essential Cooking Tools
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Cutting board and knife for prep
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- Tongs or spatula for turning chicken
Tips for Choosing Quality Ingredients
- Chicken: Look for fresh, organic chicken. It should be pink and firm.
- Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil. It should have a rich aroma.
- Tomatoes: Select bright, firm cherry tomatoes. They should smell sweet.
- Cream: Use heavy cream labeled as “pure” for the best flavor.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. If using dried, check the expiration date.
- Parmesan Cheese: Buy block cheese and grate it fresh for better taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To start, boil water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of your choice of pasta, either fettuccine or penne. Cook according to the package directions. The pasta should be al dente, firm but cooked through. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
Preparing the Chicken
Next, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Make sure not to burn the garlic; it should smell nice and fragrant. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for about 3 minutes until they soften. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and mix well. Let it come to a gentle simmer. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, making the sauce creamy.
Combining Everything Together
Now, slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes so it can soak up the flavors. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until everything is hot. Taste the dish and add red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Chicken
To cook chicken well, use boneless and skinless pieces. They cook faster and stay juicy. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that it is golden brown and fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it moist.
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices make a dish shine. For this recipe, I use dried Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. They add depth and warmth. Fresh basil leaves can also boost flavor when added as a garnish. If you want a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the sauce. Always taste as you go to find the right balance.
Best Practices for Cooking Pasta
Cooking pasta might seem easy, but small details matter. Start with a large pot of salted boiling water. This helps the pasta cook evenly and taste better. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. It’s best to cook it al dente, which means firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and reserve a bit of the cooking water. This starchy water can help loosen the sauce later on.
Pro Tips
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for juiciness and safety.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Fettuccine or penne works best as they hold the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh garlic and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil and additional Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also elevates the presentation of your dish.
Variations
Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrients
You can boost the health of your Marry Me Chicken Pasta by adding veggies. Choose colorful options like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply chop them and add them to the skillet when you sauté the garlic. Cook them for a few minutes until they soften. This adds flavor and lots of nutrients. Plus, it makes your dish look vibrant.
Different Pasta Options (Fettuccine vs. Penne)
Fettuccine and penne both work well for this recipe. Fettuccine gives a smooth and creamy feel, while penne holds the sauce better in its tubes. If you prefer a twist with your pasta, try rotini or farfalle. Just remember to cook them according to package directions. The choice depends on your taste and what you have on hand.
Making it Spicy with Red Pepper Flakes
For those who enjoy heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition. Just sprinkle them in when you add the heavy cream. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more if you want a stronger kick. It’s an easy way to spice up your dish and make it more exciting.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers Properly
To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool to room temperature before sealing. Place the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it instead.
Reheating Tips for Best Results
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them slowly. You can use a skillet or the microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or cream for moisture. Heat over low to medium heat and stir often. If using a microwave, cover the dish to keep the moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring between each one.
Freezing the Dish for Future Meals
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. You can also use freezer bags for easy storage. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream or cashew cream. Both give a rich flavor. You can also use milk mixed with a bit of flour for thickness.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They are juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may need a bit longer.
What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also make a great side. They balance the creamy pasta well.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve.
In this post, we covered the main ingredients and tools for making Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking each part. We also shared tips to enhance flavors and variations to suit your taste. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers.
This dish is not only tasty but also easy to adapt. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a meal that impresses everyone. Enjoy experimenting in the kitche
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 breasts chicken, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- for garnish Fresh basil leaves
- optional Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic and tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back into the skillet with the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb some flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, adding red pepper flakes if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
