Name: Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine); Fresh basil, for garnish

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Short Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible dish that combines tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The richness of the sauce, infused with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, makes this dish a comfort food classic. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning creates an explosion of taste in every bite.
Creamy and Comforting: The rich, velvety sauce clings to the pasta and chicken, making it irresistibly satisfying.
Simple Yet Elegant: While this dish is easy to prepare, it looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether you’re cooking for date night or entertaining guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Customizable: You can tweak the recipe to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a versatile choice for any meal.

Ingredients

chicken breasts
salt
pepper
olive oil
garlic
sun-dried tomatoes
red pepper flakes
chicken broth
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
paprika
pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
fresh basil

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute until fragrant. Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Mix in Italian seasoning and simmer for a couple of minutes.
Slice the Chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into slices and return it to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Variations

Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
Add Veggies: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a different twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed cauliflower.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Freezing: Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months. Reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just ensure they are cooked through.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well as they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water or a little extra chicken broth to adjust the consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the sauce separately from the pasta and combine before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes! Substitute the chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or a plant-based protein.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A side of garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish well.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream provides richness, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk with a little butter for a lighter version.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer—chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 165°F internally.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Absolutely! A splash of white wine enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that lives up to its name—it’s so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this creamy, flavorful pasta will become a household favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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