Okay, friends, let me tell you about *the* dish that’s been making waves in my kitchen – Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta! Seriously, the name alone should tell you something, right? This isn’t just any chicken pasta dish. It’s *that* good. My husband declared it his new favorite, and trust me, he’s a tough critic!
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for weeks, trying to get it *just* perfect, and I think I’ve finally nailed it. We’re talking creamy, dreamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken that melts in your mouth, and perfectly cooked pasta all coming together in a symphony of flavor. And the best part? It’s way easier to make than you’d think! Even on those crazy weeknights, I can whip this up, and everyone’s happy. So get ready to fall in love (or get someone to fall in love with you!) with this Marry Me Chicken recipe with pasta!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Seriously, you’re going to *adore* this recipe. Why? Let me count the ways:
Quick and Easy Comfort Food
I’m talking from fridge to table in under an hour, folks! And the steps? Super simple. Even if you’re not a pro, you can totally nail this.
Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home
That’s right! This Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta tastes like you ordered it at your favorite Italian spot, but you made it yourself. Go you!
Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions
Need a quick and easy dinner after a long day? Got you covered. Wanna impress someone special? Boom. This recipe works for everything!
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Trust me on this one. I’ve made this for *so* many people, and everyone raves about it. It’s a total winner!
Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, just good quality stuff that’ll make this Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta sing. I’m telling you, the better the ingredients, the better the final dish! Just a quick rundown here, and then I’ll break it down even further.
For the Chicken
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Yep, you’ll want to chop those chicken breasts into smaller pieces. It helps them cook faster and evenly! I usually go for about 1-inch chunks.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
That classic blend of herbs we all know and love. Don’t skimp!
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Adds a little extra punch of garlicky goodness.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
If you like a little kick, throw these in! Totally optional, though. I’m a wimp, so I usually skip ’em.
2 tbsp olive oil
For cooking that chicken to golden-brown perfection!
For the Sauce
4 cloves garlic, minced
Freshly minced, please! It makes a *huge* difference. Trust me.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
Make sure they’re the oil-packed kind, and drain ’em well before you chop ’em up.
1 cup chicken broth
Low sodium is my go-to, so I can control the saltiness.
1 cup heavy cream
This is what makes the sauce *so* rich and creamy. Don’t even think about substituting it!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated is *always* best. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Adds a pop of freshness that really brightens up the whole dish.
For the Pasta
1 lb pasta, such as fettuccine or penne
I’m a fettuccine kinda gal, but penne works great too! Use whatever your heart desires.
Equipment Needed to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Okay, so you don’t need a ton of fancy gadgets for this Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta. Just a couple of key things, and you’re good to go! Let me break it down:
Large Skillet
This is *essential*. You’ll use it to cook the chicken and then whip up that amazing creamy sauce. A nice, big skillet makes everything easier.
Pasta Pot
Gotta cook that pasta, right? Any old pot will do, but a pasta pot with a strainer insert is super handy. Makes draining a breeze!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re about to dive into the nitty-gritty of making this amazing Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step. It’s easier than you think, I promise!
Cook the Pasta
First things first, get that pasta going! Follow the directions on the package – usually, that means boiling some water, throwing in the pasta, and cooking until it’s al dente. *Crucial step alert!* Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about a cup of that pasta water and set it aside. Trust me, you’ll need it later!
Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta’s doing its thing, let’s get the chicken ready. In a bowl, toss those bite-sized chicken pieces with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if you’re using ’em!), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything’s evenly coated. Now, heat up that olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s browned and cooked through – about 5-7 minutes. Set the chicken aside for now, we’ll need it later.
Make the Sauce
Okay, this is where the magic happens! In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant – about a minute. Careful not to burn it! Then, add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute or so. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any of those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Now, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly – about 3-5 minutes. Mmm, smells amazing, right?
Combine and Serve
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until it’s nicely coated with that creamy, dreamy goodness. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Want to take your Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Here are a few of my go-to tips:
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Nobody likes dry, rubbery chicken! Cook it just until it’s cooked through, and no longer. It should still be nice and tender. Pull it from the pan as soon as it hits 165°F.
Use High-Quality Parmesan Cheese
Seriously, this makes a *huge* difference. Skip the pre-grated stuff and go for a wedge of Parmigiano-Reggiano. The flavor is so much richer and more complex!
Adjust the Sauce Consistency
That pasta water we saved? It’s liquid gold! If your sauce is too thick, add a splash or two until it’s just right. You want it to coat the pasta beautifully.
Fresh Basil is Key
Don’t even think about using dried basil! Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness that really elevates the dish. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta Variations
Okay, so you’ve got the basic Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta down? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and talk about some fun ways to mix it up! Don’t be afraid to experiment – that’s how you make it *your* own!
Add Vegetables
Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Totally do it! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers – they all work great in this dish. Just toss ’em in with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Use Different Herbs
Basil is a classic, but why not try oregano or thyme? They’ll give the dish a slightly different flavor profile, but still totally delicious!
Make it Spicy
Feeling fiery? Add a pinch (or a whole lotta!) more red pepper flakes. Or, for a different kind of heat, try a dash of cayenne pepper. Careful, though – it’s potent!
Use different types of pasta
Fettuccine is my jam, but linguine, rigatoni, even penne all work great! Use whatever you’ve got on hand, or whatever your heart desires!
Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Alright, you’ve got your amazing Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta ready to go! But what should you serve with it? Here are a few of my favorite sides that complement this dish perfectly:
Serve with a Side Salad
Keep it simple! A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread
Oh yeah! Toasted garlic bread is *always* a good idea. Especially when you’ve got that delicious sauce to soak up!
Crusty Bread for Dipping
Don’t feel like making garlic bread? No problem! Just grab a loaf of crusty bread and slice it up. Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce!
Storing and Reheating Your Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta
Okay, so you made this *amazing* Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta, and somehow, you have leftovers? First of all, congrats! Second, here’s how to keep it tasting just as good the next day!
Storing Leftovers
Pop that leftover pasta into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long!
Reheating Instructions
Wanna reheat it? You’ve got options! You can warm it up in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop (add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry). Or, if you’re in a hurry, microwave it for a minute or two, stirring occasionally. Just be careful not to overcook it!
Nutritional Information
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional breakdown of this Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta, right? I get it! I’m all about balance, so knowing what’s in my food is important. Keep in mind, though, these are just estimates! It’ll vary depending on the exact brands and amounts you use.
If you plug this recipe into a nutritional calculator (like MyFitnessPal or something similar), you’ll find out the estimated calories, fat, protein, carbs, and all that good stuff per serving. Just a heads up – it’s a creamy dish, so it’s definitely a treat! But hey, everything in moderation, right?
Ready to Cook This Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta?
So, what are you waiting for? Get in that kitchen and whip up this Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta! And hey, if you make it, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out! Oh, and don’t forget to rate the recipe!
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