Okay, so, weeknights, right? Who has time to COOK? Seriously! I’m *always* scrambling. But, trust me on this one, you NEED this Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot recipe in your life. It’s seriously the answer to all those “what’s for dinner?!” dilemmas.
Think creamy, dreamy pasta, tender chicken, all swimming in a crazy-good sauce… and the best part? ONE POT. That’s it! I made it for the first time last month, and my kids practically licked their plates clean. It’s *that* good. And, hey, I’m all about making cooking easy and fun, so you know this is gonna be a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Seriously, from fridge to table in, like, 30 minutes? Yes, please!
One-Pot Wonder for Easy Cleanup
Okay, dishwashing is the WORST, right? This recipe? One pot. Done. You’re welcome!
Creamy, Dreamy, and Delicious
That sauce! Oh. My. Goodness. It’s rich, it’s creamy, it’s totally addictive. You’ll be scraping the bottom of the pot, I promise!
Family-Friendly Favorite
Even my picky eaters DEVOUR this! It’s a guaranteed win with the whole crew. No complaints, just happy faces!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot Ingredients
Okay, you’ll need these goodies! Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. Trust me, the magic happens with these simple ingredients!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (makes it cook faster!)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (the good stuff!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white, either works!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or use the pre-minced stuff, I won’t tell!)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (adds that Italian flair!)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium is always a good idea)
- 1 cup heavy cream (don’t skimp, this makes it SO creamy!)
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini are my faves!)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best, but pre-grated works in a pinch!)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (smells amazing, right?)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a seriously amazing dinner on the table in no time. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it!
Sauté the Chicken
First, grab that big pot (the *only* pot you’ll need, yay!). Drizzle in the olive oil and turn the heat to medium-high. Toss in your chicken pieces, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook ’em until they’re browned on all sides – about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pot, or they’ll steam instead of brown! You want that nice color, trust me!
Build the Flavor Base
Okay, push the chicken over to one side of the pot (or take it out and set it aside – your call!). Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them!). Cook for another minute until it smells amazing – careful not to burn the garlic!
Simmer the Pasta
Now, pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where all the flavor is! Add the pasta and bring everything to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through. Give it a stir every now and then to keep the pasta from sticking.
Creamy Finish
Okay, this is the best part! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy. Toss in the chopped fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up immediately, because nobody wants to wait for this deliciousness! Seriously, get ready for some happy faces!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Seriously, nobody likes mushy pasta! Cook it al dente – that means it’s still got a little bite to it. It’ll keep its shape better and the texture is just *chef’s kiss*!
Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste
Taste, taste, TASTE! Okay? Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes until it’s *perfect* for YOU. Don’t be afraid to experiment! That’s what cooking’s all about!
Fresh Ingredients Matter
Okay, I know it’s tempting to use dried basil, but TRUST ME, fresh basil makes a HUGE difference. And freshly grated Parmesan? Forget about it! It’s worth the extra effort, I promise!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe (and loved it, right?!). Now, let’s get a little crazy! This is where you can really make it YOURS! Here are a few ideas to get you started…
Add Vegetables
Wanna sneak in some extra veggies? Totally do it! Spinach wilts in beautifully at the end. Mushrooms? Sauté them with the onions. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor! Seriously, anything goes!
Spice It Up
Feeling fiery? Me too! Add a pinch (or a whole bunch!) of cayenne pepper, or use different kinds of peppers. A dash of your favorite hot sauce? YES! Go wild!
Herb Alternatives
Not a basil fan? (Gasp!). No worries! Thyme or rosemary work *amazingly* well in this dish. Use whatever you’ve got on hand! It’s all good!
Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot
Okay, so the pasta’s amazing on its own, but if you wanna make it a *real* meal? A simple side salad or some garlic bread? YES, PLEASE! Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot
Okay, so you *somehow* have leftovers? (Seriously, how?!). No worries! Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat? Stovetop or microwave, whatever’s easiest! Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a little dry. Still just as yummy, I swear!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Totally! Penne and rotini are my go-tos, but any short pasta shape will work great in this marry me chicken pasta recipe. Think shells, bowties… whatever you’ve got!
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Okay, so, you *can*, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. The heavy cream really makes it special! But if you’re trying to cut back on calories, go for it! Just know it’ll be a little thinner.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Honestly? It’s best served fresh. But, hey, life happens! You *can* make it ahead, but the pasta might soak up some of the sauce. Just add a splash of broth when you reheat it. Still yummy!
Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot: Disclaimer
Okay, so, nutrition info? Tricky! It changes depending on the brands you use, so I can’t give you exact numbers. Just a heads-up!
Rate This Marry Me Chicken Pasta One Pot Recipe
Okay, you made it, right? Loved it? Leave a comment and tell me what you think! And hey, share your pics on social media! I wanna see your creations!
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