When it comes to romantic dinners, nothing says “I love you” quite like a plate of marry me chicken pasta. This delightful dish features succulent chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, savory sauce and served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a meal that promises to impress and has the potential to win hearts. Whether it’s date night or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time takes about 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the dish) contains approximately 550 calories, 35g of fat, 40g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein. This is based on a serving size of one quarter of the recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, mixing well to coat evenly.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option or use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free dish. Additionally, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy; always cook al dente.
- Don’t rush the chicken; ensure it’s cooked through but not dry.
- For a smoother sauce, stir constantly while adding cheese.
- Season your dish throughout the cooking process for better flavor.
- Don’t skip the garlic; it adds essential flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for garnish for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream.
- Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to deepen flavors.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes for variety.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and they tend to remain juicier than breasts.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine with pasta just before serving.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal for this dish, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick, or serve with spicy pepper sauce on the side.
Conclusion
Marry me chicken pasta is an impressive dish that’s easy to make yet full of flavor. With its creamy sauce and succulent chicken, it’s perfect for date nights or special occasions. Try this recipe and see how it can win hearts in your kitchen!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta penne or rotini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
