Marry Me Chicken Pasta

$Let's talk about the key ingredients for Simple Marry Me Chicken Pasta. These items make the dish rich and tasty. - Chicken: 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts - Essential Cooking Oils and Seasonings: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper - Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced - Fresh Produce: 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Creamy Ingredients: 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Pasta: 8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti - Garnish: Fresh basil for serving Each ingredient plays a big role. The chicken gives protein, and the cream adds richness. The garlic and cherry tomatoes bring flavor and color. Fettuccine or spaghetti makes it fun to eat. Using fresh basil as a garnish brightens the dish. The best part? You can find all these ingredients at your local store. Keep them handy for a quick and yummy meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your fettuccine or spaghetti and cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check your package for exact timing. Once the pasta is done, save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook it for about 6-7 minutes per side. Look for a golden brown color and ensure it's cooked through. After cooking, take it out of the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken and set it aside for later. In the same skillet, add 3 minced cloves of garlic. Sauté them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for another 3-4 minutes until they soften. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well and gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-4 minutes. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Next, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together so the pasta gets fully coated. Place the sliced chicken on top of the pasta. For a bright finish, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your meal! How to ensure chicken stays juicy: To keep chicken moist, do not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer. Cook chicken to 165°F. Let it rest after cooking. This helps the juices stay inside. Tips for cooking pasta perfectly: Always salt your water. This adds flavor to the pasta. Cook pasta until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This water helps the sauce stick. Suggestions for additional herbs or spices: You can add fresh thyme or oregano for extra flavor. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. Fresh herbs boost taste and make the dish look great. How to adjust creaminess of the sauce: If you want a creamier sauce, add more heavy cream. Stir in some reserved pasta water if it gets too thick. This helps create a smooth, rich sauce that coats the pasta well. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for high-quality Parmesan for a richer taste. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when you combine it with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling better to the pasta. Garnish Smartly: A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves not only add flavor but also make your dish visually appealing. Consider a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. If you want a lighter option, try shrimp. Cook the shrimp just like the chicken. Sauté it in olive oil and season it. You’ll get a nice, tender bite. For a vegan twist, use plant-based ingredients. Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas. They soak up flavors well. You can still keep the creamy sauce by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This version is just as rich but plant-friendly. Want to spice things up? Add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh spinach to your sauce. Just toss them in with the garlic and tomatoes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy taste. Spinach gives a nice pop of color and nutrition. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can elevate the dish. You can also use hot sauce for a different kick. Adjust the spice level to match your taste. These changes can make your meal exciting and new each time you make it! To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down to room temperature first. Refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. This will keep it safe to eat for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to keep it moist. Stir often until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it on medium power for two to three minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into single servings. Place each serving in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a skillet, adding a bit of water or cream if needed. Enjoy your meal without the extra work! Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Fettuccine and spaghetti are great, but you have options. Here are some good alternatives: - Penne: This tube-shaped pasta holds sauce well. - Farfalle: Also known as bow-tie pasta, it adds a fun shape. - Linguine: A flat pasta that works nicely with the creamy sauce. Feel free to choose what you like best. Each type will give a unique twist to the dish. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. You can swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Here are some options: - Brown rice pasta: It has a similar texture and taste. - Quinoa pasta: It offers a nutty flavor and is very healthy. - Chickpea pasta: This adds protein and fiber to your meal. Check the package instructions for cooking times. Gluten-free pasta may cook differently than regular pasta. Yes! To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta dairy-free, simply replace dairy ingredients. Here are some great options: - Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream: It gives a rich, creamy flavor. - Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese: It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Look for dairy-free cheese: Many brands offer tasty options for pasta dishes. These swaps will keep your meal creamy and delicious while being dairy-free. This blog post shared a simple and tasty chicken pasta recipe. We covered essential ingredients, like chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and helpful tips to improve flavor and texture. I also discussed fun variations and storage ideas. Enjoy creating this dish in your kitchen. It’s easy and sure to impress. Happy cooking!$

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and delicious chicken pasta dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 breasts chicken, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces fettuccine or spaghetti
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully incorporated and the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes). If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy tomato sauce. Return the sliced chicken on top and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Notes

Serve in large bowls, finished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a fresh basil leaf for a pop of color.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta