Welcome to my kitchen, where I’ll share my Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy sauce and juicy chicken. It’s simple enough for any home cook to master. You’ll learn how to choose fresh ingredients, make the sauce, and cook the chicken perfectly. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this savory delight that might just lead to a proposal! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these simple ingredients:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
– 8 oz penne pasta
– 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped into small pieces
– 1 cup fresh baby spinach
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Substitutions for Key Ingredients
Not all ingredients are set in stone. You can swap some for what you have:
– Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
– Swap penne for another pasta like fusilli or farfalle.
– If you lack heavy cream, try half-and-half or a non-dairy cream.
– Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula.
– Use feta or goat cheese in place of Parmesan for a twist.
Tips for Quality Ingredients
When choosing ingredients, focus on quality for the best taste:
– Select fresh chicken breasts from a trusted source.
– Look for pasta that is made with high-quality durum wheat.
– Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more flavor.
– Use fresh spinach and herbs; they add brightness to the dish.
– Select good quality olive oil. It enhances the dish’s richness.
For the full recipe, check out the details and bring this dish to life!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. Once it boils, add 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander. Save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside while you cook the chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through. Once it’s golden brown, remove it from the skillet. Cover it to keep warm.
Making the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic. Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes next. Let them cook for about a minute. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the fresh baby spinach and the drained penne pasta. Toss everything gently. Make sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Next, sprinkle in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm in deep bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this delightful dish!
For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfectly Cook Chicken
To cook chicken perfectly, start with the right cut. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them into thin strips for quick cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season the chicken well with salt, black pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer and let it sear. Cook for 5-7 minutes and flip halfway. Look for a golden-brown color. Remove the chicken when it’s fully cooked and keep it warm.
Adjusting the Sauce Consistency
The sauce in Marry Me chicken pasta should be creamy but not too thick. After adding the heavy cream, let it simmer for a few minutes. If it gets too thick, you can fix it easily. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This water is starchy, so it helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Keep stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, you want it to coat the pasta well.
Enhancing Flavor Profiles
To boost flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. A bit of basil or thyme can elevate the dish. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy kick, while garlic gives depth. Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese; it brings richness. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. The balance of flavors is key to making this dish special. You can also explore adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
You can easily make a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Instead of chicken, use grilled zucchini or mushrooms. These veggies add a nice texture and flavor. For creaminess, use a plant-based cream or a mixture of cashews and water blended until smooth. This keeps the dish rich while being meat-free.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
For a gluten-free version, swap the penne pasta with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty gluten-free options made from rice or quinoa. Just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta.
Additional Ingredients to Consider
You can add more flavors and textures to your dish. Consider tossing in artichokes or bell peppers for extra color. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. You may also add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for more depth. These extras can elevate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta and make it even more delightful.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftovers
To store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheating is key. Use a skillet for even heating. Add a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it moist. Heat it over medium until hot. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots.
Freezing Guidelines
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is an option. Store the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, follow the reheating tips above for the best results.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish. It features chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. This meal gets its name from its delicious taste. Many say it’s so good, it might lead to a proposal! The creamy sauce pairs well with the penne pasta. It’s a perfect dish for a romantic dinner or a cozy family night.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta! While penne is great, you might try spaghetti or fettuccine. Bowtie pasta or rigatoni can also work well. Just keep the cooking time in mind. Different pasta shapes may need slight adjustments to cook perfectly. Choose what you love best!
How can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, just cook the pasta and mix everything together. You can reheat the chicken and sauce in a pan. Add a splash of cream if needed to keep it creamy. Enjoy the great flavors without the fuss! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
In this blog post, we covered how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta. First, we listed the key ingredients and shared great substitutions. Next, I walked you through step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips to enhance flavor and perfected your chicken. I also shared variations for different diets and best practices for storage.
Making this dish is fun and rewarding. It’s a meal you’ll love to share. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
