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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves - Additional Parmesan cheese Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy delight. You need fresh and simple ingredients to make it shine. The chicken adds a savory touch, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh spinach gives it color and nutrition. Parmesan cheese adds richness, making the sauce creamy. Garlic gives a warm aroma and enhances the taste. Olive oil helps cook the chicken, making it golden brown. Italian seasoning ties everything together, giving it a delicious herb flavor. If you want to elevate the dish, try adding fresh basil leaves as a garnish. This adds a pop of color and fresh taste. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan on top for extra flavor. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable. The full recipe will guide you through each step to create this tasty meal. First, get a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or spaghetti. Cook it according to the package, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente. That means it should be firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside for now. While your pasta cooks, grab 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, take the chicken out and let it rest on a cutting board. In the same skillet, leave the oil and juices. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir it constantly so it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix well. Add 1 cup of fresh spinach. Cook it just until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts and blends into a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you like the texture. Now, slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Return the chicken to the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta too. Gently toss everything together. This helps the pasta and chicken get fully coated in the sauce. Make sure each bite is delicious and creamy. To cook chicken breasts well, start with even thickness. You can pound them gently to help. This way, they cook uniformly. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Check that the inside reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Resting the chicken helps keep it juicy. Slice it only after resting to avoid losing juices. You can change the sauce to suit your taste. Try adding different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can boost flavor too. If you want a creamier sauce, mix in more heavy cream. For a tangy twist, squeeze in some lemon juice. Adjust the taste by adding more garlic or spices. Taste your sauce before serving to ensure it’s just right. To avoid overcooked pasta, keep an eye on the time. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it’s firm but not hard. Salt your water well before adding the pasta. This gives the pasta flavor as it cooks. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. You can add this back to the sauce if it’s too thick. This tip will help you achieve a perfect texture and taste. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta. Brands like Banza or Barilla offer great choices. These options taste good and cook well. You can still enjoy all the creamy goodness of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta. To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for veggies or tofu. You can use zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. If you want protein, try firm tofu. Just sauté the tofu until golden before adding it to the sauce. This way, you keep the flavors rich and satisfying. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or spicy sausage. If you like heat, sprinkle a teaspoon of red pepper flakes into the cream sauce. For sausage lovers, cook spicy sausage in the skillet before the chicken. This adds great flavor to the dish. To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the dish. It stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating. To freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pan on medium heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to keep it creamy. You can pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with several side dishes and salads. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: It adds a nice crunch. - Caesar salad: The crisp lettuce balances the creamy pasta. - Steamed broccoli: This vegetable adds color and nutrients. - Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella complement the dish well. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep: - Cook the chicken and pasta in advance. - Store them separately to maintain texture. - When ready to serve, combine and reheat gently. - Use a little extra cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. To scale the recipe for more servings, simply increase the ingredient quantities. For example: - Use 4 chicken breasts instead of 2. - Double the amount of pasta and sauce ingredients. - Make sure to cook in larger pots or pans. If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can still enjoy this dish. Here are some alternatives: - Fresh tomatoes: Use diced fresh tomatoes for a juicy option. - Roasted red peppers: These add sweetness and flavor. - Olives: Chopped olives can bring a briny taste. Yes, you can use different types of pasta. Consider these tips: - Penne or rigatoni: These hold the sauce well. - Gluten-free pasta: Great for those with dietary needs. - Whole wheat pasta: Adds extra fiber and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta used. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions. Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines rich flavors and simple steps for a delicious meal. We explored essential ingredients, from chicken and pasta to creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. I shared tips for cooking pasta perfectly and keeping chicken moist. You can customize your dish with gluten-free or vegetarian options. Remember to store leftovers correctly to enjoy them later. This dish not only satisfies but also impresses. Now, you're ready to create a memorable meal that will delight your loved ones.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This creamy and flavorful dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes with perfectly cooked pasta for an unforgettable meal. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family night. Click through to explore this easy recipe and impress your loved ones with a dish that might just make them fall in love!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz fettuccine or spaghetti

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup fresh spinach

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta using a colander, reserving a 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.

      Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet (with the leftover oil and juices), add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not burnt. Carefully pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and allow it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, letting the flavors combine beautifully.

        Add Spinach and Cheese: Add the fresh spinach to the cream sauce, cooking just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually mix in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

          Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips. Return the sliced chicken to the creamy sauce, along with the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.

            Serve: Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta, ensuring a generous portion of both chicken and creamy sauce on each plate. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an added burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4