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To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish that feels special. The chicken adds protein while the pasta makes it filling. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy punch, and fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. The heavy cream and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that binds everything nicely. Each bite feels like a hug on a plate. When choosing your ingredients, opt for fresh spinach and good-quality Parmesan. This will elevate your dish and enhance the flavors. Enjoy the cooking process and get ready to impress! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook pasta until al dente, follow these steps: - Boil a large pot of salted water. - Add the pasta and cook as directed on the package. - Check the pasta a minute or two before the time ends. - It should be firm but not hard. - Drain the pasta in a colander. - Set it aside, but do not rinse. For optimal flavor, season the chicken breasts well: - Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. - Coat both sides of the chicken evenly. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side. - Look for a golden brown color and check if cooked through. - Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing. To create the sauce, start by adding sun-dried tomatoes: - Place the chopped sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet. - Cook them for about 2 minutes until warmed. - Now pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. - Bring it to a gentle simmer while stirring continuously. - Allow it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes. Incorporate the spinach and cheese into the sauce: - Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. - Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. - Adjust the taste with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, slice the chicken and add it back into the skillet: - Toss the drained pasta and chicken together gently. - Ensure everything is well-coated in the creamy sauce. To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine, focus on seasoning. Use salt and pepper to bring out the chicken's flavor. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning for a tasty kick. Taste as you cook. If it needs more flavor, season it again. For the chicken, cook it until golden brown. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that it reaches 165°F inside. Let it rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy. One big mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Drain it right away to stop cooking. Another mistake is getting salt wrong. Too much salt makes the dish too salty. Too little salt leaves it bland. Always taste your food as you go. Presenting Marry Me Chicken Pasta well makes it more appealing. Serve it in a wide, shallow bowl. This lets the creamy sauce spread out nicely. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a fresh smell. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top for a cheesy touch. A little goes a long way! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish. Don't Overcook the Chicken: To ensure your chicken remains juicy, cook it just until it's no longer pink in the center. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth. Garnish with Extra Flavor: Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the dish. {{image_2}} If you want to try something new, swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, farfalle, or even whole wheat. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for different pasta shapes. To make the dish even better, add some fresh vegetables. Bell peppers and mushrooms bring color and crunch. They also add extra nutrients. You can mix in sun-dried tomatoes or even olives for a salty kick. Herbs like thyme or rosemary can replace Italian seasoning for a different taste. Experimenting with flavors keeps your meals exciting. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. Just choose gluten-free pasta. Check the labels to ensure it fits your needs. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and use mushrooms or more vegetables instead. You can also add some chickpeas for protein. These changes allow everyone to enjoy this meal without worry. To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigerate promptly: Place leftovers in the fridge within two hours. - Use airtight containers: Glass or plastic containers with lids work best. When reheating, you want to keep it moist. Here are some great methods: - Stovetop method: Add a splash of cream or broth in a skillet. - Microwave method: Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring. - Ideal temperature: Aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's heated through. Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Here’s how: - Cool before freezing: Let it cool down before placing it in the freezer. - Use freezer-safe containers: Make sure they are airtight to prevent freezer burn. - Thawing tips: Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the microwave for quick defrosting. This way, you can enjoy this dish later without losing flavor! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish. It features tender chicken and pasta in a delicious sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy kick. Spinach brings a fresh taste to the plate. This dish is popular for its comforting flavors. It’s perfect for date nights or special occasions. The name hints at its romantic appeal, making it a favorite for couples. Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes about 35 minutes. You’ll spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the dish takes around 20 minutes. This quick time makes it great for busy weeknights. You can serve a tasty meal without much wait. Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. This helps keep everything fresh. When ready to eat, mix them with the sauce. To keep flavors intact, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp salad. A simple green salad with vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread also complements the dish nicely. For drinks, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio is a good choice. It balances the creaminess of the pasta and chicken. In this article, we explored crafting Marry Me Chicken Pasta from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. I shared variations to suit different tastes and dietary needs, along with best practices for storage and reheating. Now, get ready to impress your family or friends with this delicious meal. Enjoy the cooking process, and remember that practice makes perfect! Your culinary skills will shine with each bite of this tasty dish.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
  • 2 cups pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes until warmed.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Allow it to thicken for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and melty. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet along with the drained pasta, tossing everything together gently until well coated in the creamy sauce.
  • Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.
Keyword Chicken, creamy, dinner, Italian, pasta