Marry Me Chicken Pasta
There’s something undeniably special about a dish that’s been passed down through family generations, like **Marry Me Chicken Pasta**. This creamy, flavorful recipe is a favorite among many households, and it’s not hard to see why. My mom used to make this exact dish, and it was always a huge hit in our family—so much so that it earned its charming name. The legend goes that this dish is so irresistible that anyone who tastes it will be ready to propose. Whether or not that’s true, one thing is for sure: everyone who tries it will definitely ask for seconds!
Yield: 4
Materials
- **8 oz dried pasta of choice**: Any pasta works for this dish but fettuccine or penne are particularly great choices since they hold the sauce well.
- - **1 Tablespoon olive oil**: This will be used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- - **½ cup onion finely chopped**: Onions add a mild sweetness to the dish and complement the other flavors.
- - **3-4 cloves garlic minced**: Garlic brings depth and savory richness to the sauce.
- - **1 Tablespoon butter**: The butter adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
- - **1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces**: The chicken is the star protein, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the spices and sauce.
- - **½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper**: These seasonings pack a ton of flavor, giving the chicken a smoky, herby kick.
- - **1 cup heavy cream**: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- - **½ cup Parmesan cheese grated**: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- - **½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped**: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that brightens the dish.
- - **Basil leaves for garnish**: Fresh basil adds a bright fresh flavor and makes the dish look beautiful.
Instructions
1.Cook the Pasta:
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your **dried pasta** according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. By cooking the pasta early on, you ensure that it’s ready to absorb the creamy sauce later
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the finely chopped **onions** and **garlic**. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Next, add the **butter** to the skillet. Once it has melted, add the **chicken pieces** to the pan. Season the chicken with **Italian seasoning**, **smoked paprika**, **red pepper flakes**, **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
4. **Make the Creamy Sauce:
- After the chicken is cooked, stir in the **heavy cream** and **Parmesan cheese**. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
5. **Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Now, toss in the **chopped sun-dried tomatoes**. These tomatoes add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
6. **Combine with Pasta:
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, and the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes are distributed throughout the dish.
7. **Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the **Marry Me Chicken Pasta** immediately and garnish with fresh **basil leaves**. The fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.