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Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts.
Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing their rich, tangy flavor to meld with the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or white wine), stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. If you’d like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes at this point. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has fully melted into the sauce.
4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together.
5. Serve and Garnish
Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for a little extra flavor and a touch of elegance.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dish relies heavily on its creamy sauce, the quality of your ingredients matters. Opt for fresh, good-quality chicken, and use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Customize the Pasta: Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work wonderfully, but you could even use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb version.
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more nutritious, you can add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus to the skillet when making the creamy sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like things spicy, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
- Make It a One-Pan Dish: If you’re feeling extra lazy, you can skip boiling the pasta separately. Simply cook the pasta directly in the sauce with some additional water or broth, which will allow it to absorb all that creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Irresistible Flavor: The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan is simply to die for. The chicken stays juicy, while the pasta soaks up every bit of the savory sauce.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is perfect for cozy dinners at home. It’s comforting, satisfying, and feels like a special treat even though it’s easy to prepare.
- Great for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a romantic evening, a dinner party, or a holiday gathering, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that will make any occasion feel even more special.
- Quick and Easy: Despite its rich flavors, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that’s so delicious, it might just leave you wondering if it could be the secret to a perfect evening. Creamy, savory, and packed with layers of flavor from the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, this pasta dish is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe—and maybe even saying, “I do!” to more!
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