Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasonings add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to various dietary preferences with simple substitutions.
• Quick to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can have this impressive meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice (half standard box)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
   • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
   • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Add minced garlic and butter; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken pieces and seasoning mix (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
   • Sauté the chicken for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy chicken sauce.
   • Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
   • Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Pasta: Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
• Protein: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for juiciness, or use shrimp for a seafood variation.
• Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately. Reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can be used as substitutes for chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers are good alternatives if sun-dried tomatoes are not available.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Maintain a gentle simmer and avoid high heat to keep the cream from curdling.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.

What type of Parmesan cheese is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.