Marry Me Chicken Pasta

$For Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups penne pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh baby spinach - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. The chicken adds protein, while the pasta serves as a hearty base. The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrients. You also need some common pantry items: - Olive oil - Salt - Black pepper - Italian seasoning Having these staples on hand makes cooking easier. You can find them in most kitchens. They enhance the dish without extra fuss. To make the dish even better, consider these garnishes: - Fresh basil leaves - Extra grated Parmesan cheese - Crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) These add-ons can boost flavor and make your plate look stunning. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Enjoy getting creative with your Marry Me Chicken Pasta! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook the pasta as the package says, usually about 9 to 11 minutes. You want it al dente, which means it’s firm but cooked. When done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. While the pasta cooks, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them. Use salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Rub this mixture on both sides of the chicken. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F (75°C). After cooking, place the chicken on a cutting board. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir it often, but don’t let it brown. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the garlic. Then add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh baby spinach. Cook this mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. Once thickened, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts smoothly. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Finally, add the sliced chicken and the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything gently until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. To cook chicken just right, start with good seasoning. Use salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This makes the chicken tasty. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check if they are done. The chicken must reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let it rest. This helps keep it juicy. To make a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. After cooking garlic in the same skillet, pour in the cream. Stir it well with the garlic. Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach next. Cook this mix for about 3-4 minutes. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts. Then, add grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese will melt smoothly, making the sauce rich. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. This keeps it creamy and easy to coat the pasta. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch and flavor. You can pair it with a simple salad for a fresh side. Garlic bread also goes well to soak up the sauce. Enjoy the dish with family or friends for a special meal. Each bite is sure to impress! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh garlic and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final dish. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep your chicken juicy, remove it from the skillet as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C). Letting it rest before slicing will help retain its moisture. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the sauce for additional flavor and texture. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the penne al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, so a firmer texture is ideal. {{image_4}} You can swap the chicken for many options. Try using turkey breast for a leaner choice. Pork chops also work well for a different flavor. If you want to go lighter, choose tofu. Slice it thin and season it like the chicken. Cook it the same way, and it will soak up all the great flavors. For a veggie delight, skip the meat. Use a mix of mushrooms for a hearty texture. Baby bellas or shiitakes add depth. You can also use chickpeas for protein. Cook them in the same way you would the chicken. The creamy sauce pairs perfectly with these options, making it rich and filling. You can add more colors and flavors using various vegetables. Try bell peppers for sweetness or zucchini for a fresh crunch. Broccoli or asparagus can add a nice bite. Just cook them in the sauce until tender. Toss them in the pasta at the end. This keeps your dish vibrant and tasty. To store leftovers, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe. Reheat leftovers on the stove for best taste. Add a splash of cream if it looks dry. Stir gently over medium heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta for longer storage. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. "Marry Me" Chicken Pasta is a fun name. It suggests that this dish is so good, it might win over someone’s heart. Many people find this dish full of rich flavors. The creamy sauce, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a great mix. It’s perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. While penne is great, you can try rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each pasta will change the texture but keep the taste. Just be sure to cook it according to the package directions. This keeps the pasta tender and ready to soak up the sauce. To make this dish healthier, you can use whole grain pasta. This adds fiber and makes the meal more filling. You can also use less heavy cream and replace it with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, boosts the nutrients. Finally, consider using less cheese or a lighter version. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a blend of tasty flavors and easy steps. We explored key ingredients, handy cooking tips, and helpful storage methods. You can also adapt this dish to fit your needs with substitutions or vegetarian options. Remember, cooking is about having fun and experimenting. Enjoy every bite of this dish as you share it with loved ones. Your kitchen adventure with Marry Me Chicken Pasta will surely impress!$

A creamy and flavorful chicken pasta dish that is sure to impress.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
1 cup fresh baby spinach
0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Start by cooking the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook each side for approximately 6-7 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are fully cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
In the same skillet, without wiping it clean, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the garlic. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper accordingly.
Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and a lovely presentation.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta