Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Instructions
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish known for its rich flavors and romantic appeal, making it perfect for special occasions and gatherings. To prepare it, sauté garlic and onions, then add bite-sized chicken seasoned to taste. Incorporate heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, alongside fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, simmering until the sauce thickens. This dish features penne pasta as a base, creating a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with a personal touch. Serve it with extra Parmesan and perhaps a glass of wine, transforming a simple dinner into an unforgettable experience. If you’re curious about variations, keep exploring.
Instructions
Ingredients
History
Tracing its roots to modern American cuisine, Marry Me Chicken Pasta has gained popularity for its rich flavors and romantic appeal. This dish typically features tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, creating a delightful combination that many find irresistible.
The origins of Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be traced back to the growing trend of comfort food in the early 2000s, when home-cooked meals began to gain a significant following.
The name itself suggests a whimsical connection between culinary delight and romance, hinting at the dish’s ability to impress loved ones. Many culinary enthusiasts believe that the dish was popularized through social media, where home cooks shared their versions, often garnished with fresh herbs and served with a glass of wine. These platforms enabled a broader audience to discover the dish, leading it to become a staple in many households.
As you explore this delicious recipe, you’ll find that it not only satisfies taste buds but also creates lasting memories. The sense of community surrounding Marry Me Chicken Pasta reflects the joy of cooking for others, making it a cherished addition to gatherings and special occasions alike.
Recipe Cooking Steps
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta, making it a perfect meal for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. The flavors are rich and comforting, with a hint of romance, which is why many people affectionately refer to it as “Marry Me” chicken. This dish isn’t only satisfying but also visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for impressing your loved ones.
To start, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace. The recipe features juicy chicken breasts that are seared to golden perfection, then simmered in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach. The pasta is cooked separately and then tossed together with the chicken and sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that make every bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 pound penne pasta
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, then mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the spinach until wilted. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld before serving.
When cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider using fresh ingredients for the best flavor. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra texture.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Step 1. Sauté Garlic and Onions
To create a flavorful base for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, start by sautéing garlic and onions. Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil shimmers, add finely chopped onions. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to soften and become translucent, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is vital, as onions provide a sweet depth to the dish.
Next, you’ll want to add minced garlic to the skillet. Garlic should be added after the onions to prevent burning, which can lead to a bitter flavor.
Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. You’ll know it’s ready when it becomes fragrant but hasn’t turned brown. The combination of sautéed garlic and onions will create a rich aroma that fills your kitchen and sets the stage for the rest of your dish.
Once your garlic and onions are perfectly sautéed, it’s time to proceed with the next steps in your recipe.
Enjoy this moment, knowing you’ve built a strong foundation that’ll enhance the flavors of your Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Step 2. Add Chicken and Seasoning
With the aromatic garlic and onions as your base, it’s time to add the chicken and seasoning. Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only helps them cook evenly but also makes for a perfect forkful when you’re ready to serve. Toss the chicken into the skillet, guaranteeing it’s evenly spread out. Let it sear for about 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown on all sides.
Now, it’s time to season. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken, giving it a generous coating. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well to guarantee every piece is coated with those delicious flavors.
As the chicken cooks, you’ll notice it absorbing the fragrant essence of the garlic and onions, enhancing its taste. Keep cooking until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 10 minutes more. To check for doneness, you can cut into a piece or use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
Once cooked, you’re set to move on to the next steps of creating a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s sure to impress.
Step 3. Add Cream and Cheese
Now that the chicken is perfectly cooked and seasoned, you can elevate this dish with a rich, creamy sauce.
Begin by reducing the heat to low, ensuring that the chicken stays warm without overcooking. Pour in about a cup of heavy cream, stirring gently to combine it with the flavorful juices left in the pan. As you mix, you’ll notice how the cream transforms the overall texture, making it luscious and inviting.
Next, add a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese, around a cup, and continue stirring until it melts completely. This cheese not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a savory depth to the sauce.
If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding a bit of garlic powder or Italian seasoning to infuse more flavor.
Once the cheese is fully incorporated and the sauce thickens slightly, taste it to adjust seasoning. You might find it needs a pinch of salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
With this creamy base ready, you’re just moments away from turning this dish into a delicious masterpiece that’s bound to impress.
Step 4. Stir in Spinach and Tomatoes
After creating a creamy sauce, it’s time to add freshness and color to your dish by stirring in spinach and tomatoes.
Begin by washing a generous handful of fresh spinach leaves, then roughly chop them if you prefer smaller pieces. Next, take a couple of ripe tomatoes—Roma or cherry tomatoes work beautifully—and chop them into bite-sized pieces. The vibrant colors of the spinach and tomatoes won’t only enhance the visual appeal of your dish but also provide essential nutrients.
Once your spinach and tomatoes are prepared, gently fold them into the creamy sauce. The heat from the sauce will slightly wilt the spinach, making it tender while still retaining its bright green color.
As you stir, the tomatoes will soften and release their juices, blending harmoniously with the sauce. Make sure to taste as you go; this is the moment to adjust seasoning if necessary. You might find that a pinch of salt or a dash of pepper brings out the flavors perfectly.
Incorporating these fresh ingredients elevates the dish, making it not just delicious but also vibrant and inviting. Enjoy the process, knowing you’re creating a meal that’s sure to impress!
Step 5. Simmer Until Thickened
Once you’ve folded in the spinach and tomatoes, it’s time to let the flavors meld together.
You’ll want to simmer the mixture over medium heat, allowing it to bubble gently. This step is essential; it thickens the sauce and enhances the overall taste of your dish. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan, ensuring that all ingredients heat evenly.
As the sauce simmers, you’ll notice it gradually thickening, which is what you’re aiming for. This usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the heat level and the quantity of liquid in your mixture.
If you find the sauce too runny, you can let it simmer a bit longer, but be careful not to overdo it, or you risk drying out your chicken.
Once it reaches the desired consistency, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A pinch of salt or a dash of pepper can make a significant difference.
Finally, once thickened to perfection, you’re ready to serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, delighting everyone at the table with the rich, savory flavors.
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Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting meal that feels both elegant and homey.
The flavors are a harmonious blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, making each bite a taste sensation.
This dish is versatile, allowing you to serve it for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions. It’s also relatively simple to prepare, meaning you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to achieve a restaurant-quality meal.
You might even find that preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta becomes a cherished tradition in your home, as it’s a sure way to create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Moreover, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences. Substituting different vegetables or using gluten-free pasta can make this dish suitable for various dietary needs.
Bottom Line
To sum up, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a proof of the joy of cooking and sharing meals with loved ones. By following these straightforward steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful pasta that’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weeknight meal, this recipe embodies warmth and comfort, making it a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite!
