Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Sure! Here’s a full recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta – a delicious, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines chicken, pasta, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s said to be so good, you’ll want to marry it! 😄

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil)

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup freshly chopped basil (for garnish)

• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)

• Salt (for pasta water)

Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken:

   • In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, and rub the spice mixture all over the chicken. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

   • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.

   • Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

   • Add the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

   • Stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

   • Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.

   • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce and the sauce becomes creamy.

5. Combine Everything:

   • Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes.

   • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

   • Add the sliced chicken on top and toss gently to combine everything.

6. Serve:

   • Plate the pasta and top it with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil for a fresh touch.

   • Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Tips:

• Chicken Variations: You can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.

• Pasta Options: If you’re not a fan of fettuccine, you can use any pasta you like, such as penne, farfalle, or spaghetti.

• Adding Veggies: You can sauté spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the skillet with the chicken for extra veggies.

Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s a comforting, savory meal that’s sure to impress. 😊