MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA ULTIMATE

That craving for something incredibly rich, savory, and utterly irresistible? Marry Me Chicken Pasta answers the call with its creamy, sun-dried tomato infused sauce blanketing perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken. Prepare for a flavor explosion that will have everyone begging for seconds, and maybe even a proposal! I promise, you will absolutely *love* this.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
• Salt for pasta water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Chicken:

2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Chicken:

3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Sauce:

4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve:

5. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce.
6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Secrets to a Perfect “Yes!”-Worthy Dish

Okay, let’s talk about some insider tips to make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly unforgettable. It’s all about the details, my friend!

Choosing the Right Chicken

While chicken breasts are classic, don’t be afraid to experiment! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay more moist. Just be sure to trim any excess fat before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

Sun-Dried Tomato Savvy

Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are the way to go for this recipe. They have a deeper, more intense flavor than the dry-packed variety. But remember to drain them well! Too much oil can make the sauce greasy. Also, give them a rough chop – you want them to distribute their flavor throughout the sauce, but still have some nice little bursts of sun-dried tomato goodness in each bite.

The Garlic Golden Rule

Garlic is crucial, but burnt garlic is a total flavor-killer. Keep the heat at medium and watch it like a hawk. You want it to be fragrant and lightly golden, not brown and bitter. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Pasta Water is Your Friend

Seriously, don’t skip reserving that pasta water! It’s starchy and salty, and it’s the perfect way to thin out the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Add it a little at a time until you reach the perfect creamy consistency.

Parmesan Perfection

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a must. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce. Splurge on a block of good-quality Parmesan and grate it yourself – you’ll taste the difference!

Basil Bonus

Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the richness of the sauce. Add most of it at the end to preserve its fresh flavor. A sprinkle of extra basil on top is the perfect finishing touch.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s explore some fun ways to customize this Marry Me Chicken Pasta and make it truly your own!

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, for a milder kick, try using a chili-infused olive oil.

Veggie Power

Add some extra veggies to the mix! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet after you cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Wine Not?

For an even more decadent sauce, add a splash of dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) after you cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.

Cream Cheese Dream

For an extra creamy and tangy twist, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese at the end. It will add a wonderful richness and depth of flavor.

Pancetta Party

Crispy pancetta adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Cook the pancetta in the skillet before you add the chicken, and then crumble it over the finished dish.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts would be delicious and healthy additions.

And for the perfect wine pairing, try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The acidity will cut through the richness of the sauce and complement the flavors of the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

Make-Ahead Tips & Storage

Want to get a head start on dinner? Here are some make-ahead tips:

• Chicken: You can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Sauce: The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it gently before adding the pasta and chicken.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a little extra cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.

Enjoy the Magic!

There you have it – the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or any time you want to impress someone with your culinary skills. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready for some serious compliments!