Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

This dish gives you a quick, rich, and satisfying meal. It uses simple ingredients and cooks fast. It works well for family dinners or when you want a comforting plate. For a bright side, pair it with a bright fresh pasta salad for busy weeknights to add color and crunch.

introduction

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta with tender chicken and sun dried tomatoes. It balances rich cream and salty Parmesan with bright basil. You can make it on a weeknight with little fuss. The steps are clear and the result feels special.

how to make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 225 g dry pasta and cook until al dente, following package time. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and keep it in a bowl.
2. Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet on medium. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onions and cook 2–3 minutes until soft. Add 1 tablespoon butter and 3–4 cloves minced garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. In a bowl, mix 450 g chopped chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon each Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Cook the chicken 5–6 minutes until golden.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer 3–4 minutes until it thickens a bit.
4. Combine and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss so the pasta is well coated. Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve hot.

Ingredients :

• 225 g dry pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 450 g chopped chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• Fresh basil for garnish

Directions :

1. Cook the pasta: Prepare a large pot of salted boiling water. Add pasta and simmer until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside in a bowl.
2. Saute aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven safe skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent (2-3 minutes). Add butter and minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently until fragrant. In a bowl, mix chicken pieces and sprinkle with spices. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until golden brown.
3. Make the creamy sauce: Stir in heavy cream and reserved pasta cooking water. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Simmer sauce for about 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce, mixing until pasta is well coated. Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil and serve hot.

how to serve Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta hot on a warm plate. Add fresh basil or extra grated Parmesan on top. For a lighter balance, offer a side like delicious chicken salad recipes or a simple green salad and crusty bread.

how to store Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between rounds.

tips to make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
• Save pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
• Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Taste the sauce before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.

variation (if any)

• Add spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach at the end until wilted.
• Add heat: Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.
• Swap protein: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan slightly.

FAQs

Q: Can I use other pasta shapes?
A: Yes. Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta you like will work.

Q: Can I cook this without an oven-safe skillet?
A: Yes. Cook everything on the stove in a regular skillet or pan and skip any baking step.

Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free cream substitute and a vegan Parmesan alternative. The texture will change but it will still be tasty.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: You can freeze it, but cream sauces can separate. For best results, freeze in a tightly sealed container and reheat slowly, stirring and adding a little liquid.

Q: How long does the sauce take to thicken?
A: After you add cream and cheese, it usually takes 3–4 minutes over medium heat to slightly thicken.

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