– **Title**: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
6. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything to combine.
7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil.
Enjoy your creamy and indulgent Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: I love using penne pasta for its great ability to hold sauce. If you’re not a fan of penne, you can substitute it with farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand!
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect because they cook quickly. You can use chicken thighs for a more flavorful option or even cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich flavor to the dish. If you can’t find them, try using fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for different but tasty results.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its lovely creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a unique twist but note it will affect the texture and taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a fresh flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano can be a good substitute, though it’s saltier, so adjust your seasoning accordingly!
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Sauce for the Pasta?
Creating a creamy sauce may seem tricky, but it’s straightforward! The key is to mix the heavy cream and cheese properly. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the heavy cream, turn the heat down to low to avoid scalding. This will help keep the sauce creamy without separating.
- Stir the mixture constantly while adding the grated Parmesan. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and creates that creamy texture.
- If the sauce gets too thick, you can pour in a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up and still keep the flavor!
Try to taste as you go, adjusting seasoning if necessary. It’s all about finding that perfect creamy balance!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and about 20 minutes preparing the chicken and sauce. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and the sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce slightly. Then, lower the heat more and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and delicious.
4. Combine Everything:
Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Then, toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy chicken pasta in bowls while it’s warm. Garnish each serving with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut milk or cashew cream, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem at all! You can substitute with fresh tomatoes, diced, or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile. If using fresh tomatoes, you might want to add a bit more cooking time to allow them to soften and release their juices.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
How Should I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a little splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
