🍲❤️ Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that’s rumored to be so delicious, it might just lead to a marriage proposal! This dish features tender chicken in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or just craving comfort food, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Dijon mustard, and paprika. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it in the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5️⃣ Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!
📝 Notes & Tips
✔️ Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap for Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
✔️ Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers make great additions.
✔️ Want More Heat? Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
✔️ Thicker Sauce? Simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).
✔️ Best Pasta Choices: Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best, as they hold the sauce well.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 4–6 servings
📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
🌟 Health Benefits
✅ High-Protein: Chicken provides a great source of lean protein for muscle growth.
✅ Calcium & Bone Health: Parmesan cheese helps support strong bones.
✅ Good Fats: Olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes contain heart-healthy fats.
✅ Boosts Immunity: Garlic and Italian herbs have anti-inflammatory properties.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Try coconut milk, half-and-half, or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative.
Q: Can I use a different protein?
A: Absolutely! Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Would you like any variations or additional serving ideas? 😊