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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For this dish, I love using chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. Fettuccine works well, but feel free to choose any pasta you like. The sauce mixes heavy cream with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a rich taste. Parmesan cheese adds a creamy finish. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) Seasoning is key. I use Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor. Salt and pepper enhance the taste. Fresh basil adds color and freshness, making each bite pop. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced Olive oil is my go-to for cooking chicken. It gives a nice sear and flavor. Garlic adds depth to the sauce. Make sure to mince it finely to release its full aroma. This dish is simple yet satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role, making it a true comfort food. Enjoy the cooking process and the delicious results! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Prepare a pot of salted water. Use enough water to cover the pasta well. 2. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine or your favorite pasta. 3. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. 4. Drain the pasta in a colander. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. 1. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use enough to coat evenly. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. 4. Check the chicken for a golden brown color and doneness, then transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes. 1. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. 2. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. 3. Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cook for 3-5 minutes until spinach wilts. 4. Gradually stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. If too thick, add reserved pasta water. 1. Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the sauce. 2. Toss in the drained pasta, mixing gently. Make sure everything is well coated with the sauce. 1. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 2. Serve the pasta in bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. Enjoy your meal! - Achieving perfectly cooked chicken: Start with room temperature chicken. This helps it cook evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear it in hot olive oil for about 5-7 minutes per side. Check for a golden crust and a safe internal temperature of 165°F. - Creating a creamy sauce consistency: After cooking the chicken, sauté minced garlic in the same skillet. Then, slowly add heavy cream while stirring. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Add grated Parmesan cheese gradually to avoid clumps. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time. - Presentation ideas for dishes: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. This adds a nice touch. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan for flair. - Pairing with side items or salads: Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with a light salad. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread also makes a great side. - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach ahead of time. You can also season the chicken in advance. This saves you time when cooking. - Using store-bought alternatives: If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. You can also buy pre-chopped vegetables or jarred sun-dried tomatoes. This speeds up your cooking process. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Perfectly Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce. This helps prevent overcooking. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute the spinach with other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor and texture in your pasta dish. Extra Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone along with the heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture. {{image_4}} You can easily change the pasta type in this dish. Fettuccine works well, but you can try penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta. Each type gives a unique twist to the meal. If you're not in the mood for chicken, you can swap it for turkey or shrimp. Both proteins cook quickly and add their own flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times for different proteins. Adding vegetables boosts both taste and nutrition. You can include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies will cook well in the creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment with spices too. You might add crushed red pepper for heat or fresh herbs like oregano for a fresh taste. Mixing these flavors can make your dish stand out. Making this dish gluten-free is easy. You can use gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils. These options taste great and offer a good texture. If you want to make it dairy-free, you can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Nutritional yeast can be a great substitute for Parmesan cheese. With these swaps, everyone can enjoy the dish. After you enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool. Store your leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to keep the pasta fresh. You can eat it within three days. If you want to save it longer, think about freezing. When you're ready to eat leftovers, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat on medium power. Stir often to avoid hot spots. If you're using the stove, add a bit of water or cream to keep it moist. Avoid cooking too long to keep the pasta from getting mushy. To freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently for the best taste and texture. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with butter. This mix gives a nice creamy texture. You could also try coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It adds a hint of sweetness and richness. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta work well. Just make sure to cook it until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty when mixed with the sauce. To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free, choose a gluten-free pasta brand. Many options are made from rice or chickpeas. Cook them just like regular pasta. They will work great with the creamy sauce. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread pairs nicely too. For a heartier meal, try steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. To check if your chicken is done, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. The juices should run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This blog post covered how to make delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We started with the main ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sauce. I shared step-by-step cooking tips for pasta and chicken. We explored sauce-making, combining flavors, and serving suggestions. I also gave you variations, storage info, and answered common questions. In the end, this dish's creamy, rich flavors make it memorable. You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes. Enjoy cooking this delightful meal!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for impressing your loved ones.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
  • Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring an even coating for flavor.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • In the same skillet that you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine the flavors. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking for 3-5 minutes until the spinach has wilted and is vibrant in color.
  • Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is achieved.
  • Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips and add them back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Incorporate the drained pasta and gently toss everything together until every component is well coated and evenly distributed.
  • Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed for extra flavor.
  • Divide the fragrant chicken pasta into individual serving plates. For a beautiful touch, garnish each plate with fresh basil leaves, adding a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls for a restaurant-style presentation. Drizzle a little extra olive oil and sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan on top for added flair!
Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta