Let me tell you, *marry me chicken with pasta* is the ultimate showstopper for special occasions! I remember the first time I made this dish for my partner; it was a cozy date night, and I wanted to impress. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes had us both swooning! Seriously, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up, so you can focus on enjoying the moment rather than stressing in the kitchen. Trust me, once you serve this delicious dish, you might just hear those magical words: “Will you marry me?” It’s perfect for anniversaries, birthdays, or any time you want to create a memorable meal together!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless chicken breasts – make sure they’re nice and plump for juicy flavor!
- 1 cup heavy cream – this is what makes the sauce luscious and creamy.
- 1 cup chicken broth – for that extra depth of flavor; I prefer low-sodium!
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes – these add a wonderful tang and sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh spinach – it wilts beautifully and adds a splash of color.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the secret to that cheesy goodness!
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – don’t skimp on this; it’s a flavor booster!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – to bring all those lovely herbs together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – season to your liking!
- 8 oz pasta of your choice – I love using fettuccine or penne!
How to Prepare *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta*
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on the clock!
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This is where the magic begins!
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for just about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Don’t walk away; burnt garlic is a no-go!
- Next, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place them in the skillet. Sear them until they’re golden brown on both sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes per side. Yum!
- Once the chicken is beautifully browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll bring it back soon!
- In that same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. The flavors are going to blend beautifully!
- Now, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You can check if it’s done by cutting into the thickest part; it should be no longer pink inside!
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. It’s time to savor this deliciousness!
- Serve the chicken and sauce over your cooked pasta, and get ready for some serious compliments!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly delicious flavors that blend beautifully for a memorable meal.
- Rich, creamy sauce that elevates the dish and makes it feel special.
- Simple and straightforward preparation—perfect for any home cook!
- Impressive enough for date nights or special celebrations.
- Versatile; pairs wonderfully with different pasta types and sides.
- Quick to make, so you can enjoy more time with your loved ones.
Tips for Success
To make sure your *marry me chicken with pasta* shines, here are some of my best tips! First, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients—trust me, it makes a difference! Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and flavor. When cooking the chicken, don’t overcrowd the skillet; give each piece enough space to sear perfectly. If you want to add some extra flair, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley right before serving elevates the presentation. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout—your palate knows best! Enjoy the process, and let your love for cooking shine through!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional information for one serving of *marry me chicken with pasta*. Each serving contains approximately 650 calories, with 35g of fat (20g saturated fat), 40g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 3g of sugar and 800mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to adjust based on your personal dietary needs and preferences!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of pasta for *marry me chicken with pasta*?
Absolutely! While I love fettuccine or penne, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like spaghetti or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time! Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time!
What can I serve with *marry me chicken with pasta*?
This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad! A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and cream sauce perfectly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so enjoy without worry!
What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute them with roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving *marry me chicken with pasta*, the right sides can really elevate the whole meal! I love pairing this creamy dish with some warm, crusty garlic bread—perfect for soaking up that delicious sauce! You can whip up a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken. If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try a roasted vegetable medley featuring zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus; the caramelization adds a lovely depth of flavor. And don’t forget a nice glass of white wine to complement the meal; a crisp Pinot Grigio or a smooth Chardonnay works wonders! Enjoy the feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your *marry me chicken with pasta*, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, I recommend warming it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and delicious. Enjoy those flavors all over again!
Call to Action
If you’ve enjoyed making this *marry me chicken with pasta*, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below sharing your experience or any tweaks you made. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it on social media—let’s spread the love for this delicious dish!
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Marry Me Chicken with Pasta: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken dish served with pasta, perfect for a special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
- Cook chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Add chicken back to the skillet and simmer until cooked through.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve over cooked pasta.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: marry me chicken with pasta
