Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This pasta dish has become a hit online, with people loving its unique taste. It's known for being so good, it could lead to a proposal. The chicken is always perfect, and the creamy sauce is unmatched. Each part of the dish is made to excite your taste buds.
Equipment
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon
- Medium saucepan
- Tongs
- Large skillet
- Strainer or Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta e.g., penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
- Water for boiling pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or leave it whole, as preferred.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Combine with Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Serve:
- Plate the pasta and chicken, then garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 650–700 kcal
- Protein: 35–40g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45g
- Fat: 35–40g
- Saturated Fat: 15–18g
- Cholesterol: 120–130mg
- Sodium: 800–900mg
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sugar: 3–4g