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To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these items: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 oz fettuccine or your pasta of choice - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish If you lack some ingredients, here are some swaps: - Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a lighter option. - Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for dairy-free. - Pasta: Any pasta works great; try penne or spaghetti. - Cherry tomatoes: Use diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken tastes better and is safer. Fresh garlic adds a nice punch. Cherry tomatoes should be juicy for the best flavor. Fresh basil gives a burst of aroma. Always choose high-quality items for a more enjoyable dish. Fresh ingredients elevate your meal from simple to special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds flavor. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 3. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. 4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Let it rest. 5. In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. 6. Add halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. 7. Pour in heavy cream and add Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine. 8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps build flavor. 9. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and the sauce thickens. 10. While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions. 11. Drain the pasta and set it aside to prevent sticking. 12. Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return it to the skillet with the sauce. 13. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat well. 14. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil for a burst of flavor. - Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken. This helps with browning. - Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken. It keeps it juicy. - Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. - Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. - Cooking the chicken takes about 12-14 minutes total. Ensure it reaches 165°F. - The sauce should simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows flavors to blend. - Pasta typically cooks in 8-10 minutes. Aim for al dente for the best texture. 1. Overcooking the Chicken: Watch the time closely. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. If you cook it too long, it can dry out. 2. Not Seasoning Enough: Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the dish. 3. Skipping the Pasta Water: Save a bit of pasta water before draining. It can help the sauce stick better to the pasta. - Add Fresh Herbs: Try using fresh basil or parsley. They boost the dish's taste and look great. - Use Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino or add mozzarella for a creamier sauce. - Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick to the sauce. - Garnish with Basil: Add fresh basil leaves right before serving. They add color and flavor. - Pair with a Side Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta. - Serve with Crusty Bread: Fresh bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Pro Tips Marinate the Chicken: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the dish's flavor profile. Opt for these over dried alternatives whenever possible. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a lower-fat cream alternative. Perfect Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture, and remember to reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed. {{image_2}} You can use many pasta types for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Fettuccine is a classic choice. You can also try penne, spaghetti, or even gluten-free options. Each pasta offers a unique taste and texture. Choose what you like best. Cook the pasta al dente for the best bite. This helps it hold the creamy sauce well. While chicken is the star here, you can switch it up. Shrimp or scallops work great for a seafood twist. If you prefer red meat, try thin slices of steak. For a lighter option, use turkey breast. Each protein adds a different flavor. Adjust cooking times based on your choice to keep everything juicy and tender. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Substitute the chicken with mushrooms or eggplant. They add a rich flavor and meaty texture. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and cheese. Tofu or chickpeas can serve as protein sources. Make sure to season well to enhance flavors. This way, everyone can enjoy a creamy delight! To store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, allow it to cool first. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish can last in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them carefully. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to warm evenly. If using a skillet, add a splash of cream or broth. This helps to keep the sauce creamy and prevents it from drying out. If you decide to freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you can do so for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures a tasty meal later. You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad works well too. Garlic bread pairs nicely with the creamy sauce. If you like, add some roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients. A light white wine can complement this dish beautifully. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. Cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. When ready, just warm the chicken and sauce, then mix it all together. To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it longer. This helps it reduce and become creamier. Another option is to add more Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts and thickens the sauce nicely. You can also mix a bit of cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce while it simmers. You now have the tools to create a great Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish. We covered fresh ingredients and some tasty swaps. I shared a simple cooking process and tips to avoid mistakes. Variations let you customize the dish for any diet. Plus, I included easy storage and reheating tips. Remember, cooking is fun and creative. Enjoy trying different flavors and ingredients. Your dish can impress anyone at the table! Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring chicken, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a romantic dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your pasta of choice
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and add the Italian seasoning. Stir well, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place it back in the skillet with the sauce, letting it warm through for a minute.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, chicken, and tomatoes.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta, romantic