Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Choosing the right pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is key. Fettuccine works great due to its flat shape. It holds the sauce well and makes each bite creamy. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer. They both catch the sauce nicely too. If you want to substitute heavy cream, there are options. You can use half-and-half for a lighter dish. Coconut milk gives a dairy-free version with a sweet twist. Silken tofu can create a creamy texture if blended well. To make this dish, you need essential kitchen tools. A sharp knife helps slice the chicken easily. A large skillet is perfect for cooking everything in one pan. A pot for boiling pasta is also a must. For best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet. This helps cook the chicken evenly. A good cutting board will keep your workspace tidy. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Make sure to cover both sides well. This step enhances the overall flavor. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Keep the heat on medium-high. When the oil shimmers, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. 3. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm. 1. In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir frequently until the garlic smells fragrant and turns lightly golden. 2. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften and burst, releasing their juices. 3. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. Stir well and let it come to a gentle simmer. Cook for a couple of minutes to let the flavors meld. 4. Gradually add ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can help. 1. While making the sauce, cook 8 oz of fettuccine or your pasta of choice. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. Save a cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta. 2. Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Warm it through for about a minute. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with the creamy chicken and tomato sauce. Toss everything together. Ensure the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If needed, use some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. 4. Serve the dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta! - How to properly season chicken Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is key. Generous seasoning brings out the chicken's natural taste. Don't skimp on the salt; it helps to enhance flavor. - Tips for a creamy sauce texture To get a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. Gradually add the cream to your pan after cooking garlic and tomatoes. Stir well as you add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This keeps it rich but smooth. - Plating Marry Me Chicken Pasta attractively For a beautiful plate, serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Twirl the pasta for height and drama. Top with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. This adds shine and flavor. - Garnishing tips for an elegant dish Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They add color and a nice aroma. You can also add whole cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. This makes your dish look stunning and appetizing. - Overcooking pasta and chicken Keep an eye on your chicken and pasta. Overcooking makes them dry and tough. Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F. For pasta, aim for al dente. This gives the best texture. - Using low-quality ingredients Always choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Cheap ingredients can ruin your dish. Fresh herbs, good cheese, and ripe tomatoes make a big difference. They enhance flavors and make your meal shine. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and seasonal tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your dish. Don't Skip the Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water can help adjust the sauce's consistency, making it creamier. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture that holds up in the sauce. Garnish Generously: Fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan not only enhance the presentation but also elevate the flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice touch. Tofu works well for a vegetarian version. Use firm tofu for a good texture. To make the dish pop, add spices or herbs. Try red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil or parsley adds brightness. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrition. For gluten-free pasta, look for rice or corn-based options. They cook well and taste great. To make the sauce dairy-free, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both give a creamy feel without dairy. Adjust seasonings to keep the flavor strong. To store Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh longer. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Always label the container with the date you made it. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids for best results. When reheating pasta, keep it moist. The best method is to use a stove. Add a splash of water or cream to a pan. Heat over low heat, stirring gently. This keeps the sauce creamy and flavorful. You can also use a microwave. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to trap steam, which prevents drying. If you want to freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, using the tips above. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish. It features chicken, pasta, and rich sauce. The dish has a fun story. It’s said that it can make someone fall in love. The creamy sauce blends garlic, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. This dish became popular on social media. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions. To add spice, try these simple tips: - Use red pepper flakes for heat. - Add diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. - Stir in spicy Italian sausage while cooking the chicken. - Mix in a bit of hot sauce to the creamy sauce. These options let you control the heat in your dish. Adjust the spice to suit your taste. Yes, you can prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them separately. - Cook the pasta just before serving. It tastes best fresh. - You can also keep the sauce in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, mix everything together and heat it up. This way, you save time on busy nights. In this article, we explored the elements that make Marry Me Chicken Pasta special. You learned about essential ingredients, their substitutes, and key kitchen tools. I shared step-by-step cooking directions and tips for perfect flavor and presentation. We also considered variations, storage methods, and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, this dish can impress anyone, whether for a date night or a family meal. With these insights, you are ready to create a delicious meal that will win hearts. Enjoy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring seasoned chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and a rich sauce, perfect for a romantic dinner.
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
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of your choice
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for about 3-4 minutes, or until they begin to soften and burst, releasing their juices.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning blend, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can help adjust the consistency.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, being sure to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce, allowing it to warm through for about a minute.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet alongside the creamy chicken and tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the rich sauce, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.
  • Serve immediately, with a generous garnish of fresh basil leaves on top, adding a burst of aroma and color to your dish.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in shallow bowls topped with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a sprig of fresh basil and a few whole cherry tomatoes for visual appeal. Enjoy!
Keyword chicken, creamy sauce, pasta, romantic dinner