Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that promises comfort and indulgence in every bite. Imagine succulent, juicy chicken nestled in a velvety, creamy sauce, draped over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds, while freshly grated Parmesan elevates this dish to a whole new level. This delightful recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special. The combination of flavors will transport you to a cozy Italian bistro, making it not just a meal but an experience worth savoring!
What’s Your Favorite Comfort Food Moment?
Have you ever craved a meal that feels like a warm hug?
Imagine gathering around the dinner table with your loved ones, the aroma of the creamy sauce filling the air. As you twirl the fettuccine on your fork and take that first heavenly bite, you can’t help but smile.
What if I told you that you could recreate that comforting moment tonight?
This Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just another dish; it’s a dinner that holds the promise of love, laughter, and satisfaction in every mouthful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Easy Prep: With simple, easy-to-follow steps, you can whip this up in under half an hour.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy date night, everyone will be asking for seconds.
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Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this dish is achievable without the fuss.
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Comfort Food at its Finest: The rich flavors and creamy texture make it irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
To create this drool-worthy dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Imagine the enticing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, as you get ready to create a bowlful of happiness wrapped in rich creaminess. Every ingredient plays a crucial role, working together to build a symphony of flavors that sing in your mouth.
Timing
While this recipe is fast and indulgent, it can also feel like a slow meal that allows you to savor every moment. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you cut down on time but not on flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous cravings! But if you decide to lingeringly enjoy this dish with a good glass of wine, it can transform into a luxurious experience.
Step-by-Step
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Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
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Reserve and Drain: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
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Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Make sure the chicken is cooked through, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet, and let it melt.
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Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add Cream and Broth: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring this heavenly mixture to a simmer.
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Incorporate Flavor: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the simmering sauce. Stir until the cheese has melted, resulting in a creamy, smooth concoction.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, letting it simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors together.
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Serve Over Pasta: Slice the chicken into strips if desired, and serve over the cooked fettuccine pasta.
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Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Finally, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve hot!
Indulge in the sight of rich, creamy sauce clinging to each strand of fettuccine, ready to be devoured.
Nutritional Information
Per serving, this Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just delicious but also packs a punch of flavors.
With around 600 calories, this dish serves as a delightful indulgence without guilt. Savor the decadent cream and cheese, but remember—occasional indulgence is part of life’s pleasures!
Healthier Alternatives
For those seeking lighter options:
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Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
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Use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for added fiber and nutrients.
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Consider swapping chicken with grilled shrimp or cooked chickpeas for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Take your dining experience up a notch!
Pair this luscious pasta with a crisp side salad, or serve it with a slice of freshly baked garlic bread.
And if you’re looking to end on a sweet note, why not indulge in a scoop of rich chocolate ice cream afterward? The balance of savory and sweet will leave you utterly satisfied.
Common Mistakes
Avoid common pitfalls to ensure your dish turns out perfect:
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Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness.
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Sauce Consistency: Be mindful of how thick the sauce gets; add more pasta water if necessary.
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Messes in the Kitchen: Organize your workspace ahead of time to keep things tidy while you cook.
Storing Tips
If there are leftovers (which is rare), here’s how to store them:
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Freezing Portions: Cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers.
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Reheating Instructions: For the best experience, reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Tempting Conclusion
Do you crave a meal that brings joy and comfort to your dining table?
This Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an irresistible blend of flavors and textures that will make it a favorite in your kitchen.
Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and whip up this indulgent dish now. Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients. -
Is this dish gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. -
How long does leftovers last in the fridge?
Leftovers can last up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container. -
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. -
Is it spicy?
The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can adjust them according to your heat preference.
Indulge yourself in a plate of Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta tonight!
Print
Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting and indulgent dish featuring succulent chicken in a creamy sauce over fettuccine pasta, enhanced with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (in oil, drained)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 8 oz (225g) fettuccine pasta
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest and set the pasta aside.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet until melted.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine and bringing to a simmer.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Serve over the cooked fettuccine pasta, adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
