Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines succulent chicken, a rich sauce, and tender pasta. Perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. With its harmonious blend of flavors, it's believed that serving this dish could even lead to proposals!
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large skillet
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, reducing the heat to low.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, stirring everything together. Finally, add the cooked penne pasta and mix until well coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or a plant-based protein if preferred.
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated, but fresh is always best!