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To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these essential ingredients: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 8 oz penne pasta - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy dish. The chicken provides protein, while the cream and broth form a silky sauce. The tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrients. You can add a few optional ingredients to make this dish your own: - Red pepper flakes for heat - Mushrooms for a deeper flavor - Sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness - A squeeze of lemon juice for brightness Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Each addition can change the dish's character. To make cooking easier, use these recommended tools: - A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce - A pot for boiling the pasta - A sharp knife for slicing the chicken - A cutting board for prep work Having the right tools makes the process smoother. It also helps you achieve the best results. 1. First, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. 3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. 4. Once golden brown and cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside. 5. In that same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 1 minute. 6. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring it to a gentle simmer. 7. Add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes. 8. While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in a separate pot as per package instructions. 9. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 10. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. 11. Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well mixed. 12. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. 13. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. - Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F. - For a juicy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking. - Avoid overcrowding the skillet; cook in batches if needed. - Always add salt to the boiling water before adding pasta. It flavors the pasta. - Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests. - Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. It should be firm but not hard. - Drain the pasta but do not rinse it. This keeps the starch that helps sauce stick. To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta even tastier, try these tips: - Use fresh herbs like basil and parsley. They add bright flavors. - Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy kick. - Mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. - Swap out the penne for another pasta type, like fettuccine. - Experiment with sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper taste. Here are some mistakes to watch out for: - Overcooking the chicken can make it dry. Cook until golden brown. - Adding too much salt at once can ruin the dish. Season gradually. - Not letting the sauce simmer long enough can result in bland flavors. - Forgetting to stir the pasta while cooking can lead to sticking. Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with these sides for a full meal: - Garlic bread complements the creamy sauce well. - A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. - Roasted vegetables bring in healthy flavors. - A glass of white wine enhances the meal's richness. {{image_2}} You can easily make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian. Instead of chicken, use firm tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavors well. For added texture, grill or sauté the tofu until golden. You’ll still use all your favorite ingredients like garlic, cream, and tomatoes. The sauce stays rich and satisfying. If you have dietary needs, swap out a few ingredients. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. Coconut cream can replace heavy cream for a dairy-free twist. To cut calories, use a light cream or low-fat yogurt. Everyone can enjoy this dish, no matter their diet. Change the dish with the seasons. In spring, add asparagus or peas. Summer calls for sweet corn or zucchini. Fall is perfect for butternut squash or mushrooms. Winter brings hearty greens like kale or Swiss chard. Each season brings new flavors to your plate, keeping it fresh and exciting. To store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, cool it down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have a lot of leftovers, divide them into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat later. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, use a skillet for reheating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave if you're short on time. Just cover the dish with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out. If you want to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a long time, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date for easy tracking. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps keep the texture and taste just right. You can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute for heavy cream. They will make your sauce less thick. If you want a creamier texture, try using a mix of milk and cream cheese. This combo works well in many dishes, including Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It adds a nice flavor and keeps the dish rich. Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Just cook it and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. To store leftovers, let them cool first. Then place them in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it in the fridge. When you want to reheat, use a pan on low heat. Stir it gently to heat it evenly. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. This way, the pasta won’t dry out. In this post, I covered the key ingredients and steps to cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I shared tips to make your dish tasty and helped you avoid common pitfalls. You learned how to adapt the recipe to fit your diet or season. Storing leftovers and reheating them is also easy. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Enjoy every bite and share it with loved ones. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Delight your taste buds with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a creamy and love-worthy dish that’s quick and easy to make! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes tossed with penne pasta in a rich sauce, this recipe is perfect for any weeknight meal or special occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach, fresh

8 oz penne pasta

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

        Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

          Add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet, cooking until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften, about 3-4 minutes.

            While the sauce is simmering, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.

              Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly.

                Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4