Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you need simple yet flavorful ingredients. Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. For the pasta, I like using eight ounces of fettuccine or penne. Both hold sauce well. Next, gather cooking essentials. Two tablespoons of olive oil give a nice flavor. You also need four cloves of minced garlic. This adds a lovely aroma. A teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives the dish a slight kick. For freshness, use one cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them for even cooking. The creamy part comes from one cup of heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. You'll also need one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, cheesy flavor. Season with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They add color and a hint of freshness. With these ingredients ready, you're set to create a delicious meal that will impress everyone. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before you drain the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water will help your sauce later. While the pasta cooks, take your chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté these for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not burnt. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. Then, pour in the heavy cream. Mix it well. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Now, it's time to combine everything. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add it back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together well. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. To serve, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta warm. For a nice touch, garnish it with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor, making your dish look beautiful. - Achieving perfect sear: To get a nice sear on the chicken, heat your skillet well. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil before the chicken. This helps create a golden crust. Make sure not to crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. - Enhancing flavor with spices: Use fresh garlic for a strong taste. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Italian seasoning gives depth. Adjust these spices to match your taste. You can even add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor. - Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out easily. Cook it just until it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy. - Improper sauce consistency: The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it gets too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps you achieve the perfect creamy texture. Stir well to combine all flavors smoothly. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook pasta until al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Seasoning the Chicken: Don't skip seasoning the chicken! A generous amount of salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. They make a significant difference in the final taste. Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. This will help the sauce cling to the pasta better. {{image_2}} If you want to change things up, consider these options: - Chicken Alternatives: You can use turkey or shrimp instead of chicken. Both options cook quickly and add their own flavors. Shrimp gives a nice seafood twist, while turkey offers a leaner choice. - Dairy-Free Options: If you want a dairy-free dish, try using plant-based cream. Coconut cream works well and adds a subtle sweetness. Almond or cashew cream are good choices too. Enhancing your dish is easy with a few additions: - Adding Vegetables: You can include some spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition. Spinach wilts nicely into the sauce, while bell peppers add a crunchy texture. Feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand. - Herbs and Spices Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or oregano can brighten the dish. If you like heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or even some chili powder. To keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date. To reheat your pasta, use the stovetop for the best taste. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir gently until warm. You can also use the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps keep the flavors alive and the texture nice. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and tasty dish. It features tender chicken, pasta, and a rich sauce. The dish combines chicken breasts, pasta, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. You can serve it for a special dinner or a cozy night in. The flavors blend well together, making it a crowd-pleaser. Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Prepare the chicken, pasta, and sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat them together when you're ready to serve. This saves time on busy nights. Just remember to add a bit of reserved pasta water when reheating. This helps keep the dish creamy. To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options like rice or corn pasta. Just cook them according to the package directions. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You still get all the flavors and creaminess without gluten. Enjoy a delicious meal that fits your needs! This recipe pairs simple ingredients like chicken and pasta for a tasty dish. We explored cooking tips, serving ideas, and made it easy for you to customize. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking the chicken. Store and reheat leftovers well to enjoy again. With so many ways to adapt, this dish can fit any taste. Try it out today and create a meal everyone will love.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring seared chicken, garlic, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
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
  • 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and mix well. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta