Dreamy Chicken Pasta

This rich Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become my favorite way to wow dinner guests without breaking a sweat. The luscious sauce, juicy chicken pieces, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes combine to make a fancy-looking meal that seems like it took forever but actually comes together in about half an hour.

I whipped this up for my significant other during our anniversary when I was running behind and needed something fancy quick. The name stuck because they jokingly asked me to marry them after their first taste. It's now what we make whenever we're celebrating something special.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta of choice: The backbone of our meal. Penne or fettuccine work amazingly as they grab onto the creamy sauce wonderfully
• Olive oil: Brings a light flavor that works well with the Mediterranean components
• Onion: Forms a flavorful foundation that deepens the whole sauce
• Garlic: Freshly chopped cloves deliver key flavor that pre-packaged stuff just can't match
• Butter: Adds depth and helps get that perfect golden color on the chicken
• Chicken breasts: Gives you plenty of protein. Try to find natural, hormone-free options for better taste
• Italian seasoning: A handy shortcut that gives complexity without needing lots of separate herbs
• Smoked paprika: Offers a hint of smokiness that takes this beyond your average cream sauce
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a mild kick that cuts through the richness
• Heavy cream: The velvety foundation of your sauce. Don't skimp on quality here
• Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory kick and naturally thickens everything up. Always go for freshly grated
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Little bursts of sweet-tart flavor in every bite. The oil-packed kind work best here
• Fresh basil: Brings brightness and that garden-fresh smell that dried stuff just can't deliver

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a big pot with water and bring it to a bubbling boil. Throw in plenty of salt until it tastes like ocean water. Cook your pasta following the box instructions until it's tender but still firm. Save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining as it might come in handy for thinning your sauce later.

Sauté Aromatics:

Warm up olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat until it's glistening but not smoking. Toss in your diced onions and let them cook for 3 minutes until they turn clear. Add your chopped garlic and cook for just half a minute until you can smell it but before it turns brown and gets bitter.

Cook the Chicken:

Drop butter into your pan and let it melt all the way. Add your chicken chunks and all your spices. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, giving it a stir now and then until the chicken turns golden outside and isn't pink inside anymore. Those tasty bits sticking to the pan bottom will make your sauce amazing.

Create the Sauce:

Pour your heavy cream into the pan and scrape the bottom to mix in all those flavorful bits. Turn the heat down to medium-low and slowly sprinkle in Parmesan while stirring. Let everything bubble gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce sticks to the back of your spoon.

Combine and Finish:

Mix in your sun-dried tomatoes and drained pasta into your pan. Use tongs to toss everything until all the pasta gets coated with sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in some of that saved pasta water a bit at a time. Give it a taste and add more seasoning if needed.

Serve and Garnish:

Scoop everything onto plates or a big serving dish. Sprinkle with torn basil leaves and extra freshly grated Parmesan. Eat right away while it's hot for the best taste and texture.

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You Must Know

Those sun-dried tomatoes are really the magic ingredient in this dish. I found this out the hard way when I ran out once and tried making it without them. It tasted good but missed that special something that makes people remember it. Their intense sweet-sour punch balances out the creamy richness and makes everything pop.

Make Ahead Tips

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta warms up great which makes it super handy for busy families. You can make the whole thing up to 2 days early, pop it in a sealed container, and stick it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat it again, pour in a little milk or cream to loosen up the sauce since it'll get pretty thick in the cold. Heat it on medium-low, stirring often so the cream sauce doesn't burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

We don't all keep the same stuff in our kitchens, so I've tried many different versions over time. Chicken thighs can easily replace breasts and actually give you more flavor and juiciness. If you can't do dairy, coconut cream works pretty well for the same thickness though it will add a slight coconut taste. You can use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option, but your sauce won't be quite as decadent. In a pinch, fresh cherry tomatoes can stand in for sun-dried ones, just cook them a bit longer to concentrate their flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Make this filling pasta into a complete dinner with some smart side dishes. A simple arugula salad with just lemon juice and olive oil gives you a peppery contrast to the creamy pasta. Some garlic bread or a crusty loaf works great for sopping up any leftover sauce. For drinks, try a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that isn't too strong for the delicate cream but still stands up to the overall dish.

Common Questions

→ How can I make the sauce lighter?

Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream to cut down on fat and calories while keeping that creamy texture.

→ Can I switch up the pasta type?

Absolutely, go with whatever pasta you love - penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work great depending on what you like.

→ What works instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can give you a similar taste and texture in the dish.

→ How do I add more kick to this dish?

Just toss in extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to bump up the heat.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Sure thing, you can make the sauce earlier and cook fresh pasta right before eating. Just mix them together when you're ready to serve.