Oh, let me tell you about *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta*! This dish is pure romance on a plate, perfect for those special nights when you want to impress someone you adore (or maybe just treat yourself!). Imagine tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce, bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all served over your favorite pasta. It’s rich, it’s comforting, and it’s got that “wow” factor that’ll make anyone swoon. Trust me, once you serve this up, they’ll be asking for seconds — or maybe even a proposal! It’s a dish that brings love to the table, making it perfect for anniversaries, date nights, or any occasion that calls for a little extra magic in the kitchen.
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (I love fettuccine or penne!)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
How to Prepare *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta*
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta going! Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. I usually add about a tablespoon of salt — it really helps flavor the pasta. Once it’s boiling, toss in 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Trust me, you want it to have a little bite to it! Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t rinse it — we want that starch to help the sauce cling later.
Sautéing the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 2 chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. You want them to have that beautiful golden crust! Now, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant and makes your kitchen smell divine. Then add in 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh spinach, stirring until the spinach wilts. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Making the Creamy Sauce
Time to create that luscious sauce! Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together and season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, plus more salt and pepper to taste. Let that simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken up a bit until it coats the back of a spoon beautifully. You want a creamy consistency that looks irresistible!
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly. Oh wow, doesn’t that look delightful? Serve it hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for that extra touch. Enjoy every single bite — this dish is truly a culinary love letter!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* (that’s one plate of this creamy goodness!):
- Calories: 700
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 40g
This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it the perfect indulgence for a romantic dinner. Just remember, it’s all about balance — so enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this romantic dish in no time!
- Rich Flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach creates an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
- Perfect for Date Nights: Impress your loved one with a meal that looks and tastes gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and each other’s company!
- Customizable: You can easily swap chicken for shrimp or try different pasta shapes to suit your taste.
- Comfort Food: This dish wraps you in a warm embrace of creamy goodness, making it perfect for cozy nights in.
- Garnished to Perfection: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Tips for Success
Alright, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* turns out absolutely perfect every time!
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. It really makes a difference in flavor! Fresh spinach is a must too; it wilts beautifully and adds a lovely pop of color.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Allow the chicken to get that nice golden brown crust. It adds depth of flavor and a bit of texture. So, resist the temptation to constantly flip it — let it sear!
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, feel free to swap half of the heavy cream with more chicken broth. You’ll still get that luscious texture but with less richness.
- Season in Layers: Taste as you go! Adding salt and pepper at different stages really helps build the flavor profile. Don’t be shy with the Italian seasoning either — it’s what brings everything together!
- Let it Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer long enough to thicken; this is key for that dreamy consistency. If it feels too thin, let it bubble away for an extra minute or two.
- Always Save Some Pasta Water: If your sauce seems too thick after combining with the pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen it up and add some extra starch for binding.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on that Parmesan cheese! A generous sprinkle right before serving elevates the dish and adds that final touch of elegance.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a dish that’ll have everyone swooning! Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* is how versatile it is! Here are some fun variations you can try to keep things exciting:
- Shrimp Instead of Chicken: Swap out the chicken for shrimp for a delightful seafood twist! Just sauté the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque — it’ll cook up in no time!
- Different Pasta Shapes: While I love fettuccine or penne, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try farfalle, tagliatelle, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Each shape brings a unique texture to the dish.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in other veggies! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even artichoke hearts can add extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the chicken.
- Cheesy Variation: For a cheesy delight, mix in some mozzarella or goat cheese into the creamy sauce for an extra layer of richness. Yum!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give your dish a lovely warmth without overpowering the flavors.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs! Basil, thyme, or even fresh parsley can brighten up the dish and add a fresh taste. Just toss them in at the end for the best flavor.
These variations will keep your *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* fresh and exciting, ensuring every meal feels like a special occasion!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* is super simple, and you’ll want to savor every last bite. First, let the dish cool down to room temperature — this helps prevent condensation inside your storage container. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. I love using glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are microwave-friendly!
You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label the container so you don’t forget about your delicious meal hiding in the back! If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and pasta for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the cream sauce might change in texture a bit after freezing, but it’ll still taste fantastic!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just take them out of the fridge or freezer and reheat gently. If it’s from the fridge, it’s best to microwave it in short bursts — about 1-2 minutes at a time, stirring in between until it’s heated through. If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first, then reheat using the same method. You can also warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or a touch of cream to bring back that creamy goodness. Just make sure to stir often so it warms evenly!
Enjoy your delicious creation again and again — it’s like a little love note in your fridge!
Serving Suggestions
To make your *Marry Me Chicken with Pasta* truly unforgettable, consider pairing it with some delightful side dishes and beverages. Here are my top recommendations that complement the richness of the dish perfectly!
- Garlic Bread: A classic choice! Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. You can’t go wrong with this combo!
- Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and pasta. It’s a light and zesty side that balances the meal beautifully.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with a touch of olive oil and lemon juice brings a vibrant green element to your plate. Plus, it’s a great way to add some veggies!
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a bit of caramelized goodness, serve roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic glaze. Their earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy dish!
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the creamy flavors of the sauce beautifully. If you prefer red, a light Pinot Noir can also work well!
- Sparkling Water: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with a slice of lemon. It’s light and helps cleanse the palate between bites.
With these sides and drinks, your romantic dinner will not only impress but create a beautiful dining experience that you and your loved one will cherish. Enjoy every moment and every bite!
Print
Marry Me Chicken with Pasta: 7 Romantic Flavor Layers
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful chicken dish served with pasta, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer until thickened.
- Combine cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a different protein.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: marry me chicken, chicken with pasta, romantic dinner
