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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz penne pasta - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Marry Me Chicken Pasta needs simple yet tasty ingredients. Start with chicken breasts for protein. The penne pasta adds heartiness. Heavy cream gives a rich texture while Parmesan cheese adds flavor. For seasoning, use salt and pepper to taste. Garlic powder brings warmth, while Italian herbs give depth. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach add color and nutrition. Lastly, fresh basil leaves not only look nice but also boost taste. Feel free to tweak these ingredients. You can use different pasta or fresh herbs if you like. The key is to enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When the water is bubbling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta. Set it aside, but save a bit of pasta water for later. While the pasta cooks, take two boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs. Make sure each side gets a good coat. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and release juices. This adds great flavor to the dish. Next, toss in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts. Lower the heat slightly and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream while stirring. Then, add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If it feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Now, slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together. Make sure the pasta gets coated in the creamy sauce. Finally, taste the dish and adjust flavors as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. How to ensure chicken stays juicy To keep chicken juicy, don't skip the resting step. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay inside. Also, use a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees it's safe and not dry. Tips for a creamier sauce For a creamier sauce, use heavy cream. It thickens well and adds richness. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This helps blend everything together smoothly. Stir gently to combine, and don’t rush this step. Best side dishes to pair with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Pair this dish with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. Garlic bread is another good choice. Its crunch complements the creamy pasta well. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added color and flavor. Garnishing ideas for a beautiful presentation Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. They add a lovely pop of color. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top too. This makes the dish look elegant. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the look and flavor. Recommended cookware and utensils Use a large skillet for this dish. It helps cook the chicken evenly. A good pot for boiling pasta is also important. Make sure to have a wooden spoon for stirring. This keeps your non-stick surfaces scratch-free. Importance of a good skillet A good skillet heats evenly. This helps avoid hot spots that can burn food. Choose one that’s non-stick for easier cleanup. A heavy-bottomed skillet offers better heat retention too. This means your sauce will cook more evenly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile of your dish. Add them at the end to preserve their vibrant taste and aroma. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken, let it rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce's consistency, making it cling beautifully to the pasta. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them along with the tomatoes. {{image_4}} Alternatives for heavy cream If you want a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half. You can also try using coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Both options still offer a creamy texture. Using different types of pasta Penne works great, but you can switch to fusilli or farfalle. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can even use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Making it gluten-free To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that cook well. Always check the package for cooking times. Vegan variations For a vegan twist, swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas. Use cashew cream or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Adding spices or herbs You can boost flavors by adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, add brightness. Don’t be shy; a little extra seasoning can go a long way. Incorporating additional vegetables Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients. Sauté them with the tomatoes for great flavor. You can also mix in peas or asparagus for a pop of freshness. To store leftovers properly, let the dish cool down first. Place the pasta in airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and safe. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for meal prep. They are great for storing food and easy to clean. The best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta is on the stove. Heat it over low to medium heat. Stir it gently to keep the texture nice. If it looks dry, add a splash of milk or cream. This brings back the creamy goodness. You can also add fresh spinach or more cheese to refresh the dish before serving. Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta! First, let it cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the bags with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the oven until hot throughout. What to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta? You can pair this dish with a fresh green salad. A simple Caesar salad works well. Garlic bread is another great side. It soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it gently when you are ready to serve. Why is my sauce too thick? If your sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help loosen the sauce and make it creamy. How to fix overcooked pasta? If your pasta is overcooked, try adding it to the sauce quickly. The sauce can help mask the texture. You can also toss in some fresh spinach to add a bit of crunch. Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta healthy? Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a mix of protein and carbs. The chicken gives you lean protein, while the spinach adds nutrients. It’s not low in calories due to the cream and cheese. Caloric breakdown of the ingredients - Chicken breasts: about 300 calories - Penne pasta: around 300 calories - Heavy cream: roughly 800 calories - Parmesan cheese: about 200 calories Total: approximately 1600 calories for the entire dish, serving four, which is 400 calories per serving. This blog post covered all you need to know about Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We explored key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. We also discussed how to store leftovers and offered fun variations to try. Cooking can be simple and fun with the right guide. Enjoy making this meal and watch it impress your loved ones!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for impressing your loved ones.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
  • While your pasta is cooking, generously season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried Italian herbs, ensuring an even coating.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they soften and begin to release their juices.
  • Next, add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and brightened in color.
  • Lower the heat slightly, then pour in the heavy cream while stirring gently. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken. If it seems too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water for a creamier texture.
  • Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious creamy sauce.
  • Before serving, taste the dish. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or herbs if desired to enhance the flavors.
  • Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Keyword chicken, creamy, dinner, pasta