Marry Me Chicken Pasta ❤️🍝

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups fresh spinach - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish The chicken breast gives the dish its heartiness. Choose good quality chicken for best flavor. Fettuccine is perfect for holding the sauce. You can swap it for other pasta types if you like. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness and sweetness. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth. Fresh spinach provides color and nutrients. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. For a lighter sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half. Use any pasta shape like penne or spaghetti. If you want more veggies, add bell peppers or zucchini. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk and nutritional yeast. Fresh basil can be replaced with parsley or arugula for a different taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook it until al dente, or firm to bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Set the pasta aside. Next, take 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. It should be golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells nice. Then, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until it melts. The sauce will thicken a bit. Next, add 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until it wilts. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. It should be creamy but not too heavy. Slice the cooked chicken and put it back in the skillet. Stir gently to warm it up. Finally, add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in sauce. Serve the dish hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor. To cook juicy chicken, start with even-sized breasts. This helps them cook evenly. Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use a hot skillet with olive oil for a nice sear. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F inside. Let it rest before slicing to keep the juices in. For a creamy sauce, begin by adding heavy cream after sautéing garlic and tomatoes. Stir the cream gently to avoid lumps. Add grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt fully. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This will help you reach the creamy texture you want. A smooth sauce will coat the pasta beautifully. Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in deep bowls for a lovely look. Drizzle a bit of extra cream sauce on top. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Finish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This simple touch makes your dish feel special and inviting. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta al dente, so it retains a slight bite. This will help it hold up better when mixed with the creamy sauce. Season Generously: Season each component of your dish separately, from the chicken to the sauce, to build layers of flavor throughout. Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil for garnish rather than dried. Fresh herbs enhance the overall aroma and taste of the dish significantly. Make it a Meal: Add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for additional nutrition and color, making the dish even more satisfying and visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for vegetables. Use mushrooms or zucchini for added texture. Firm tofu also works well for protein. For extra flavor, season your veggies with salt and pepper. Cook them until they are tender. This keeps the dish creamy and satisfying, just like the original. For a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Options like rice or chickpea pasta work great. Ensure your cream and cheese are gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. The flavors remain rich and enjoyable, ensuring everyone can join in. Add some heat with red pepper flakes. This gives the dish a spicy kick. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor. If you love herbs, try adding fresh thyme or oregano. Each tweak adds your personal touch, making it even more special. To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the pasta soggy. Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat them within this time. When you are ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the dish moist. Heat over medium-low until warm. This keeps the pasta creamy and delicious. You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta if you want to save it for later. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. I recommend adding a light vinaigrette for flavor. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it with steamed vegetables. Broccoli or asparagus adds a nice touch. You could also add a glass of white wine. A crisp Chardonnay complements the dish nicely. To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Just a pinch can make a big difference. Add them when you cook the garlic for best results. Another option is to use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you love heat, try a splash of hot sauce in the cream. Adjust the spice level to match your taste buds. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Penne or rotini work well in this recipe. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles are a great low-carb substitute. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. The goal is to have your pasta cooked perfectly. Each type of pasta can bring a unique texture to the dish. This blog post covered all the key steps to making Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We explored the essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfect results. I shared variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. In the end, getting creative with this dish offers a great way to impress. Enjoy every bite and don't be afraid to make it your own!$

Marry Me Chicken Pasta ❤️🍝

A creamy and delicious pasta dish featuring chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz fettuccine pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh spinach
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil

Instructions

Start by cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, allowing it to warm in the sauce for a minute.
Toss in the cooked fettuccine, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and chicken is evenly distributed.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve the pasta in deep bowls, drizzling a little extra cream sauce over the top and adding a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch.

Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta