The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal that will impress their loved ones? This creamy, comforting recipe is not only easy to prepare, but also packed with flavor.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. This recipe is perfect for those looking for an easy-to-prepare, delicious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. “This recipe is perfect for those looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare, delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. We’ll guide you step by step through the creation of this creamy pasta, giving you tips on how to make it even tastier.I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The aroma filled the kitchen and everyone couldn’t wait to try it. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta was a hit! It’s a recipe that brings people together, as the name suggests
Why is this recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta so easy?
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is incredibly easy for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic ingredients that are readily available in most kitchens. You don’t need any exotic or hard-to-find items, making it accessible for everyone.
- Minimal Preparation: The preparation steps are straightforward and require minimal effort. Seasoning the chicken, chopping an onion, and mincing garlic are the main tasks, which are quick and easy to do.
- One-Pot Wonder: Most of the cooking is done in a single skillet, reducing the need for multiple pots and pans. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Clear Instructions: The step-by-step instructions are clear and concise, guiding you through each part of the recipe without any confusion. Even beginners can follow along with ease.
- No Special Equipment: You don’t need any special kitchen gadgets or equipment. A good knife, a skillet, and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need, making it user-friendly for anyone.
Why is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta so quick to prepare?
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is quick to prepare for several reasons:
- Short Cooking Time: The total cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, which includes both preparation and cooking. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
- Efficient Steps: The recipe is designed to maximize efficiency. While the sauce is simmering, you can cook the pasta, and while the chicken is resting, you can prepare the other ingredients. This overlapping of tasks saves time.
- Quick-Cooking Ingredients: The ingredients used in this recipe, such as chicken breasts and pasta, cook relatively quickly. Chicken breasts take about 12-14 minutes to cook through, and pasta typically takes around 8-10 minutes to reach al dente perfection.
- Minimal Prep Work: The preparation work is minimal and can be done quickly. Chopping an onion, mincing garlic, and measuring spices take only a few minutes, allowing you to get started on cooking right away.
- Streamlined Process: The recipe follows a streamlined process where each step flows naturally into the next. There’s no waiting around for long periods, ensuring that you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
By following these easy and quick steps, you can enjoy a flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta without spending hours in the kitchen.
Mistakes to Avoid for a Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s discuss some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken
- Not seasoning the chicken properly
- Using too much or too little cream
- Not cooking the pasta al dente
Let’s go through each mistake one by one to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly.
Mistake 1: Overcooking the Chicken
Why It’s a Mistake: Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough, ruining the tender and juicy texture that makes this dish so enjoyable.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check the internal temperature.
- Cook to 165°F (74°C): Remove the chicken from the heat as soon as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s cooked through but still moist and tender.
- Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
Mistake 2: Not Seasoning the Chicken Properly
Why It’s a Mistake: Proper seasoning is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the chicken. Without adequate seasoning, the chicken can taste bland and uninteresting.
How to Avoid It:
- Season Generously: Make sure to season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s better to have a well-seasoned chicken than a bland one.
- Season Before Cooking: Apply the seasoning before cooking the chicken. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat as it cooks, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Taste Test: If you’re unsure about the seasoning, you can cook a small piece of chicken separately to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Mistake 3: Using Too Much or Too Little Cream
Why It’s a Mistake: The cream is a key ingredient in the sauce, providing richness and velvety texture. Using too much cream can make the sauce overly thick and heavy, while using too little can result in a watery and unappealing sauce.
How to Avoid It:
- Stick to the Recipe: Follow the recipe closely and use the recommended amount of cream. This ensures the perfect balance of richness and consistency.
- Adjust as Needed: If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a little pasta water to thin it out. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken.
- Consistency Check: Stir the sauce frequently as it simmers to check the consistency. The perfect sauce should coat the back of a spoon without being too thick or runny.
Mistake 4: Not Cooking the Pasta Al Dente
Why It’s a Mistake: Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it retains its texture and doesn’t become mushy. Overcooked pasta can ruin the overall texture and enjoyment of the dish.
How to Avoid It:
- Follow Package Instructions: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for the perfect al dente texture. Most pasta packages provide a recommended cooking time for al dente pasta.
- Taste Test: Start checking the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time. Taste a piece to ensure it’s cooked to your liking. Al dente pasta should have a slight bite to it.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a little pasta water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients that offer various health benefits. Chicken is a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. According to the National Institutes of Health, chicken is also rich in vitamins and minerals like niacin and vitamin B6.
The cream and Parmesan cheese provide calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for bone health. Additionally, the garlic in the recipe has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, as highlighted in studies by Harvard University.
Ingredients :
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Options and substitutions: You can use homemade or store-bought chicken broth. For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these clear and concise steps to create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Season the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
Step 6: Slice the Chicken
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything toget
her until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Tips and Tricks :
To intensify the flavor of the pasta, you can roast the chicken before cooking it in the skillet. Adding extra spices like thyme or rosemary can also enhance the taste. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Variations :
You can customize this recipe to suit different diets and preferences. For a spicy version, add more red pepper flakes. For a vegan option, substitute the chicken with tofu and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
FAQ :
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just make sure to cook it according to the package instructions.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta just before serving to ensure it stays al dente.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar. Just make sure it melts well into the sauce.
Conclusion :
This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for a comforting meal any time of the year. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your photos of your Marry Me Chicken Pasta on social media with the hashtag #MarryMeChickenPasta. We’d love to see your creations!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe
Equipment
- Good knife
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup 240ml chicken broth
- 1 cup 240ml heavy cream
- 1 cup 115g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 lb 450g pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Season the chicken breasts evenly with the spice mixture.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water if needed.
- Step 6: Slice the Chicken
- Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Step 7: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out.
- Step 8: Serve
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Notes
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.