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To make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these items: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish If you need to swap some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for more flavor. - Swap fettuccine with any pasta shape you like, such as penne or spaghetti. - Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option. - Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes for a different taste. - Spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula if you prefer. Choosing fresh ingredients makes your dish taste great. Here are some tips: - Chicken: Look for bright pink chicken with no smell. Avoid any that looks gray. - Pasta: Check the package for a date. Choose pasta that is fresh and not broken. - Garlic: Pick firm garlic bulbs with no sprouts. They should feel heavy for their size. - Cherry Tomatoes: Choose tomatoes that are bright and firm. Avoid any with wrinkles or spots. - Spinach: Fresh spinach should have vibrant green leaves with no yellowing. - Parmesan Cheese: Select cheese that is hard and has a strong smell. Grate it fresh for the best taste. Using these tips ensures your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out with flavor and freshness! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. While it heats, season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet when the oil shimmers. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring to avoid burning. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Add 1 cup of spinach leaves, stirring until they wilt. Mix in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss it in the creamy sauce. Add the drained fettuccine pasta and gently stir until the pasta is well coated. Serve immediately and add fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of flavor and color. To cook chicken well, start with even thickness. Use a meat mallet if needed. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp. It should reach 165°F. Rest the chicken before slicing. This keeps it juicy. To change the flavor, think about your taste. Add more garlic for a bolder taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can brighten the dish. You can swap the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried ones for a richer flavor. Taste the sauce before serving, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. For a creamier sauce, use more heavy cream. You can also add cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for richness. Stir in cheese slowly to avoid lumps. If you want a hint of tang, add a splash of lemon juice. This will lift the flavors and make it smooth. Always stir well for even consistency. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness; you can use a meat mallet to pound them if necessary. This ensures even cooking and prevents dryness. Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs for 30 minutes before cooking. Cream Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess. The starch in the water helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Garnishing with Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds a beautiful touch but also brightens the dish. Tear the leaves rather than chopping them to release more flavor and aroma. {{image_2}} You can easily switch this dish to a vegetarian version. Instead of chicken, use chickpeas or tofu. They add protein and texture. For the sauce, keep the heavy cream or swap it for a plant-based cream. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you need a gluten-free meal, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. For the sauce, make sure your heavy cream is gluten-free. Most are, but always check the label. You can add gluten-free flour to thicken the sauce if needed. Feel free to get creative with vegetables. You can toss in zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli. Just add them to the skillet with the garlic. Cook until they are tender, then mix them into the sauce. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds great color and flavor to your dish. To store your leftover Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. When you're ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. If you prefer the stovetop, add the pasta to a skillet over medium heat. Stir often, adding a little cream if needed. This will help revive the creamy sauce. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well too. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as you can. Label the container with the date. The pasta can be frozen for up to three months. To eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact, making it taste almost fresh! Marry Me Chicken is a creamy chicken dish. It features tender chicken breasts in a rich sauce. The sauce includes garlic, cherry tomatoes, and spinach. This dish is named for its delicious flavor. Many say it's so good, it could win a heart! Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. Keep the pasta in the fridge as well. When ready to serve, just reheat everything. This makes dinner prep easy and quick! The chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the center. It should not be pink inside. The chicken should feel firm to the touch and juices should run clear. You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a simple salad. Garlic bread pairs well too. For a light side, try steamed vegetables. Any of these options will balance the meal nicely! We covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You can customize this dish with many variations, like vegetarian and gluten-free options. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, ensuring you enjoy this meal later. Remember, the secret to great recipes starts with fresh ingredients. Try these tips and make this dish your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful meal!

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy chicken pasta dish that is sure to impress.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup spinach leaves
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add the spinach leaves to the sauce, stirring until wilted, then mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  • Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
  • Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet, gently stirring until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, pasta