One-Pan Magic: 5-Star One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever tasted something so extraordinary that you’d be willing to propose on the spot? That’s exactly the sensation behind our legendary One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish has earned its proposal-worthy name for good reason – the combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a decadently creamy sauce infused with Italian herbs creates a flavor experience that’s nothing short of magical.
What makes this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly special is that it brings together sophisticated flavors while keeping preparation surprisingly simple. At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we believe that extraordinary cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. This recipe proves that point perfectly by delivering restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen with minimal cleanup. The rich, creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta while chunks of juicy chicken and bursts of sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors in every bite.
Whether you’re cooking to impress a date, celebrate an anniversary, or simply treat yourself to an elevated weeknight dinner, this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience. Let’s discover how to create this relationship-cementing recipe in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
| Main Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 pounds (about 3 medium breasts) |
| Dried pasta (penne or fettuccine work best) | 8 ounces |
| Sun-dried tomatoes in oil | 1/2 cup, drained and chopped |
| Fresh spinach | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 2 1/2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Shallot, finely diced | 1 medium |
| Parmesan cheese, freshly grated | 3/4 cup, plus more for serving |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Seasonings | Amount |
|---|---|
| Italian seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon, divided (plus more to taste) |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon, divided |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garnish | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fresh basil leaves | 1/4 cup, thinly sliced |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tablespoons, chopped |
| Lemon zest | From 1 lemon |
| Lemon wedges | For serving |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Cholesterol | 155mg |
Serving size: Approximately 1 1/2 cups of pasta with chicken (makes 4 servings) This nutrient-rich One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta provides an excellent balance of protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and healthy fats from the olive oil and cream.
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and creates a more flavorful base for your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- In a small bowl, mix 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with this spice mixture.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking throughout your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the cubed chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
- Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through (it will finish cooking later).
- Transfer the partially cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside. This seared chicken will become the star protein in your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Step 3: Create the Flavor Base
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter.
- Add the diced shallot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute to release their flavors into the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta base.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and toast the spices slightly.
Step 4: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
- Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These flavor-packed bits will enhance your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is almost al dente (it will continue cooking in the next steps).
Step 5: Finish the Dish
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the pasta.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to incorporate.
- Simmer uncovered for another 3-5 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F), and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add the spinach in batches, stirring until wilted.
- Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Let the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sliced fresh basil, chopped parsley, and lemon zest.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra grated Parmesan on the side and lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.
Serving Suggestions
This One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to complement the richness of the dish.
- A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the creamy profile of this pasta dish.
- For bread lovers, offer warm garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce from your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Create a romantic dinner setting with dimmed lights and candles to enhance the “marry me” theme of this special meal.
- For a more substantial feast, start with a light Italian antipasto platter as an appetizer before serving this main dish.
- Consider finishing the meal with a simple dessert like berries with whipped cream or a small scoop of lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate after this rich, creamy pasta recipe.
Pro Tips
- Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best version of this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, use the highest quality ingredients you can afford. Freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-grated) makes a significant difference in the sauce texture and flavor.
- Pasta Selection: While penne or fettuccine work well, you can experiment with other pasta shapes. Just be aware that different shapes may require slightly different cooking times in your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Tip: If your sun-dried tomatoes are particularly tough, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before adding them to the recipe. Save the oil from the jar to use in the recipe instead of regular olive oil for extra flavor depth.
- Prevent Curdling: To keep your cream sauce smooth, make sure to lower the heat before adding the heavy cream. Adding cold cream to a violently boiling mixture can cause curdling in your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Chicken Thickness: Try to cut your chicken pieces to a uniform size to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
- Fond is Flavor: Don’t rush the chicken searing process. Those brown bits on the bottom of the pan (called “fond”) are packed with flavor that will enrich your entire dish.
- Make-Ahead Options: While this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and flavor base ahead of time, then finish the dish with pasta, cream, and cheese just before serving.
Variations
Protein Alternatives
- Shrimp Swap: Replace chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp for a seafood version of this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Add the shrimp during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
- Italian Sausage Option: Substitute chicken with 1 pound of Italian sausage (casings removed) for a more robust flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms and increase the sun-dried tomatoes to 3/4 cup for a satisfying meatless alternative.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free certified. The cooking time may need adjustment based on the pasta type.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Lower Calorie: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan to 1/2 cup, and use boneless, skinless chicken thighs which remain tender with less fat.
Flavor Variations
- Tuscan Twist: Add 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts and 1/4 cup of black olives to the sauce.
- Herby Enhancement: Mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and rosemary along with the Italian seasoning.
- Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste for a fiery One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta that brings the heat.
- Lemon Lover’s Edition: Add the juice of one lemon along with the zest for a brighter, more citrus-forward flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this dish a “Marry Me” chicken pasta?
The term “Marry Me” in this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe refers to the dish being so delicious that it might inspire a marriage proposal! The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta creates such an impressive meal that it’s become known as a dish that could seal the deal in a relationship.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best when freshly made, you can prepare components ahead of time. The chicken can be seasoned and cut up to 24 hours in advance. If you need to fully prepare it ahead, be aware that the pasta will absorb sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of cream and broth when reheating.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also make a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce to thicken it.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce becomes too thick while cooking the One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta, simply add a little more chicken broth or cream, about 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest results for this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Be aware that the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy. If using milk, you might want to add a tablespoon of flour to the shallots and garlic to create a roux before adding the liquid ingredients.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture. Reheat gently over medium-low heat or in a microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
This One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe embodies everything we stand for at www.dailymeatrecipe.com: exceptional flavor, approachable preparation, and dishes that create memorable dining experiences. The magic of this recipe lies not just in its delicious taste but also in its simplicity – proving that you don’t need professional culinary training to create a dish worthy of a special occasion.
We hope this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings as much joy to your table as it has to countless others. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself to an upgraded pasta night, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.
Have you tried making this One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta? We’d love to hear about your experience! Did it live up to its name? Did you try any of our suggested variations? Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your results, ask questions, or discover more delicious meat-centered recipes that will become favorites in your household.
Remember to bookmark www.dailymeatrecipe.com for your go-to source of reliable, delicious recipes that combine quality ingredients with straightforward techniques. From weeknight dinners to special occasions, we’re here to help you create meals that might just inspire a proposal – or at the very least, requests for seconds!
Happy cooking, and may your One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta be just the beginning of your culinary love story!
