Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Introduction:
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that is so flavorful, it might just make you want to propose! This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of Italian seasoning. Served over al dente pasta and garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or any special occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
  • Salt, for boiling pasta

Optional Additions:

  • 1/4 cup white wine for deglazing the pan
  • 1/4 cup chopped spinach for added color and nutrients
  • Crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Assemble the Dish:

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
  • If desired, add chopped spinach to the skillet and toss until wilted.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, with crusty bread or garlic bread on the side.

Tips for Success:

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and easy preparation.
  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts to prevent them from becoming dry.
  • Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the sauce.

Nutritional Estimate:
(Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

  • Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving (based on 4 servings)
  • Total Fat: Approximately 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 7-10g
  • Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100mg
  • Sodium: Approximately 400-500mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 3-5g
  • Sugars: Approximately 3-5g
  • Protein: Approximately 25-30g

Recommendation:
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta as a romantic dinner for two or as a special meal for family and friends. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete dining experience. Enjoy the creamy tomato sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta in this irresistible and flavorful dish!

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