There I was, sitting at my kitchen table, surrounded by the remnants of my latest culinary adventures. I had concocted everything from salads to savory stews.
But on this particular day, I found myself dreaming about a dish that promised romance and comfort all in one. Enter the One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s a delightful marriage of flavors—creamy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
What is One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Let me break it down for you. One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious cream sauce, all prepared in a single pot.
Imagine a cozy evening, the aroma of garlic wafting through the air, and you know something special is going on in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that reads like a love letter to your taste buds while being practical enough for a busy weeknight.
Growing up, I often heard that food cooked with love tastes better. This dish encapsulates that sentiment perfectly. You mix fresh ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and basil, create a creamy sauce, and let it all simmer together to create a warm dish that could make even the toughest critic swoon.
Why You’ll Love One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
First, it’s unbelievably easy to prepare. Who doesn’t love a one-pot wonder that cuts down on cleanup time while maximizing flavor? It’s perfect for those long weekdays when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, the flavor profiles are simply irresistible. You have the smoky depth from the sun-dried tomatoes, the richness from the heavy cream, and a subtle kick from the crushed red pepper flakes. It creates a harmony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate.
And let’s not forget the romance! The name itself suggests something special, and trust me, serving this at dinner could lead to some sparks flying. Who knows? You might just hear those three little words (“Will you marry me?”) after one bite.
The Ingredients
Now, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish. Here’s the shopping list:
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, julienned and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (no added salt)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A few fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon capers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is as satisfying as taking a bite. Let’s dive into the details!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slicing them thinly. This helps with even cooking. Next, dredge the sliced chicken in all-purpose flour. This step is crucial because it not only adds texture but also thickens your sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the chicken. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the chopped garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 4: Create the Base
Add the chicken stock to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, pulling up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom (that’s called flavor, my friend!). Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 5: Toss in the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 6: Add the Chicken Back
After the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot. Let everything mingle together for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to combine perfectly.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired. Just before serving, drizzle in balsamic vinegar and toss in capers.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil leaves for an added splash of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and watch those faces light up.
Tips & Tricks
To make your cooking experience smoother, here are some handy tips:
- Prepping Ahead: Slice the chicken and chop the garlic ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
- Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
- Cheese Lovers: For extra cheesiness, you can add additional cheese on top before serving.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3 days for the best flavor.
Can I Store One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to restore its creamy texture. Slow and steady wins the race here—heat it on low to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Serve with One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish stands out on its own, but here are a few sides that would complement it beautifully:
- Garlic Bread: A classic that pairs well with any pasta dish.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with a tangy dressing adds freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers can brighten up your plate.
- Grilled Asparagus: A touch of charred flavor enhances the meal experience.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti would elevate the mood.
Variations
You’re not stuck using just one combination of ingredients! Here are five variations to keep things exciting:
- Mushroom Medley: Add assorted mushrooms to the pot when sautéing. They bring an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cream.
- Italian Sausage: For meat lovers, substitute half of the chicken with Italian sausage. This will add a savory spice factor to each bite.
- Spinach and Artichoke: Stir in cooked spinach and chopped artichokes for a creamy twist and a nod to the popular dip.
- Pesto Twist: Before serving, mix in some basil pesto for an aromatic kick that brings a fresh taste.
- Zucchini Noodles: Swap out half of the pasta with spiralized zucchini to lower the carbs and boost the veggies.
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- large pot or a deep skillet
Ingredients
- 8 oz uncooked penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil julienned and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning no added salt
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A few fresh basil leaves chopped
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon capers
Instructions
- Start by taking your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slicing them thinly. This helps with even cooking. Next, dredge the sliced chicken in all-purpose flour. This step is crucial because it not only adds texture but also thickens your sauce later on.
- In a large pot or a deep skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and starts to bubble, add the chicken. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove it from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped garlic and the crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté them for about 30 seconds. You want the garlic to become fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic can turn bitter.
- Add the chicken stock to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot, pulling up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom (that’s called flavor, my friend!). Next, stir in the heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta to the pot and stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pot. Let everything mingle together for another 3-4 minutes. This allows the flavors to combine perfectly.
- Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if desired. Just before serving, drizzle in balsamic vinegar and toss in capers.
- Finish with fresh basil leaves for an added splash of color and freshness. Serve immediately, and watch those faces light up.
Notes
- Prepping Ahead: Slice the chicken and chop the garlic ahead of time for a quicker cooking process.
- Consistency Check: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken stock or water to loosen it up.
- Cheese Lovers: For extra cheesiness, you can add additional cheese on top before serving.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to toss in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for added nutrition.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3 days for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal. It’s an experience filled with comfort, richness, and a touch of romance. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests.
With just a few fresh ingredients and a passion for cooking, you can create something unforgettable. Whether cooking for yourself or for someone special, this dish is sure to make an impression.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let your kitchen become a canvas for a delicious masterpiece.
Trust me, after one bite, you may just find yourself saying “I do” to this culinary delight! Enjoy every moment of this delightful journey—cooking is the adventure of a lifetime.
