This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a super cozy meal! It combines juicy chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce all in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Yum!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up after a long day! Plus, with so much flavor in every bite, it might just win over the heart of your special someone. đź’–
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. If you’re out of penne, try using rigatoni or fusilli instead for a similar texture.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and blend into the dish. You can substitute them with thighs for extra juiciness, or use shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a wonderful tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, try using canned diced tomatoes or fresh cherry tomatoes. Just sauté them a bit longer until they soften.
Heavy Cream: It makes the dish rich and creamy. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well, or even a good-quality store-bought grated cheese can be a substitute.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Fully Cooked and Tender?
Cooking chicken correctly is key to this dish. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by cutting the chicken into evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Heat up olive oil in the pot before adding the chicken. This helps develop a nice brown color.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out flavors, but be careful not to overdo it at this stage.
- Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Let it rest for a couple of minutes before adding it back into the pasta, which helps keep it moist!
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes. Enjoy a creamy and rich pasta dish that’s quick and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken. Season the chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked all the way through. After that, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
Now, in the same pot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn! The smell should be amazing!
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook everything for another 2 minutes, letting those flavors meld together nicely.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until it’s al dente (meaning it should still have a bit of bite to it). This usually takes a little less than the time for softer pasta.
5. Make it Creamy:
Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese. Add the Italian seasoning and give everything a good mix until it’s all creamy and combined.
6. Combine Chicken and Adjust Seasoning:
Now, add the cooked chicken back into the pot. Stir to combine everything together. Taste it and add more salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, topped with fresh chopped basil for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy your meal and get ready for compliments!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds more fiber to the dish. Just note that cooking time may vary slightly, so check the package instructions for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (1 cup milk + 2 tbsp melted butter) for a similar richness. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add them when sautĂ©ing the garlic for a few minutes until they’re tender before proceeding with the recipe.
