Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Love Story on a Plate

Nostalgic Appeal

This pasta dish reminds me of those cozy nights spent with my significant other, enjoying a delicious and comforting meal together. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is a classic for a reason. It’s a meal that evokes feelings of warmth, love, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made sauces or try to recreate this dish with convenience items, there’s something truly special about making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the chicken, preparing the sauce, and combining it all with the pasta is a labor of love that will surely impress your loved one.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of creamy, tangy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors with a hint of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce is enriched with cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious texture and a vibrant flavor. The chicken adds a tender and savory protein element, and the pasta provides a satisfying base for the dish. The touch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while the fresh basil provides a bright and aromatic note.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! We start with [your choice of pasta, cooked al dente for a perfect texture]. Then comes the [chicken, cooked and shredded, adding a tender and flavorful protein element]. We also incorporate [butter, flour, and garlic, creating a roux that forms the base of the creamy sauce]. The [tomato paste, adding a concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce]. The [dry white wine or chicken broth, deglazing the pan and adding depth of flavor]. The [heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich and creamy sauce]. The [sun-dried tomatoes, adding a burst of sweetness and umami to the sauce]. The [dried oregano and red pepper flakes, providing a subtle kick of heat]. And finally, the [fresh basil, torn or chopped, adding a bright and aromatic note to the dish].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a large pot for cooking the pasta, a skillet for making the sauce, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon flour
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving
• 1 small handful fresh basil, torn/chopped
• Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
2. Make the Roux: When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
3. Build the Sauce: Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a good stir and let it bubble for about one minute. Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken, and cook it for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
4. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season generously with salt & pepper.
5. Combine with Pasta: Prior to draining the pasta, reserve some of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. If needed, pour in a splash of the hot pasta water to the sauce to thin it out a bit.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.

Troubleshooting

• Pasta is mushy: Make sure you cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Avoid overcooking the pasta in the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more flour to thicken it.
• Sauce is too thick: Add more pasta water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Tips and Variations

• Use different types of pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine.
• Add different vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
• Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or oregano, for a different flavor profile.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad and some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of 1 1/2 cups. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-650
• Fat: Approximately 40-45g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 20-22g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 150-170mg
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
• Sodium: Approximately 500-600mg (may vary depending on the type of chicken broth and cheese used)

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of pasta), adjust the calculations accordingly.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

A: It’s best to cook the pasta and make the sauce fresh for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can cook the chicken and make the sauce a few hours ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this pasta dish, as the texture of the pasta and sauce may be affected.

Q: Can I use a different type of protein?

A: Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even ground meat for a different flavor profile.