Ah, the magical world of pasta! It’s one of those foods that can brighten even the cloudiest of days. Today, I’m ecstatic to share with you one of my all-time favorites: Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Now, you might be wondering why it’s called that. Legend has it that this dish is so unbelievably delicious, it might just prompt a marriage proposal. I mean, who wouldn’t want to cook for their loved ones something so utterly fabulous?
Every time I make this dish, it brings me back to cozy nights in the kitchen with my best friends, laughter echoing around us, and the aroma making our mouths water. Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a romantic evening in. Plus, when you bring it out to the table, the compliments will be flowing faster than the wine!
## What’s in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Let’s dive into the glorious ingredients we need for this pasta masterpiece! Each of these elements plays a crucial role in creating a delightful symphony of flavors:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lovely stars of this dish! They soak up flavor beautifully and offer a nice, lean protein. I usually go for organic for a cleaner taste.
Olive oil: Essential for cooking the chicken and giving a luscious base to our sauce. Make sure to choose a high-quality extra virgin; it truly makes a difference!
Salt and pepper: The power couple of seasoning! Feel free to add more or less according to your tastebuds.
Penne pasta: I adore using penne for this dish! Its tubular shape captures the creamy sauce in each bite.
Bacon: Crunchy, crispy, and delicious! You can’t go wrong with bacon, am I right? Make sure it’s cut into small pieces so every forkful has a tasty bite.
Garlic: Because what’s pasta without garlic? It adds a heavenly fragrance and depth of flavor. Fresh is always best!
Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy gems that add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. I swear, they burst with flavor when cooked!
Heavy cream: This creamy goodness transforms the dish into something truly special. You could try half-and-half if you want a lighter version, but where’s the fun in that?
Chicken broth: Adds richness and depth, tying everything together. Homemade is fantastic, but store-bought works wonders too.
Parmesan cheese: Because cheese makes everything better! Grating your own is the way to go for maximum flavor.
Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like oregano and basil that adds aromatic notes.
Red pepper flakes: For that extra kick! Totally optional, but I highly recommend it if you enjoy a little heat.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnishing—because we eat with our eyes first!
## Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta Good for You?
Oh, the classic question! So, is this dish a guilty pleasure or a possible health contender? Let’s break it down.
Chicken breasts: They’re lean and packed with protein, great for muscle repair and overall health.
Bacon: Alright, here’s where the balance comes in. While delicious, bacon is high in saturated fats, so maybe enjoy it as a treat rather than a regular staple.
Penne Pasta: Carbohydrates are vital for energy, especially if you’ve got an active lifestyle! Just remember moderation is key.
Heavy cream: This is where the richness comes from, and while it’s not the lightest option, a little goes a long way in creating that luxurious texture.
Overall, this dish should be enjoyed in moderation, especially with its creamy components. But hey, life’s too short not to indulge every now and then, right?
## Ingredients List
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 4 slices of bacon, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
**Servings**: This dish serves about 4 hungry people (or 2 if you’re feeling particularly indulgent!).
## How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and soon your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas.
1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
3. In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and let it drain on paper towels.
4. Add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring for about 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add the cooked penne pasta, sliced chicken, bacon, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Toss everything together until well coated.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Now just imagine yourself sitting down to a warm bowl of this creamy deliciousness… heavenly!
## A Few Pasta Pearls of Wisdom
– If you want to lighten things up a bit, you can try using whole wheat penne or swapping half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt. Trust me; it still tastes fantastic!
– Want to amp up the veggie quotient? Throw in some spinach or zucchini when sautéing the garlic and tomatoes. They’ll add color and nutrients.
– Make sure to save any leftovers – although I doubt there will be any, they heat up beautifully in the microwave for lunch the next day!
I can’t wait for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s such a comforting dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds and those you share it with. If you do give it a whirl, let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
