Description
Creamy marry me chicken pasta promises an irresistible culinary journey through Italian-inspired comfort. Silky sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta blend into a romantic dinner that seals delicious commitments with each savory bite you’ll crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Liquids and Pasta:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta (uncooked)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Instructions
- Sear chicken cubes in olive oil over medium heat (375°F), coating with aromatic spices until golden and caramelized.
- Introduce minced garlic to the pot, releasing its intense fragrance for approximately 45-60 seconds.
- Stream chicken broth and velvety heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce base that gently bubbles.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese dissolves completely and melds with the liquid, forming a silky consistency.
- Add tangy sun-dried tomatoes and raw penne pasta directly into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is submerged.
- Cover the pot and allow contents to simmer for 13-14 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the dish, letting them wilt and integrate seamlessly with the creamy pasta.
- Taste and fine-tune seasoning, adding pinches of salt or pepper as needed to enhance overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to serving dishes, optionally sprinkling additional Parmesan cheese for a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, savory flavor profile.
- Reduce heavy cream and use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative without sacrificing richness.
- Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify the overall seasoning depth.
- Keep pasta slightly al dente during cooking to prevent mushiness and ensure a perfect texture when the dish sits for a few minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg