Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta earned its charming name from the first delightful bite. The velvety sauce perfectly coats the al dente pasta while tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes create a harmony of flavors reminiscent of elevated Italian home cooking. In my kitchen, this has become the signature dish that makes eyes light up as soon as the aroma fills the air.

I served this at a recent dinner party and my friend Sarah, usually quite particular about food, asked for the recipe before finishing her plate. The secret lies in properly searing the chicken to keep it perfectly tender inside.

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces. Cut into 3-4cm chunks for even cooking and easy eating
• Pasta: Use penne rigate - the ridges capture sauce perfectly. Quality Italian durum wheat pasta makes a noticeable difference
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Select oil-packed ones for extra flavor. The seasoned oil works well for cooking the chicken
• Parmesan cheese: Grate just before using. Pre-grated loses flavor and texture quickly

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Thoroughly pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels for better browning. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until nearly smoking. Place chicken pieces without crowding and let brown 4-5 minutes per side without moving.

Step 2: Creating the Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Using the same pan captures all the flavorful browned bits. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The aroma at this stage is absolutely enticing.

Step 3: Final Assembly

Gradually whisk in hot broth to prevent lumps. Add cream, sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

I've discovered that adding fresh basil leaves just before serving completely transforms the dish. The fragrance released when the leaves meet the hot sauce is simply irresistible.

Mastering the Sauce

The sauce is this dish's crowning achievement. When done right, it should coat the pasta like silk, creating a flavorful embrace around each piece of chicken. Watch its consistency while cooking - it should flow smoothly off a wooden spoon in a silky ribbon. If it thickens too quickly, gradually add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time. This starchy water is key for maintaining perfect creaminess.

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Perfect Timing

Timing requires careful attention. Here's how to coordinate preparation:

1. Start by bringing a large pot of water to boil
2. Meanwhile, prep ingredients and cut chicken
3. Once water boils, add pasta and set timer
4. Halfway through pasta cooking, start the sauce
5. Monitor pasta - it should be al dente when sauce reaches ideal consistency
6. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining

Experience shows it's better to have pasta ready slightly before the sauce. Pasta can wait with a drizzle of olive oil, but sauce may thicken too much if left waiting.

Plating for Success

Proper plating elevates a good dish to a memorable experience. Here's how to present it beautifully:

Plate Preparation:

• Warm plates in oven at 60°C for 2-3 minutes
• Use deep white plates to showcase the dish's colors
• Arrange pasta with gentle swirling motion using tongs

Final Touches:

• Shave fresh parmesan in generous curls
• Tear basil leaves by hand to preserve aroma
• Finish with quality extra virgin olive oil
• Offer fresh ground pepper at the table

Serving temperature is crucial - serve immediately when sauce consistency is perfect and herbs release their fresh aromas. Even the most talkative guests pause briefly when this dish arrives, captivated by presentation and fragrance.

Chef's Tips

• Never overcrowd chicken while cooking - it prevents proper browning
• Always reserve pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency
• For a lighter version, substitute part of cream with reduced chicken broth

Final Thoughts

This recipe has become more than just a dish in my kitchen. It represents those shared moments when conversation pauses at first bite, replaced by knowing looks and satisfied smiles. Each time I prepare it, I think of memorable dinners shared, friends who left with the recipe, and how it continues evolving through seasons in my kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me' pasta?

It’s said to be so delicious that it might lead to marriage proposals!

→ Can the sauce be made ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a bit of cream to loosen it up.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are awesome choices—they hold the sauce really well.

→ How can I make sure the sauce stays the right consistency?

Add the cream and chicken broth gradually so you can tweak the texture to your liking.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yep, just toss it into the dish at the end to keep it juicy and not overcooked.