Easy Creamy Parmesan Chicken Pasta

One bite of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta reveals exactly why this dish earned its charming name. The velvety cream sauce perfectly coats the al dente pasta, while tender chicken pieces and sun-dried tomatoes create a harmonious blend of flavors reminiscent of elevated Italian home cooking. This recipe has become a cherished family dinner staple, filling the kitchen with irresistible aromas that signal something special is on the way.

The key to perfecting this dish lies in properly searing the chicken until golden while keeping the inside moist and tender. This technique creates a foundation of flavor that carries through the entire dish.

Essential Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, uniform-sized pieces, cut into 3-4cm chunks for even cooking
• Pasta: Use penne rigate - the ridges capture sauce perfectly. Quality Italian durum wheat pasta makes a noticeable difference
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Select oil-packed varieties for enhanced flavor. Their aromatic oil can be used for cooking the chicken
• Parmesan cheese: Grate fresh just before using to preserve flavor and creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Place chicken pieces without overcrowding and let them brown undisturbed for 4-5 minutes per side.

Step 2: Creating the Sauce

Using the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The fond from cooking the chicken adds deep flavor to the sauce base.

Step 3: Final Assembly

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

Adding fresh basil leaves just before serving transforms the dish completely. The aroma released when the leaves meet the hot sauce creates an incredible finishing touch.

Mastering the Sauce

The sauce is this dish's crowning glory. When properly made, it should silk-like coat each pasta strand and chicken piece. Watch its consistency during cooking - it should flow smoothly off a wooden spoon in a silky ribbon. If it thickens too quickly, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time. This starchy water is essential for maintaining the perfect creamy texture.

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Timing Essentials

Proper timing orchestrates this dish to perfection. Here's the ideal sequence:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to boil
2. Meanwhile, prep all ingredients and cut chicken
3. Once boiling, add pasta and set timer
4. Start sauce halfway through pasta cooking time
5. Monitor pasta for al dente texture as sauce develops
6. Reserve pasta water before draining

Experience shows that having pasta ready slightly before the sauce is preferable. Pasta can wait with a drizzle of olive oil, while a waiting sauce may become too thick.

Plating for Success

Thoughtful presentation elevates this dish from excellent to memorable. Here's how to plate for maximum impact:

Plate Preparation:

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

Essential Finishing Touches:

• Shave parmesan in generous curls just before serving
• 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 - present immediately while the sauce maintains optimal consistency and fresh herbs release their aroma.

Professional Tips

• Never overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken - this prevents proper browning
• Keep pasta water handy for adjusting sauce consistency
• For a lighter version, substitute some cream with reduced chicken broth

Final Thoughts

This recipe transcends ordinary pasta dishes. It creates moments where conversation pauses briefly at first bite, replaced by knowing looks and satisfied smiles. Each preparation recalls memorable dinners shared, friends who've requested the recipe, and how it continues evolving through seasonal variations.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do they call it 'Marry Me' Pasta?

It's said to be so delicious it might just inspire someone to propose!

→ Can the sauce be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can store the sauce in the fridge for two days. Reheat it gently, adding a bit of cream if needed.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are great as they hold the creamy sauce well.

→ How can I keep the sauce from becoming too thick?

Slowly add chicken broth and cream, adjusting the texture to your liking.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Of course! Just add it at the end of cooking to keep it from drying out.