Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Place a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat.
• Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help create a creamy sauce later.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

• While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
• Add the chicken pieces and seasoning mix (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
• Sauté the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Create the Creamy Sauce:

• Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. The Parmesan cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a beautiful, creamy texture.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and other seasonings as needed.

4. Combine and Serve:

• Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy chicken sauce.
• Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired.
• Serve immediately while hot.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta involves a few simple steps that come together to create a truly mouthwatering dish. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you get it right:

1. Boil the Pasta:

• Use a large pot and generously salt the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
• Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
• Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining; this will help in making the sauce creamy and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

2. Sauté the Aromatics:

• Heat olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onions.
• Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the minced garlic and butter, sautéing just until the garlic is fragrant (around 30 seconds). Be careful not to let the garlic brown too much, as it can become bitter.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan.
• Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Cook until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked, usually taking 3-5 minutes. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center, and a meat thermometer should register 165°F (74°C).

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

5. Combine and Finish:

• Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat every strand.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve immediately, ensuring every bite is hot and delicious.