One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

$- Chicken components: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. - Vegetables used: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. - 1 cup diced red bell pepper. - 3 cloves garlic, minced. - 1 cup fresh spinach. - Dairy and seasoning items: - Salt and pepper to taste. - 2 tablespoons olive oil. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. - 8 ounces penne pasta. - 1 cup heavy cream. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish. - Pot or Dutch oven: - A large pot or Dutch oven holds all ingredients and cooks evenly. - Cutting board and knife: - Use a sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife to chop chicken and veggies. - Measuring cups and spoons: - Accurate measuring cups and spoons help keep the flavors balanced. These simple ingredients and tools make cooking this dish easy and fun. The blend of chicken, veggies, and creamy sauce creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the chicken pieces. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This will give the chicken a nice flavor. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the pot. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside. Timing is key when sautéing vegetables. In the same pot, add cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. This brings out a rich flavor that makes your dish shine. Next, it's time to cook the pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and add the penne pasta. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking. Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to get creamy! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. This makes the dish rich and delicious. Now, add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to impress! To achieve the ideal chicken browning, follow these steps: - Use a large pot or Dutch oven to give the chicken space. - Make sure the oil is hot before adding your chicken. - Avoid crowding the pot; this helps the chicken brown better. - Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden on all sides. To prevent pasta from sticking, I recommend: - Stirring the pasta during cooking to separate pieces. - Adding a splash of olive oil to the pot before boiling. - Using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water for more flavor. For extra flavor, consider adding these spices and herbs: - A pinch of crushed red pepper for heat. - Fresh oregano or thyme for a fresh twist. - A squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish. If you want more creaminess, try: - Adding an extra half cup of heavy cream. - Mixing in a dollop of cream cheese for richness. - Using half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option. For garnishing, here are my favorite suggestions: - Fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. - A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a savory touch. - A drizzle of olive oil to enhance the dish's shine. For serving accessories, think about: - Using shallow bowls for a more elegant look. - Pairing it with a crisp salad on the side. - Offering crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best results. Don't Overcook the Pasta: To achieve the perfect al dente texture, cook the pasta just until it's tender but still has a bit of a bite to it. Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Try turkey or shrimp for new flavors. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu or chickpeas. Both options work well and keep the dish tasty. For those needing gluten-free options, use rice or gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good alternatives that taste great. If you want a dairy-free dish, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Seasonal veggies can add fresh taste. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, consider adding squash or mushrooms. You can also mix in different sauces. A splash of pesto or sun-dried tomato sauce can enhance the dish. Experimenting keeps your meals exciting! To store leftovers of One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and safe to eat. When you want to enjoy it, just take it out and reheat. For the best taste, reheat pasta gently. You can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for one minute, then stir. If using the stovetop, add a splash of broth or water to a pan. Warm it over low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the pasta creamy and moist. If you want to freeze the pasta, wait until it cools down. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as described above for the best results. You can serve this pasta dish with a simple side salad. A green salad with mixed greens is great. Garlic bread also pairs nicely for a cozy meal. If you want something warm, roasted vegetables work well too. Feel free to add some grated cheese on top of the salad for extra flavor. Yes, you can make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead. Cook it, then let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth if it seems dry. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. No pink should show inside. Yes, One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is great for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge. You can portion it into containers for lunch or dinner. Just remember to keep the basil separate until you’re ready to eat. This keeps it fresh and bright. This blog post covered the main ingredients, tools, and methods to make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I shared useful tips for flavor and presentation. You can also explore substitutions to suit your diet or taste. Remember to store and reheat leftovers properly for safety. Enjoy this dish with family or friends. It’s a great way to try new flavors and make meals easier. Happy cooking!$

One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy chicken pasta dish cooked in one pot, perfect for a romantic dinner.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
to taste Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup diced red bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup fresh spinach
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same pot, add cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the penne pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Notes

Feel free to add more vegetables or adjust seasoning to taste.

Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, one-pot, pasta