This fun dish combines juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta all in one pot! It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Who knew a dinner could be this easy and scrumptious? I love how it all cooks together, making clean-up a breeze. And yes, it might just make you feel like a kitchen hero! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I like to use diced chicken breast for its lean quality. If you want, you can substitute it with thighs for a juicier texture or even tofu for a plant-based option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor and helps cook the chicken. You could swap it out for avocado oil or butter, depending on your taste and cooking style.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for this recipe! If you don’t have fresh, you can use garlic powder, but I recommend fresh for the best taste. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder equals about 2 cloves of fresh garlic.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers, though they will change the taste a bit.
Heavy Cream: This gives a rich creaminess to the dish. You can substitute it with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version, though the flavor will be different.
Basil: Fresh basil brightens the dish! If fresh isn’t available, dried basil can do in a pinch, just use less since dried herbs are more potent.
How Can You Cook Pasta Perfectly in One Pot?
Cooking pasta in one pot with the rest of the ingredients can be tricky, but it’s super convenient! Here’s how to ensure it turns out great:
- Make sure to use enough liquid. The chicken broth should cover the pasta. This helps it cook evenly.
- Stir occasionally while cooking, especially when you first add the pasta. This prevents it from sticking.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time! Start checking your pasta a minute or two before the package directions say, as it may cook faster with all the heat from the other ingredients.
- Once it’s al dente, you can add in the cooked chicken and cream. This will help the pasta absorb all those amazing flavors!
By following these steps, your one pot pasta will turn out perfect every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce and Pasta:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful meal takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook, making a total of approximately 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and easy one-pot meal that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Grab a large pot and pour in the olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add in the diced chicken breast. Sprinkle on some salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Making the Sauce:
In the same pot, toss in the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and the garlic is slightly golden. This will enhance the flavors for your dish!
3. Cooking the Pasta:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta while stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking slightly after you take it off the heat!
4. Combining it All:
Once the pasta is cooked to perfection, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Your kitchen will smell heavenly at this point!
5. Finishing Touches:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and taste your dish. Add more salt and pepper if needed, to make it just right. This is where you add your love!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot. Don’t forget to garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra touch! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different shapes might require slightly more or less time to cook to al dente. If you use a larger pasta, like rigatoni, you may need to adjust the amount of chicken broth for adequate cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For a dairy-free option, use coconut milk or a cashew cream for a similar texture, though they will change the flavor slightly!
How Do I Store Leftover One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove over low heat or use the microwave. If the pasta dries out a bit, you can add a splash of chicken broth to bring back the creaminess!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! You can easily incorporate vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to integrate them into the dish nicely. Just make sure not to overload it, as you still want the pasta to cook properly!
