Lock It Down Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta
Recipe Introduction: Will This Pasta REALLY Get You Hitched?
Ever heard of marry me pasta ? Honestly, I chuckled the first time. But then I tried it... and oh my gosh ! This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is seriously addictive.
Could it actually land you a ring? Well, let's just say it's worth a try.
This incredible dish is supposedly an italian pasta dish born from the internet's insatiable desire for deliciousness. It’s a relatively quick and easy meal.
You'll need around 45 minutes, tops. This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a romantic pasta dinner .
Why "Lock It Down" Pasta?
Let's be real, everyone loves a good chicken pasta recipe . The richness of the sun-dried tomato sauce , combined with pasta with parmesan cheese , is just heavenly.
Plus, it's surprisingly comforting. Making it the ultimate treat yourself meal. I think that this easy romantic dinner recipe is great for a first date.
This dish is more than just comfort food. Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with antioxidants. And who doesn't love the mood boosting power of pasta? Maybe that's why it’s considered a proposal pasta meal.
What makes it special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors. Tangy, savory, and a little bit spicy. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Get ready to grab your fettuccine pasta recipe and prepare this magic potion!
Ingredients & Equipment
So, you wanna make this marry me pasta recipe ? Let's talk ingredients. Don't worry, it's not rocket science! This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is easier than it looks.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for this dreamy pasta dish:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get good quality chicken, you know? The kind that looks plump and juicy.
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g) of pasta. I love using fettuccine pasta recipe for this! Linguine works too.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the chicken and 2 tablespoons (30ml) for the sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, trust me.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml), or more if you like it spicy!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (120ml), oil-packed, drained, and chopped. Sun-dried tomato sauce is the heart of this dish.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml).
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml). This is what makes it so creamy .
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated, plus more for serving. Real Parmesan, not the stuff in the green can!
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (5g) chopped, plus more for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Seasoning Notes
This recipe is all about simple flavors that pack a punch. For that perfect italian pasta dishes , don’t skip the red pepper flakes.
It adds a little kick that balances the richness of the cream. Parmesan and basil are a match made in heaven for a flavor enhancer.
If you don't have red pepper flakes, a pinch of cayenne works. And dried basil can work in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
Equipment Needed
Honestly, you don’t need anything fancy to whip up this easy romantic dinner recipe .
- A big pot for the pasta.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce and chicken.
- Tongs for handling the chicken and pasta.
- A colander to drain the pasta.
Seriously, that’s it! Now you're all set for your proposal pasta or simply making it an easy romantic dinner recipe .
This chicken pasta recipe is ready to rock n’ roll! I mean get cooking!
Alright, let's get cooking! This marry me pasta has been doing the rounds, hasn’t it? Apparently, it's so good, it’ll get you a proposal.
Big claims, but hey, no harm in trying, right? Let's break down how to make this irresistible dish; this easy romantic dinner recipe ! I have heard it makes the perfect romantic pasta dinner !
Cooking Method: "Lock It Down" Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
We're diving into the method behind what I like to call " Lock It Down Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta .
" Others know it as marry me pasta . I swear, the aroma alone is enough to make anyone swoon, it's proposal pasta in a bowl!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first: the mise en place is key. Chop your sun-dried tomatoes , mince your garlic. I cannot stress enough how essential is to measure your ingredients beforehand! You know, like a proper chef.
Also, remember to get your fettuccine pasta recipe ready.
- Time Saving Tip: Get the water for your pasta boiling before you start anything else. Seriously, this saves so much time.
- Safety Reminder: Be careful when cutting the chicken. I’ve had a few near misses. No one wants a trip to A&E!
step-by-step: The Magic Happens
- Cook your fettuccine pasta recipe in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, that starchy water is liquid gold!.
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Ensure an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't overcook it. Nobody wants rubbery chicken on date night !
- Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds . That aroma is the foundation for that sun-dried tomato sauce !
- Add the sun-dried tomato sauce , chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes .
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until slightly thickened. This is where the creamy goodness really comes together.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss, adding pasta water as needed.
- Stir in fresh basil and serve immediately with extra Parmesan. Boom! Dinner is served.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pasta
- Expert Technique: Don't skip that reserved pasta water. It’s crucial for a silky, luscious sauce.
- Common Mistake: Overcooking the pasta! Always aim for al dente - slightly firm to the bite.
- make-ahead Option: The sauce can be made a day ahead. Just add the pasta and chicken when you're ready to serve. This dish is a great example of simple italian pasta dishes !
Honestly, this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is the perfect chicken pasta recipe . It is one of those dishes that impresses without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen.
The pasta with parmesan cheese will delight your company. Enjoy!.
Recipe Notes for "Lock It Down" Chicken & Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta
So, you're ready to whip up this " marry me pasta recipe ", huh? Awesome! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things.
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta is pretty straightforward, but these tips will help you nail it!
Plating and Presentation Ideas
Alright, you've made this easy romantic dinner recipe . Now, let's make it look amazing . I reckon a swirl of fettuccine pasta recipe in a shallow bowl looks super elegant.
Add a few extra basil leaves on top. A sprinkle of parmesan never hurt anyone, either! Feeling fancy? Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil over the top.
Serve this romantic pasta dinner and your date will be impressed.
Pair this gorgeous plate with a simple side salad and a crisp glass of wine. A Pinot Grigio is spot on .
If you're not drinking, elderflower presse is a fab choice! I promise this dish will look as good as it tastes.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers of this proposal pasta? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days.
Honestly, this chicken pasta recipe is even better the next day, because the flavors meld together even more.
Freezing? Hmm, I wouldn't recommend it. The cream sauce might get a bit weird when defrosted. Reheating is easy! Just microwave it or gently heat it in a pan on the stovetop.
Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it's too thick.
Variations: Make It Your Own!
This marry me pasta is pretty adaptable. Want it veggie? No problem! Just ditch the chicken and add some roasted veggies.
Mushrooms, spinach, or even artichoke hearts work really well. Need it dairy-free? Swap the heavy cream for full fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Still get all that creamy goodness.
Think about seasonal swaps too! In the summer, try adding fresh cherry tomatoes. I did this one time and the dish was elevated.
It can be a perfect addition to your italian pasta dishes .
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff!
Okay, let's talk numbers. One serving of this marry me pasta clocks in around 750-850 calories. You're getting a good dose of protein from the chicken.
You'll get healthy fats from the sun-dried tomato sauce and Parmesan. The sun-dried tomatoes are packed with vitamins and antioxidants.
They're great for your health. Remember, these are just estimates and will vary depending on your exact ingredients.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to make this marry me pasta a smashing success. Don't be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it.
Now go on, get cooking! I know you'll nail it!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't have chicken? Can I still make this "marry me pasta" magic happen?
Absolutely! This dish is super versatile. You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts to keep it interesting think of it as a "marry me pasta, with a twist!"
Help! My "marry me pasta" sauce is too thick/thin. What do I do?
Don't panic, we've all been there! If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or whisk in a little extra Parmesan cheese to help it thicken up.
It is possible to also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help the sauce thicken.
Can I make "marry me pasta" ahead of time? What's the best way to store it?
While "marry me pasta" is best served fresh, you can definitely prep some components in advance. You can cook the chicken and make the sauce a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, cook the pasta, then combine everything and heat through.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
I'm trying to watch my waistline. Are there any healthier swaps I can make in this "marry me pasta" recipe?
Definitely! You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. Swap out the heavy cream for half and-half or even a lighter milk (like almond milk, though it will affect the creaminess). Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, and load up on veggies like spinach or mushrooms to add bulk and nutrients without extra calories.
You could even try using chicken breast instead of thigh meat to cut down on fat.
I'm a bit of a chilli wimp, is "marry me pasta" really spicy?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes add a little warmth, but it shouldn't be overwhelming. Start with just a pinch, and you can always add more to taste. If you're really sensitive to spice, you can leave them out entirely.
You can also add some fresh herbs to enhance the flavour, this is especially good in the summer when the weather is hot and you need a refreshing boost.
Lock It Down Chicken Sundried Tomato Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 750-850 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 45-55g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
