When I first stumbled upon this delectable dish known as One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I hesitated. I mean, could it really live up to its audacious name? Turns out, it can, and it does—oh, how it does! This recipe fuses tender, juicy chicken with pasta and tomatoes in one glorious simmering pot, creating a comforting, sumptuous meal that’s perfect for those busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Trust me, you won’t just want to make it; you might find yourself proposing to someone by the end of it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So, why exactly should you add this to your culinary repertoire? For starters, it’s all about convenience. Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash—hello, easy cleanup! Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it up as a scrumptious dinner for two, or double the recipe and wow a crowd!
The rich flavors of garlic, tomatoes, and Italian seasoning dance together like music in your mouth. It’s an absolute comfort food extravaganza that’s as satisfying as a big hug from an old friend. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a meal that has “Marry Me” in the title? Just in case you need an extra nudge to impress that special someone (or yourself!), this dish really has that “wow” factor. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right amount of cheesy when topped with Parmesan.
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 plump and juicy breasts form the heart of this dish. Feel free to swap in thighs if you prefer dark meat!
- Pasta: 2 cups of your favorite type—spiral, penne, or even gluten-free pasta work wonders here.
- Diced Tomatoes: One can of these luscious gems infuses the whole pot with flavor. Opt for fire-roasted for a smoky twist!
- Chicken Broth: A cup will give it that comforting depth. You can use low-sodium if you want to control the salt.
- Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to get things sizzling. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil if you’re aiming for a little more health.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced! There’s no such thing as too much garlic in my book—you could even add a splash of roasted garlic if you’re feeling fancy.
- Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon. This trusty blend is your best friend here, but fresh herbs can elevate it even more.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to your taste—don’t be shy with the good stuff!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for that sprinkle of love on top.
- Fresh Basil: A handful, for garnish. This will make your dish pop with color and freshness!
The Cooking Process Explained
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Get Your Pot Hot: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Drizzle in that olive oil, letting it shimmer.
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Brown the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot, letting them cook until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side. Then, set those beauties aside on a plate.
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Sauté the Garlic: Don’t waste that glorious oil! Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it starts to perfume the air. Trust me; you’ll want to breathe it in!
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Create the Sauce: Pour in the diced tomatoes (don’t forget the juices!), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring this glorious concoction to a gentle simmer.
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Add the Pasta: Stir in your pasta and nestle the chicken back into the pot. Bring it to a boil before reducing the heat to low. Cover it up and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is cooked through.
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Slice and Combine: Once the chicken is done, remove it and slice it against the grain before returning it to the pot. Give everything a good stir to mix that flavor together like a happy family reunion!
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Serve and Enjoy: Ladle it into bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil.
Best Way to Enjoy It
For the ultimate experience, pair this dish with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. If you’re feeling a touch indulgent, add some garlic bread on the side—who can resist extra carbs, right? And for drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water can really heighten the meal. Just picture it: you, your delicious pasta, and a cozy spot at the table—it’s bliss!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Have leftovers? No worries! This pasta holds up beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave until warmed through; stir in a splash of chicken broth if it seems a little dry. For longer storage, you can freeze it in portions for up to a month.
Pro Chef Tips
- Don’t Skip the Browning: This step is key—it seals in the juices and adds incredible flavor!
- Toast Your Spices: If you have an extra minute, toast your Italian seasoning right in the pot for more depth!
- Cheese Variation: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping Parmesan for pecorino or adding a handful of mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Creative Twists
Want to spice things up? You can toss in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. For a kick, consider sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or serving with a side of roasted veggies. If you’re looking for a lighter twist, feel free to swap the pasta for zucchini noodles—your taste buds will hardly notice the difference!
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups of pasta
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions to Follow
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- In the same pot, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in pasta. Nestle chicken back into the pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken, slice, and return to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time?
Prep time is about 10 minutes with cooking taking around 30 minutes total—perfect for a quick dinner!
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat, gluten-free, or even chickpea pasta can work wonderfully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas or extra veggies like zucchini and bell peppers, and use vegetable broth.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What can I serve this with?
A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent side dishes!
There’s something magical about cooking at home, especially when you can create something that brings joy and comfort to your table. I hope you give this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try. Trust me, every bite is a hug on a plate, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t be afraid to weave in your own twirls and flourishes and make this dish your own! Happy cooking!
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Description
One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, pasta, and tomatoes for a rich, satisfying meal that might just inspire proposals.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Step-by-Step Directions
-
Heat the Pot
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. -
Brown the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside. -
Sauté Garlic
In the same pot, add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. -
Create the Sauce
Add diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer. -
Add Pasta
Stir in pasta. Nestle chicken back into the pot, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is al dente and chicken is cooked through. -
Slice and Combine
Remove chicken, slice, and return to the pot. Stir to combine. -
Serve
Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 550kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 40g80%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 15 mg
- Iron 15 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 10 mg
- Riboflavin 15 mg
- Niacin 20 mg
- Vitamin B6 10 mg
- Folate 10 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 5 mg
- Phosphorus 15 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 8 mg
- Zinc 20 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 5 mg
- Manganese 10 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
