Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
If you are ready to fall in love with dinner all over again, the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This dish is a perfect harmony of tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a rich, dreamy cream sauce that clings lovingly to every strand of pasta. It’s a simple yet elegantly comforting meal that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to put together. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become your go-to when you want to impress someone special or just treat yourself to a plateful of pure happiness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and beautiful textures. From the silky cream to the tangy burst of cherry tomatoes, each component is simple but crucial in making this dish truly unforgettable.
- Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless pieces ensures tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that’s the perfect base for cooking chicken and garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Fundamental to bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and balancing the creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle depth without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds warmth and a subtle herbal note to the chicken.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient that makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a nutty, salty kick every forkful needs.
- Fresh garlic: Provides aromatic bursts that complement the creaminess beautifully.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to provide juicy pops of freshness and vibrant color.
- Fettuccine pasta: Ideal to capture the creamy sauce with its wide, flat ribbons, but feel free to use your favorite pasta.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a fresh herbal punch just before serving.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. The salt in the water enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out, making every bite more satisfying. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which gives it a slight firmness perfect for tossing with the creamy sauce later. Once done, drain and set aside but hold onto a bit of the pasta water—it can help loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your diced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. These simple spices build a fantastic foundation of flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is thoroughly cooked, usually about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juices, so your chicken stays moist and flavorful. When ready, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Making the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet you cooked the chicken, add fresh minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant—this only takes about a minute but releases the perfect aroma. Then pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Simmering allows the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken gently before you stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts smoothly, giving the sauce an irresistibly creamy texture and a savory depth that sings with every bite.
Step 4: Adding Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken back into the skillet with your sauce. Allowing them to simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes lets the tomatoes soften just a bit, bursting with juiciness that adds a lovely acidity to balance the richness. The chicken continues to soak up the luscious sauce, making this step crucial for melding flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Tossing the Pasta
Finally, add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet and gently toss everything to coat the noodles fully with the creamy sauce. This ensures every forkful delivers the perfect balance of luscious cream, tender chicken, and sweet-tart tomatoes. If the sauce feels a little thick, a splash of reserved pasta water can bring it back to the ideal consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
One of the easiest ways to elevate this dish is by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley on top. The bright green herb adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. If you want to make it extra special, a light grating of additional Parmesan cheese just before serving never hurts.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans add both texture and a vibrant finish, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, consider twirling the pasta into neat nests on individual plates and placing the chicken pieces and tomatoes artfully around them. Adding a lemon wedge on the side can offer a zesty option for guests to brighten the dish further. This eye-catching approach makes dinner feel like a celebration every time you serve the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this creamy delight, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so the next day’s meal may be just as delicious, if not better!
Freezing
While freezing pasta dishes with cream sauce can sometimes alter textures, you can still freeze this dish for up to two months if needed. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight to preserve as much creaminess as possible.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to keep it silky and prevent sticking. This way, your Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe tastes fresh and indulgent every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine works wonderfully to hold the creamy sauce, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just pick your favorite pasta shape and cook according to package instructions.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Using Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking can add creaminess with fewer calories but add it carefully to avoid curdling.
Can I prepare this dish without chicken?
Yes! For a vegetarian twist, simply omit the chicken and add extra cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to maintain the hearty texture and flavor balance.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are excellent substitutes and will give a similar salty, nutty flavor. If you must go without cheese, adding a bit more seasoning helps keep the sauce flavorful.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers and add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth a little at a time if it gets too thick. This helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency for coating the pasta.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that promises warmth and comfort with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe offers a beautiful balance of simplicity and indulgence that will keep you coming back for more. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite dish!
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Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a luscious and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast, a rich creamy sauce with Parmesan cheese and garlic, and fresh cherry tomatoes, all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This comforting pasta recipe is easy to make in about 30 minutes and is sure to captivate hearts with its indulgent taste and inviting texture.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Produce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken back into the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, enjoying the rich and savory taste.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
