How To Make Merry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Merry Me Chicken Pasta” is the ultimate creamy, comforting, and indulgent dish that elevates a simple weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Tender chicken, silky pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce come together with just the right balance of flavors. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want a touch of culinary magic in your kitchen.
Ingredients List
- 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and shallot. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach leaves. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Serve
Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cook Time
Total: 30 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Servings
Makes approximately 4 servings
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight before reheating.
Suggestions
- Add mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta.
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Seasonal Relevance
Merry Me Chicken Pasta is a versatile dish perfect year-round. In colder months, it offers comfort and warmth with its creamy sauce, while in spring and summer, fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes make it feel light and vibrant.
Conclusion
This Merry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe proves that luxurious flavors don’t have to be complicated. Juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce come together to create a dish that’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
How To Make Merry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
4
servings10
minutes20
minutes530
kcalA rich and creamy chicken pasta recipe with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or any occasion that calls for a comforting, gourmet meal.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup fresh spinach leaves
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and shallot for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and pasta separately, store them in airtight containers in the fridge, and combine with the sauce when ready to serve.
Q2: Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Q3: How can I make this dish lighter without losing flavor?
Use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream instead of full heavy cream. Increase seasoning slightly and add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for volume.
