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Marry Me Chicken One Pot Pasta The Ultimate Cozy Dinner Recipe

Marry Me Chicken One Pot Pasta The Ultimate Cozy Dinner Recipe - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious marry me chicken one pot pasta. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (substitute vegetable broth for a lighter version)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (can use half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

When I think about these ingredients, I’m reminded of how Mama Lu never stressed over exact measurements. She’d tell me, “A pinch here, a dash there — cooking’s about feeling, not rules.” But since we’re making this in one pot, having everything ready and measured helps keep the rhythm smooth and the flavors balanced.

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed. This step seals in the juices and builds flavor, just like Mama Lu would say — “Don’t rush the good stuff.”
  2. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. This little bit of caramelization is where the magic begins.
  3. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. The smell will take you right back to those evenings on the porch, listening to stories mingled with the scent of herbs and wood smoke.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any stuck bits — these are flavor gold.
  5. Add the pasta to the simmering broth and stir to combine. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the broth and begin to get tender.
  6. Once the pasta is nearly cooked through (still a little al dente), stir in the heavy cream and return the browned chicken to the pot. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or cream.
  7. Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness, reminiscent of the herbs Mama Lu would snip fresh from her garden in the summer.

When I make this dish, I always pause at the end and take a moment to breathe in those aromas — it’s like a little piece of home in every bite.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/marry-me-chicken-one-pot-pasta/