Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken with smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and a luscious sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike, appealing to the whole family with its rich yet balanced flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce & Flavorings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup plant-based heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or other)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water. Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken strips until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Set aside with the chicken.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Gently sauté until fragrant without browning, about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, plant-based heavy cream, and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer gently until it slightly thickens, stirring occasionally.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken and turkey bacon to the skillet, stirring to coat them well in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta along with a handful of plant-based cheese. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh basil. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and basil to brighten the flavors of the sauce.
- Do not overcook pasta to ensure it soaks up the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Properly sear the chicken to create a nice crust for enhanced texture and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to help thicken the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
- Let the dish rest a couple of minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, plant-based cheese pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Marry Me Chicken
