Marry Me Chicken Pasta | MEATER

Say “I do” to our Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Whether you’re cooking to impress a special someone or simply indulging in some self-love, get ready to pop the question: “Will you marry me… Chicken Pasta?” After all, love—and great food—is always worth saying “yes” to. With creamy textures, savory flavors, and a touch of Cajun spice, this recipe is a celebration of comfort, love, and a hug for your taste buds. And maybe… just maybe, it might inspire a future proposal from that special someone!

Instructions:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it al dente according to the package’s instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the cooked pasta aside.
2. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
3. While the oven preheats, clean the chicken breasts thoroughly and generously season them with 1 ½ tablespoons of cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt. Insert the MEATER probe from your MEATER 2 Plus into the thickest part of one of the chicken breasts. Set your desired target temperature to 167°F (75°C) in the MEATER App and begin your cook. 
4. In a hot cast-iron skillet with oil, sear the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides for approximately 5 minutes per side or until they develop a golden-brown exterior. Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts onto a baking sheet tray and place them in the preheated oven until they reach an internal temperature of 167°F (75°C), ensuring they are cooked through and juicy. Let them cook until the MEATER App notifies you to remove the chicken breasts.
5. It’s time to get sauce-y! Use the same skillet to prepare the savory sauce. Melt the butter and add diced onions, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until the vegetables soften and release their flavors, then introduce minced garlic to the mix, cooking for an additional minute to infuse the dish with garlic goodness.
6. Pour in the heavy cream, add the cream cheese, and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until all the cheeses melt and blend with the other ingredients. As the sauce thickens, incorporate the spinach, allowing it to wilt gently into the velvety mixture. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until reaching the desired consistency, about ½ cup should suffice.
7. Now, return your attention to the cooked pasta, adding it into the creamy sauce. Season the entire ensemble with salt and pepper to taste!
8. Once the chicken breasts are perfectly cooked and rested, slice them into even pieces. Arrange the sliced chicken atop the creamy pasta, creating the perfect dish that was truly made with love!
9. Serve your masterpiece warm and garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese. Every mouthful is an invitation for your boo to get down on one knee and ask the question you’ve been dreaming of: “Marry Me (Chicken Pasta)?”