Delightful Chicken Pasta Creation

This velvety, mouthwatering Engagement Chicken Pasta got its playful nickname for obvious reasons. Mixing juicy chicken chunks with noodles drenched in a decadent, sun-dried tomato cream blend creates the type of dish that might just spark a marriage question. I've transformed this trending sensation into a pasta creation that brings all the original magic in a single hearty dish.

I originally cooked this for my sweetheart during our anniversary when I wanted something fancy but was short on kitchen time. The title turned out to be fitting two months after when we decided to tie the knot, and it's become our go-to meal for special moments.

Ingredients

• Any dried pasta: Serves as the ideal foundation for this decadent sauce and works great with whatever shape you have
• Butter and olive oil: Build a tasty base that adds richness to the meal
• Garlic and onion: Make up the fragrant beginning that makes this dish so tempting
• Chicken breasts: Diced into small chunks cook fast and thoroughly for soft results
• Red pepper flakes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning: Bring deep flavor layers with little fuss
• Heavy cream: Creates that smooth, creamy feel that makes this dish so memorable
• Parmesan cheese: Offers savory nuttiness while helping to make the sauce thicker
• Sun dried tomatoes: Add intense, sweet tomato kicks and gorgeous red flecks
• Fresh basil leaves: Cut through the richness with their fresh herbal pop

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring heavily salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta following box instructions until just firm. This meal turns out best when pasta stays slightly chewy, as it'll keep cooking a bit in the hot sauce. Save a small amount of cooking water before draining, since this starchy liquid can thin the sauce if it gets too thick.

Cook the Flavor Base:

Warm olive oil in a big, sturdy pan over medium heat until it glistens. Toss in your finely diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to get soft and see-through. Drop in the crushed garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until you can smell it but before it browns, since burnt garlic gets bitter.

Brown the Chicken:

Drop butter into the pan and let it completely melt. Right away add your small chicken pieces to the pan, trying to spread them out flat. Sprinkle with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping now and then, until chicken looks golden outside and hits 165°F inside. The tasty stuck bits on the pan bottom are pure flavor gold.

Make the Sauce:

Add the heavy cream into the pan, stirring all the time and scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom. Mix in the shredded Parmesan and stir until it's totally melted and mixed in. Let the sauce bubble softly for 2-3 minutes until it sticks to a spoon when dipped. This thickness is key for properly sticking to your pasta.

Mix Everything:

Put the chopped sun dried tomatoes into the sauce, stirring to spread them around evenly. Add your cooked pasta and keep tossing until every bit gets covered in the rich sauce. If it seems too thick, splash in some saved pasta water to get it just right.

Add Final Touches:

Put onto plates or a big serving dish, then add more freshly grated Parmesan on top and rip fresh basil leaves over everything. The warmth from the pasta will release the basil's lovely scent, making the whole dish smell amazing.

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Those sun dried tomatoes are the magic touch in this dish. I found out how amazing they were years back when I accidentally dumped in double the amount I meant to. What I thought would ruin dinner turned into our favorite version, with their super rich flavor popping through in every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make this pasta up to 2 days before and keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. The taste actually gets better overnight, so it's great for planning ahead. When you warm it up, add a little cream or milk to bring back the smooth sauce texture, and heat it gently on the stove or in the microwave just until hot. Don't let it boil or the sauce might break apart.

Simple Variations

Switch things up by using shrimp instead of chicken, which cooks even quicker and brings a nice seafood sweetness. For a no-meat option, swap chicken for roasted mushrooms and artichoke hearts. The meaty mushrooms soak up all the tasty sauce really well. For an extra fancy twist, mix in 4 ounces of cream cheese while making the sauce for an even creamier, slightly tangy result that goes great with the sun dried tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This rich pasta goes great with a basic arugula salad with just lemon juice and olive oil to balance the creaminess. Some garlic bread on the side works perfectly for mopping up all that yummy sauce. For drinks, try a light Pinot Grigio or simple Chardonnay whose brightness cuts through the creamy parts of the meal. If it's for a special night, maybe start with something light like bruschetta before bringing out this show-stopping main dish.

The Story Behind the Name

Engagement Chicken started as a simple chicken dish so tasty it supposedly led to marriage proposals. The internet made this comfort food famous with its catchy name and incredibly rich taste. My pasta version keeps all the original wow-factor while making it a complete one-pot meal. Whether it leads to wedding bells or not, this pasta always wows dinner guests and has become my favorite recipe when I want guaranteed happy faces around the table.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Any mid-sized pasta goes great with this sauce. Try penne, farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni as they catch the creamy sauce in their grooves and twists. For a fancier look, you can't go wrong with linguine or fettuccine which work beautifully with the rich sauce too.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this dish. They're usually more flavorful and stay juicier during cooking. Just cut them into similar chunks and cook as directed. You might need to cook them a bit longer to make sure they're done all the way through.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

To tone down the heat, skip the red pepper flakes or use way less. The smoked paprika isn't spicy, so you can keep using it for flavor. If you want a gentler taste that's still interesting, try just a tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes or switch to some normal black pepper instead.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Sure, you can make this ahead, though it tastes best fresh. For advance prep, cook the pasta a little less than normal, make the sauce and chicken on their own, and put them in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, mix everything together and warm it slowly on low heat. Add a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce looks too thick. Save any fresh toppings until right before you serve it.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

As noted elsewhere, half-and-half works great for a lighter version. You can also try whole milk mixed with a spoon of cornstarch to thicken it up, or grab some evaporated milk for a similar creamy feel with less fat. A mixture of Greek yogurt and milk can do the trick too, but stir it in after taking the pan off the heat so it won't curdle.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This hearty pasta goes great with lighter sides like a basic green salad with lemony dressing, steamed or roasted veggies such as asparagus or broccoli, or some tasty garlic bread to mop up the extra sauce. A cool glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay really brings out the creamy flavors.