If you’re on the hunt for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious weeknight dinner, Emily’s Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and flavorful tomato pesto with tortellini to create a meal that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Emily’s Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is a standout for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: With a total cook time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Alfredo sauce, tomato pesto, and Italian seasoning creates a rich and flavorful sauce that coats every bite of chicken and pasta.
- Versatile: This recipe can easily be customized with your favorite pasta, additional vegetables, or even different types of protein.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for both casual family dinners and more special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Emily’s Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 10-12 frozen chicken strips (or nuggets)
- 1 jar (15oz) Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 jar (7oz) tomato pesto
- 1 family-sized bag tortellini
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp black pepper
Ingredient Notes
- Frozen Chicken Strips: Using frozen chicken strips or nuggets saves time and ensures a consistent texture. Cooking them in an air fryer adds a crispy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
- Alfredo Sauce: Choose a high-quality Alfredo sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own if you prefer.
- Tomato Pesto: This adds a unique twist to the traditional Alfredo sauce, infusing the dish with a burst of tomato flavor.
- Tortellini: Cheese-filled tortellini is recommended, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
First, cook the frozen chicken strips or nuggets according to the package instructions. For best results, use an air fryer to achieve a crispy texture. The air fryer not only cooks the chicken quickly but also gives it a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to prepare the sauce:
- In a large pan over low heat, combine the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, tomato pesto, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
- Cover the pan and stir every few minutes to ensure the sauce is well-mixed and heated through. This step allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
3. Cook the Tortellini
Next, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Timing is key here; aim to have the tortellini ready just as the chicken finishes cooking. This ensures everything is hot and ready to combine seamlessly.
4. Combine and Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked, cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cooked tortellini and chicken pieces to the pan with the sauce.
- Stir well to coat everything evenly with the creamy, flavorful sauce.
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious and easy pasta dish!
Tips for the Best Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While the recipe is designed to be quick and convenient, using the freshest ingredients possible will enhance the overall flavor.
- Customize the Recipe: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Garnish: Top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 35g
Making It Healthier
For those looking to make this dish a bit healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduced-Fat Alfredo Sauce: Use a reduced-fat Alfredo sauce or make your own with less cream.
- Whole Wheat Tortellini: Opt for whole wheat tortellini for added fiber.
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of using frozen chicken strips, grill fresh chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights
Emily’s Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is the epitome of a perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a flavor-packed punch that tastes like it took hours to make. The convenience of using pre-cooked chicken strips and a few pantry staples means you can have dinner on the table in no time, without compromising on taste.
A Dish That’s Sure to Impress
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends for dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce and tangy tomato pesto creates a unique and memorable flavor profile. Plus, the presentation of colorful tortellini and golden-brown chicken pieces makes it look as good as it tastes.
Conclusion
Emily’s Lazy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta is a must-try recipe that brings together the best of convenience and gourmet flavor. With its easy preparation, rich taste, and versatile nature, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. So next time you’re in need of a quick and delicious dinner, give this recipe a try and watch it win over everyone at the table.
Enjoy cooking, and happy eating!