When it comes to comfort food that warms the soul and tantalizes the taste buds, few dishes can rival the charm of “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” This creamy, flavorful pasta dish features tender chicken breast, a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that come together in a symphony of taste.
The name itself suggests the magic of this recipe—legend has it that it’s so delectable, it could inspire someone to pop the big question! Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this recipe is bound to impress.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
The origin of the name is rooted in the dish’s irresistible flavor. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, it’s said to be so good that anyone who tastes it might feel compelled to propose marriage. While that might be an exaggeration, there’s no denying that this dish has a way of bringing people together around the dinner table.
So, whether you’re looking to wow your partner or simply treat yourself to a gourmet experience at home, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a recipe worth trying.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this culinary masterpiece, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) dry pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite type)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ tsp each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks:
- Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet:
- Melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm and creamy. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Pasta Choices: While penne is a popular choice for this dish, feel free to experiment with other types of pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti.
- Customizable Protein: If you don’t have chicken breast on hand, chicken thighs also work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
2. What can I use as a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese as a substitute for heavy cream.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or grilled tofu for a satisfying alternative.
4. What’s a good side dish to serve with this pasta?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad are excellent side dishes that pair beautifully with Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated. For best results, store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
A Dish Worth Falling In Love With
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience that brings comfort and joy with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to an indulgent dinner, this recipe is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even your hand in marriage! So roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that’s as unforgettable as its name.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Not specified
Description
The “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is said to be so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal!
Ingredients
Pasta:
8 oz (225g) dry pasta
Chicken and Seasoning:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Sauce:
1 tbsp butter
½ cup finely chopped onion
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to use your preferred type of pasta, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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