Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz dried pasta of choice; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup onion, finely chopped; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon butter; 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; Basil leaves for garnish

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

This Italian-American fusion recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, creating a meal so delicious it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” stems from the idea that this dish is so irresistible, it could potentially lead someone to pop the question. The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta creates a combination that’s hard to forget. It’s comfort food at its finest, yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor, thanks to a handful of key ingredients:

8 oz dried pasta of your choice: Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics.
½ cup onion: Finely chopped for a sweet and savory base.
3-4 cloves garlic: Minced for that irresistible aroma.
1 Tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the dish.
1 pound chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Seasonings: ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
1 cup heavy cream: The base of the luscious sauce.
½ cup Parmesan cheese: Grated for a nutty, cheesy flavor.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped to add tangy sweetness.
Fresh basil leaves: For garnish and a burst of freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Here’s how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Cook the Chicken
Add the butter to the skillet, followed by the chicken pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently until the sauce thickens, coating the back of a spoon.
Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and toss in the cooked pasta. Mix well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil leaves for garnish and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Success

Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will work, short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out the meat.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes. For more spice, feel free to add extra!
Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version without compromising too much on creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you have leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken on hand, simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the sauce during the final steps.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian twist. You can also add spinach or kale for extra greens.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio also complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

A Dish Worth Falling In Love With

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together over its irresistible flavors. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this recipe is bound to leave a lasting impression.

So grab your apron and get ready to whip up a dish so delectable that it might just become your new favorite! Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a dish that’s flavorful, comforting, and sure to impress. A perfect Italian-American meal to whip up in just 30 minutes.

Author: Sarah Tag
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Add butter to the skillet, then add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Everything:
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer to serving plates or a platter. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.