Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that will make any dinner feel special. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken in a creamy Parmesan sauce, enhanced by the rich flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The perfect balance of creaminess and tang makes this pasta irresistible, ensuring it will win over anyone who tries it.
With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time of just 30 minutes, this meal is ideal for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. I guarantee that serving this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef, impressing family and friends while keeping things easy in the kitchen.
For more great pasta recipes, try: Italian Pasta with Chicken, Creamy Broccoli Pasta, and Vodka Sauce Pasta.
Why You Will Love This Marry-Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
I find this Marry-Me Chicken Pasta to be a go-to dish for many reasons.
First, it’s perfect for a date night at home. The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a romantic vibe that’s sure to impress.
On busy weeknights, this recipe shines. It takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet delicious weeknight dinner. I love having it in my dinner rotation because it’s both satisfying and easy to make.
The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of red pepper flakes adds complexity to the flavor. This blend of ingredients transforms simple chicken and pasta into something special.
Whether you’re cooking for family or having friends over, this dish meets everyone’s taste. I often serve it with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, enhancing its appeal. With flavors that captivate, it’s no wonder I keep coming back to this recipe.
Not to mention, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as good the next day. This recipe truly makes meal planning easier, encouraging me to look forward to cooking every time.
How To Make Perfect Marry-Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
To make Marry-Me Chicken Pasta, I start with the key ingredients: chicken, pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Here’s how I do it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups dry pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Highlight: Olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes
Cook the Chicken
I season the chicken with salt and pepper. Then, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The chicken cooks for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown. I set the chicken aside once done.
Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet, I melt butter and add minced garlic. After 30 seconds, I stir in tomato paste before adding flour. Next, I whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, letting it simmer.
Combine and Serve
I add sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and spices to the thickened sauce. Meanwhile, I cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water. Then, I mix the chicken, pasta, and sauce together.
Finishing Touches
A splash of reserved pasta water helps everything blend. I finish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top.
Key Ingredients And Substitutions
Making Marry-Me Chicken Pasta requires some essential ingredients. Here’s a list of key items and possible substitutes:
- Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can substitute with thighs for more flavor.
- Pasta: I prefer penne, but rigatoni or spaghetti works well too.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds great taste. If not available, use garlic powder.
- Cream: Heavy cream gives richness. You could use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best. If unavailable, try asiago or pecorino.
- Broth: I use chicken broth. Vegetable broth is a good substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add sweetness. You can use fresh cherry tomatoes if needed.
- Herbs: I use Italian seasoning and fresh basil leaves. Dried oregano works if fresh isn’t available.
- Red Pepper Flakes: For heat, I add these. If you prefer less spice, omit them or use paprika.
- Butter: Adds flavor to the sauce. You can replace it with more olive oil.
This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dish, while substitutions allow for flexibility based on what I have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have gathered some common questions about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta. These answers should help clarify any details you might be curious about regarding ingredients, variations, and the cooking process.
What are the key ingredients for a classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish?
The main ingredients include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, and a variety of seasonings. You also need heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Pasta is essential to complete the dish.
How can I make a Cajun-inspired version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
To create a Cajun twist, season the chicken with Cajun spices instead of Italian seasoning. Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet when cooking the chicken, and consider including a bit of smoked sausage for extra flavor.
What are the steps to creating an easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home?
Start by seasoning and cooking the chicken in a skillet. Once it’s done, prepare the sauce with garlic, tomato paste, and heavy cream. Cook the pasta separately, then mix everything together, adding in the cooked chicken and garnishing with basil and Parmesan.
Can you explain the origin of the name ‘Marry Me Chicken’?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious it could inspire someone to propose marriage. It’s a playful notion linked to the comforting and indulgent flavors of the dish.
What variations can be made to the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe to include spinach?
To add spinach, stir in fresh spinach leaves during the last few minutes of cooking the sauce. This allows the spinach to wilt nicely and blend with the creamy sauce without overcooking.
Is there a preferred type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken dish?
While you can use various types of pasta, fettuccine or penne works well with the creamy sauce. These shapes hold the sauce better. This makes each bite flavorful.
Marry-Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken skinless, boneless
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper ground
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp flour all-purpose
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian sesaoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 3 cups pasta dry
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite sized pieces. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well-browned on all sides. (About 6-8 minutes.) Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the tomato paste and cook for one minute.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it thicken for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, chopped rehydrated tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pasta sauce. Also add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat everything.
- Stir until well comined and heated through. Garnish generously with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
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