Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s known to be so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! With tender chicken in a creamy, Parmesan-rich sauce, this pasta dish is comfort food at its best—perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal.

Reasons to Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Indulgent & Comforting: Rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic creates a decadent flavor.
Romantic & Impressive: Perfect for date nights or special occasions, yet simple enough for a weeknight.
Customizable: Adjust the flavors and add your own twist, like adding extra veggies or spice.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes make this recipe even more appealing.

What Does This Dish Taste Like?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is savory, creamy, and has a hint of tang from sun-dried tomatoes, balanced with the earthiness of garlic and Italian herbs. The sauce is rich and velvety, clinging to each pasta strand, and the chicken is tender and juicy, making every bite a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
Fresh Basil: For garnish

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Tongs
Mixing spoon
Pot for boiling pasta
Grater for Parmesan cheese

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

Add Spinach or Mushrooms: Fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms add depth and nutrition.
Substitute Greek Yogurt or Half & Half: For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half & half.
More Spice: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Cheese Variations: Mix in some mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season & Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in the sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Great for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness and a nice color contrast.

Storage Instructions / Tips for Making / Tips for Success

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freeze: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Tip for Creamy Sauce: Add a bit of pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and add extra flavor.
Can I make it dairy-free? Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free cream alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Choose any pasta that holds sauce well, like penne or bowtie.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, depending on portion size)

Calories: ~600
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~30g

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, delicious dish that’s sure to impress anyone you serve it to. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your taste. Whether it’s for a special dinner or just because, this dish will make any meal memorable.

Enjoy this cozy, flavorful pasta and maybe even inspire a “marriage proposal” of your own!