Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: The BEST (Easy & Creamy!)

Introduction

Have you ever tasted a dish so incredibly delicious that you’d be willing to propose on the spot? That’s exactly the sentiment behind Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This irresistible Italian-American creation got its name from the legend that it’s so good, a bite is enough to elicit a marriage proposal! With its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken pieces, and perfectly cooked pasta, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe has earned its reputation as a relationship accelerator.

What makes this creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly special is the perfect balance of rich, savory flavors and subtle notes that dance on your palate. The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of taste that’s simply unforgettable.

Looking for the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe will not disappoint. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth (use high-quality for best flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 teaspoon salt (for pasta water)

Ingredient Quality Tip: The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final dish. Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese rather than pre-grated varieties for a richer flavor profile. For sun-dried tomatoes, the oil-packed variety will provide more depth than the dry-packed ones.

Substitution Options:

• Heavy Cream: Don’t have heavy cream? Try half-and-half with a tablespoon of butter, or for a lighter option, use evaporated milk.
• Chicken Breasts: Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully for a more tender, flavorful result.
• Fresh Basil: If unavailable, substitute with 1 teaspoon dried basil added earlier in the cooking process.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers can work in a pinch, though they’ll alter the flavor profile slightly.
• Parmesan: Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese can substitute effectively.

Step-by-Step Instructions of Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut chicken breasts into even-sized cutlets or pound to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
2. Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning, which develops flavor and creates fond (those delicious browned bits) in the pan.

2nd Step: Prepare the Pasta

1. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add salt to the water (it should taste like seawater).
3. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
4. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Drain pasta but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.

Tip: For perfectly cooked pasta, start testing for doneness 2 minutes before the suggested cooking time. The pasta should offer slight resistance when bitten into.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Using the same skillet from the chicken (do not clean it), reduce heat to medium.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will impart a bitter taste.
3. Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer (not a boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
2. Add the pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand.
3. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet.
4. Stir in fresh basil and let everything heat together for 1-2 minutes.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6. Garnish with additional fresh basil, Parmesan shavings, and a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Variations and Adaptations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Transform this dish into a fiery romance by increasing the red pepper flakes to 2 teaspoons and adding 1 tablespoon of hot honey or a splash of calabrian chili oil to the sauce. The heat level adds an exciting dimension to the creamy base.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

For added color and nutrition, stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach when combining the pasta with the sauce. The heat will wilt the spinach perfectly. You can also increase the sun-dried tomatoes to ½ cup for more tangy sweetness.

Vegetarian Marry Me Pasta

Replace the chicken with 8 ounces of sautéed portobello mushrooms, sliced and cooked until golden. The meaty texture of the mushrooms provides a satisfying alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian option.

Lower-Calorie Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Create a lighter version by substituting the heavy cream with ½ cup Greek yogurt mixed with ½ cup milk. Use half the amount of Parmesan and increase the herbs for flavor. Opt for whole wheat pasta for additional fiber.

Dietary Adaptations

Serving Suggestions

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a showstopper on its own, but the right accompaniments can elevate it to an unforgettable meal:

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Brush a baguette with garlic butter, sprinkle with Parmesan, and broil until golden for the perfect vehicle to soak up extra sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: Toss arugula with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a bright contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or broccolini roasted until slightly charred provides a wonderful textural contrast.

Wine Pairings

• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Pinot Grigio: For a lighter option, this crisp white wine balances the richness of the dish.
• Rosé: A dry rosé works surprisingly well, cutting through the creaminess while complementing the tomato notes.

Presentation Tips

• Serve in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.
• Twist the pasta using tongs for an attractive height on the plate.
• Place sliced chicken on top rather than mixed in for a more dramatic presentation.
• Finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and large Parmesan shavings.

Storage and Reheating

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover marry me chicken pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together for the best flavor melding.
• Separation: If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider storing the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

Reheating

• Stovetop (Preferred Method): Place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or chicken broth. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals at 70% power, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water or cream before heating to maintain moisture.
• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, add 1-2 tablespoons of cream or broth, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Pro Tip: When reheating, the sauce may have thickened considerably. Adding a splash of cream or broth will bring it back to its original consistency.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe):

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, and gently reheat the sauce before combining. Add a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Can I freeze this dish?

The sauce and chicken freeze well for up to 3 months, but the pasta is best made fresh. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh cream when reheating to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

What kind of pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine is traditional for this creamy sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or other pasta shapes with ridges or hollows work beautifully as they catch and hold the sauce. For a more elegant presentation, consider using fresh pasta.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a delicious substitution. They’re more forgiving to cook (less likely to dry out) and offer a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed – chicken thighs typically take a few minutes longer than breasts.

How can I make this dish more garlicky?

For garlic lovers, increase to 5-6 cloves. You can also add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce for depth of flavor without additional chopping. Another option is to roast a whole head of garlic until soft, then squeeze the cloves into the sauce for a mellower, sweeter garlic flavor.

Is there a way to make this dish in one pot?

Yes! Cook the chicken as directed and set aside. In the same pan, add a small amount of additional oil if needed, then add 4 cups of chicken broth and 12 oz of pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed (about 8-10 minutes). Stir in the cream, cheese, and other sauce ingredients, then add back the chicken.

conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe truly lives up to its name – rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself to an extraordinary meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Have you tried making this creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and don’t forget to share your creation on social media with #MarryMeChickenPasta. Subscribe to our newsletter for more romance-worthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!

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