If you’re searching for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and a touch of romance, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need! Known for its irresistible taste and heartwarming appeal, this dish features tender, seasoned chicken cooked to perfection, smothered in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t just delicious it’s easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or special occasions. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a luscious sauce brings out a depth of flavor that will make anyone fall in love with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress someone special, this recipe will surely become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
So, why wait? Follow this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe step by step and create a meal that’s guaranteed to make a lasting impression!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir in the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips, and then add it to the sauce. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your marry me chicken pasta!
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or thyme can add an even more vibrant flavor to the sauce.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is not overcooked to keep it tender and juicy. A meat thermometer can help chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Creamy Sauce: For an extra creamy texture, add a touch of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce along with the heavy cream.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Try using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
Substitutions/Variations
- Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option. Alternatively, you can swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta: While fettuccine is commonly used, penne, spaghetti, or any other pasta shape you prefer will work great in this recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese to make the dish dairy-free.
- Add Vegetables: For more texture and flavor, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may slightly change in texture upon reheating. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in a skillet.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe features tender chicken in a rich, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and flavorful herbs. It’s an irresistible dish perfect for dinner, date nights, or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is resting, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir in the basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Slice the rested chicken into thin strips, and then add it to the sauce. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your marry me chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for spice preference.
- Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
❓ Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?
The name “marry me chicken pasta” comes from the dish’s reputation for being so delicious that it could make someone want to propose! The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and flavorful pasta creates a dish that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.
❓ Why is my marry me chicken sauce not thickening?
If your sauce isn’t thickening as expected, it’s likely because it hasn’t simmered long enough to reduce properly. To fix this, let the sauce cook for a few more minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. If needed, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to help thicken it up.
❓ Can you add raw chicken to pasta sauce?
It’s not recommended to add raw chicken directly into the pasta sauce because it requires time to cook through safely. Always cook the chicken first until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
❓ How many calories are in marry me chicken?
The calorie count for marry me chicken pasta can vary based on the ingredients used, but on average, a serving contains around 500-600 calories. This includes the chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta. You can reduce the calories by using lighter versions of heavy cream or pasta options, such as whole wheat or zucchini noodles.
Conclusion Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry me chicken pasta is a recipe that combines simplicity with bold flavors, making it the perfect dish to impress your loved ones. With a creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this meal is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, it’s a dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with easy-to-follow directions and helpful tips, it’s a meal that anyone can master. So grab your ingredients and start cooking your next favorite pasta dish is just a few steps away!
For more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and culinary inspiration, check out Chaynez Recipes, where you’ll find all of our latest recipes and updates in one place. From savory soups to delectable desserts, there’s something for every palate.
