Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Have you ever tried a dish so delicious that it might just lead to a marriage proposal? Well, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is said to be that good! This creamy, flavorful chicken pasta dish has a perfect blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious cream sauce—so irresistible that it’s earned the name “Marry Me Chicken.” Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or just want to impress your family, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds (or possibly, your hand in marriage!). Read on to discover how to make this dreamy dish and why it’s a must-try.

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What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dish that features juicy chicken breasts smothered in a flavorful sauce made from heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. It's typically served over pasta, making it a complete and filling meal. The name comes from the dish’s legendary ability to make anyone fall in love with it—and maybe even the cook! Perfect for a cozy date night or a special family meal, this recipe combines comforting flavors with an elegant presentation.

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• Chicken Breasts: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness
• Pasta: 12 oz of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, drained and chopped
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup for a rich, creamy sauce
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup for a flavorful base
• Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, freshly grated
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for cooking
• Butter: 2 tablespoons for extra richness
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a spicy kick)
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Fresh Basil: For garnish
• Shallots (optional): 1 small, finely diced for extra flavor

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Vegetarian Version)

If you want to make a vegetarian version of this recipe, you can easily substitute the chicken while keeping the same delicious flavors. Here’s what you need:

• Pasta: 12 oz (penne or fettuccine are great choices)
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, chopped
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup or plant-based cream for a vegan option
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Vegetable Broth: 1 cup to replace chicken broth
• Parmesan Cheese: Use a plant-based cheese substitute if necessary
• Olive Oil & Butter: 2 tablespoons each (use vegan butter for dairy-free)
• Mushrooms or Tofu: Substitute chicken with 8 oz of mushrooms or tofu for a hearty vegetarian dish
• Red Pepper Flakes: To taste
• Fresh Basil: For garnish

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing for a variety of substitutions and additions. Here are some ideas for customizing your Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• Low-Carb Option: Swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb version.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
• Vegetarian or Vegan: Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms, and swap out dairy products with plant-based alternatives.
• Cheesy Upgrade: For a cheesier dish, add some mozzarella or Gruyère to the sauce for extra creaminess.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or additional veggies to suit your preferences!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get to the heart of the matter: how to prepare this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta from start to finish. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a dish that will wow anyone at the table.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to help with the sauce if needed.

2. Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Sauté the minced garlic (and shallots if using) until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

4. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. This step infuses the oil with the rich, tangy flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes, creating a base layer of flavor for the sauce.

5. Make the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and continue to simmer until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water.

6. Return the Chicken to the Pan

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, stirring them into the creamy sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up all the flavors.

7. Toss with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the chicken and creamy sauce until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're looking for a quick and clear breakdown of the process, here’s a concise guide to cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta of choice until al dente.
2. Sear the Chicken: Season and cook chicken breasts until golden brown.
3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Cook the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in oil and butter.
4. Make the Sauce: Add chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan for a creamy, rich sauce.
5. Combine: Return chicken to the sauce, toss with pasta, and serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and chewy. Keep an eye on it and remove from heat as soon as it's done.
• Boiling the Cream: Heavy cream can curdle if boiled too vigorously. Simmer the sauce on medium-low heat to keep it smooth and creamy.
• Salty Pasta Water: Make sure to salt the pasta water, but don’t add too much salt to the sauce until after you’ve added Parmesan, as it’s naturally salty.
• Mushy Pasta: Avoid overcooking your pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well when mixed with the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Marry Me Chicken Pasta can elevate the dining experience. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve the pasta fresh out of the skillet, while the sauce is still creamy and warm. Pair it with a light salad and a crusty loaf of garlic bread. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, is an excellent complement to the rich cream sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here are some simple yet elegant presentation tips:

• Twirl the Pasta: Use tongs to twirl the pasta into neat bundles on each plate for a professional look.
• Basil Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Keep a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces to sprinkle on top for added color and flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips

To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is always a hit, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Prep Ahead: Pre-chop the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for smoother cooking.
• Use High-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and create a more luxurious sauce.
• Save Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and stay juicy in the sauce.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The pasta is best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You may need to add a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch.

4. How long do leftovers last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a romantic twist. The tender chicken, creamy sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes come together in a dish that is bound to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions, this recipe is as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. So grab your ingredients and give it a try—you just might find yourself on the receiving end of a proposal!

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