Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking to make a dish that’s guaranteed to impress your significant other or anyone you're cooking for, look no further than this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Creamy, flavorful, and irresistible, this dish has a reputation for being so good, it could potentially lead to a proposal! Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or simply want to indulge in a delicious meal, this recipe will hit the spot. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about making the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

this Recipe

What is "Marry Me Chicken Pasta"?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy chicken dish paired with pasta, featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and a hint of herbs. This indulgent meal is bursting with flavors that create a harmony of savory and slightly tangy tastes, making it an instant hit at any dinner table. The story behind the name? Some claim that the dish is so good, it has inspired marriage proposals! Whether you're looking to seal the deal or simply enjoy a heavenly dinner, this recipe won't disappoint.

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To get started, you'll need a collection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that work in harmony to create this rich and creamy dish. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, these will be the star protein of your dish.
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken and enhance the flavors of the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden brown.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: A must-have for any creamy sauce, garlic adds a delicious aromatic touch.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The base for the rich, creamy sauce.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: For that cheesy, savory bite.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat to balance the richness.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Their slight tang and concentrated flavor enhance the cream sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to add a layer of herbal complexity.
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): These herbs provide a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
• 12 oz pasta: Fettuccine or penne work best, but any sturdy pasta will do.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Used to make the sauce silky smooth.

Substitutions and Variations

While the traditional ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta create a delicious and balanced dish, you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some popular substitutions and variations:

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Thighs offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, cauliflower, or zucchini to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. The sauce is rich enough that you'll still get that creamy, indulgent flavor.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles (zoodles) to make the dish gluten-free without sacrificing texture or taste.
• Dairy-free: You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños for an extra spicy version of the dish.

These substitutions allow you to customize the dish to fit different diets, preferences, or ingredient availability without losing the essence of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Follow these steps carefully to make sure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time.

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

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken and ensure that every bite is seasoned.
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
   • Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.
3. Make the Cream Sauce
   • Pour the chicken broth into the pan and scrape the bottom to deglaze it, picking up all the browned bits left behind from the chicken.
   • Add the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4. Cook the Pasta
   • While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, as the pasta will soak up some of the sauce when combined.
5. Combine the Chicken and Sauce
   • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes so the chicken absorbs some of the sauce flavors.
6. Mix with Pasta
   • Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve
   • For the final touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a few common mistakes can throw off the balance of flavors or textures. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the chicken: Dry, tough chicken can ruin the dish. Make sure to cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F, then remove it from the pan to rest while you make the sauce.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if overcooked, so keep a close eye on it and sauté it briefly before adding the liquid.
• Undercooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente. It should be tender but still have a bit of bite to it, as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.
• Sauce too thin: If your sauce doesn’t thicken enough, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a little extra parmesan cheese to help it along.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfectly cooked, it's time to serve it up in style! Here’s how to plate it for maximum visual appeal.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in large bowls or on wide, shallow plates. This will allow the sauce to spread evenly across the pasta and chicken, ensuring every bite is flavorful. You can slice the chicken breasts and fan them out over the pasta for a more elegant presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Garnish: Top the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley. You could also add a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top for color.
• Parmesan shavings: Instead of grated parmesan, try shaving larger curls of parmesan with a vegetable peeler for a more upscale presentation.
• Serve with bread: A side of warm, crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out restaurant-quality:

• Make it ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it and cook the pasta fresh for the best results.
• Use high-quality ingredients: The flavor of this dish largely depends on the quality of your parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken. Opt for high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt or an extra dash of Italian seasoning can make all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While fettuccine or penne are traditional, any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work, such as rigatoni or farfalle.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can freeze the chicken and sauce, but it's best to make fresh pasta when serving, as pasta can become mushy after being frozen.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat slowly over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

It has a mild spice from the red pepper flakes, but you can omit them if you prefer a completely mild dish.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that's not only packed with flavor but also carries a romantic flair. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe is sure to impress. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in a symphony of flavors that are impossible to resist. Give this recipe a try—you might just fall in love with it!

Print