Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that marries the comforting warmth of pasta with the rich, creamy goodness of chicken cooked in a delectable sauce. This dish has become a sensation for good reason; it’s the ultimate showstopper for both simple dinners and special occasions. Imagine a cozy weeknight family dinner or a romantic meal for two—this pasta is versatile enough to shine in any scenario!
Why you’ll love this dish
One of the standout features of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its ability to create a memorable experience without requiring hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests, making it a go-to recipe for many home cooks. The harmony of flavors, from the tangy sun-dried tomatoes to the creamy Parmesan sauce, is utterly irresistible.
"This meal has officially won over my entire family. Even my picky son went for seconds!"
Many people make this dish when they want something delicious that’s quick and easy. You get a satisfying meal from start to finish in just about 30 minutes, making it the perfect solution for those "What’s for dinner?" moments.
Step-by-step overview
Now, let’s dive into how this delightful dish comes together. You’ll know what to expect at each stage, ensuring a smooth cooking experience. The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in searing the chicken to perfection before adding all the flavor-packed ingredients to create a delicious sauce.
Gather these items
Before we get into the cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for searing)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Don’t worry if you’re missing a specific ingredient. There’s flexibility here—chicken thighs can work as a substitute for breasts, and different types of pasta can change the dish while still keeping the essence intact.
Directions to follow
Ready to whip up this culinary masterpiece? Here’s how to prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat. Add in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine it all.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to plating, you can get creative! Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant touch, and consider sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes on top for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, also complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. Alternatively, microwave it for convenience, but do so in intervals to avoid overheating.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time:
- Slicing the chicken thinly ensures quicker cooking and more surface area for flavor absorption.
- To save prep time, consider using pre-minced garlic or jarred sun-dried tomatoes.
- If you want a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based cream.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize this dish! Adding spinach or kale will boost the nutritional value and add a beautiful green color. For a different flavor profile, consider substituting pesto for the sun-dried tomatoes or adding some mushrooms for an earthy depth. Gluten-free or whole wheat pasta can also be used as alternatives.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Overall, you can have this delicious meal ready in about 30-40 minutes, depending on your ingredient prep speed.What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes can provide a fresh twist, although the flavor will change slightly.Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed.
Enjoy the delightfully creamy and aromatic experience that is Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This comforting dish is sure to win over hearts and appetites alike.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
For the sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
For the pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any delicious bits stuck to the bottom.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat. Add in the cooked pasta and mix well to combine it all.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.