Imagine a dish so irresistible that it could spark romance at your dinner table! The Best Recipe For Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a meal—it’s an experience. Picture tender chicken breasts bathed in a creamy sauce, perfectly entwined with al dente pasta. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special date nights, and it’s a surefire way to impress your loved ones. The wonderful combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cheese creates a medley of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated.
Why you’ll love this dish
Why not indulge in a dish that combines simplicity with decadence? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is quick enough for a weeknight meal yet lavish enough to serve at a gathering. It blends the ease of cooking with the allure of gourmet dining, making it a fantastic choice for busy families and culinary beginners alike.
"My partner and I had this for dinner, and he said it was one of the best meals I’ve ever made! It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor—definitely a keeper!"
When you make this dish, you’re not just providing a meal; you’re creating an occasion. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a lively gathering for friends, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is bound to be a standout on any table.
Step-by-step overview
Creating The Best Recipe For Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy, enjoyable cooking adventure! You start by seasoning and searing the chicken to golden perfection, then whip up a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, you’ll toss in cooked pasta and meld all the flavors together. It’s that simple!
What you’ll need
Gather these items for a culinary experience that dazzles:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Feel free to switch the pasta type based on your preference; it’s delicious with fettuccine or linguine too!
Directions to follow
Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes around 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, move the chicken to a plate to keep warm.
Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain it!
Make the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Introduce the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld.
Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan until it’s melted and smooth. If you find the sauce thick, use some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is illuminated in the sauce.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately and give your dish a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or freshly chopped basil for an appealing finish.
Best ways to enjoy it
How you plate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta can enhance the experience. Consider garnishing with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil. For sides, a light salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully. A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, also complements the richness of the sauce wonderfully.
Storage and reheating tips
For any leftovers (if they last that long!), store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce thickens, don’t hesitate to add a splash of milk or the reserved pasta water to bring it back to life!
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few professional tips to elevate your dish:
- Ensure your chicken is fully thawed for even cooking.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Incorporate cooked spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Swap out sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes; roast them for a sweeter flavor.
- Try adding cooked shrimp or even around a cup of mushrooms in place of chicken for a unique take.
Common questions
What is the prep time for this dish?
You can have this dish prepped and cooked in about 30-35 minutes!
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape; just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces can sometimes change in texture once thawed. If you do decide to freeze it, try to reheat it gently after thawing for best results.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply indulging in a comforting meal, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy the experience, and happy cooking!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets Ensure chicken is fully thawed for even cooking.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni) Feel free to switch the pasta type based on your preference.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken cutlets on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side, then move to a plate to keep warm.
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring to a simmer, stirring in the grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, and season with more salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan or freshly chopped basil.