Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that has captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere. If you’re looking for a meal that will impress your loved ones or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner. With a combination of juicy chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s easy to see why this dish has earned its romantic name. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta from scratch. From the ingredients to the step-by-step process, you’ll find all the tips and tricks to make sure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This recipe uses a combination of savory and creamy ingredients that create a satisfying flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

  For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped

• 1 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

  For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

  For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley

These simple ingredients combine to create a mouthwatering, creamy dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  1. Preparing the Chicken

The first step in making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is to prepare the chicken breasts. Start by slicing the chicken breasts thinly so that they cook quickly and evenly.

Seasoning the Chicken:

Once your chicken is sliced, it’s time to season it. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken slices. These seasonings will infuse the chicken with rich, savory flavors that will complement the creamy sauce later on.

Cooking the Chicken:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken slices to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

  2. Preparing the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, you’ll make the creamy sauce. This sauce is the star of the dish, bringing all the flavors together and giving the pasta its luxurious texture.

Sautéing the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. The garlic will release its aromatic flavor, creating a base for the sauce. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained of their oil) to the skillet and sauté for another minute. These tomatoes add a tangy, savory bite that perfectly complements the richness of the cream.

Making the Sauce:

Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage.

Tasting and Adjusting:

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. The sauce should have a rich, creamy texture with a slight tang from the sun-dried tomatoes and a bit of heat from the red pepper flakes.

  3. Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken and sauce are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape) and cook according to the package directions. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked, but be sure to reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce if it gets too thick.

  4. Combining the Chicken, Sauce, and Pasta

Now that everything is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked chicken slices back into the skillet with the creamy sauce and stir to combine.

Tossing the Pasta:

Next, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir gently to coat the pasta and chicken with the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

  5. Garnishing and Serving

Once everything is well combined, it’s time to serve. Transfer the pasta to bowls or plates, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. The basil adds a herby note that balances out the richness of the sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here are a few pro tips to make sure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly:

  Prevent Dry Chicken:

To avoid dry chicken, don’t overcook it. Chicken breasts cook quickly, and if you leave them in the pan too long, they’ll become tough and dry. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the skillet to prevent it from continuing to cook in the hot pan.

  Adjusting the Sauce:

If you find that the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. This will also help the sauce cling to the pasta, creating a creamier texture. If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue to simmer it until it reaches your desired consistency.

  Fresh Parmesan for Best Flavor:

For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts better and gives the sauce a smoother, richer taste.

  Spicy Kick:

If you love a little spice, don’t hesitate to add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. The heat adds a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the dish.

Customizing the Recipe

While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is amazing as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste.

  1. Make It Vegetarian:

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. These ingredients absorb the sauce wonderfully and offer a savory, hearty bite.

  2. Add Vegetables:

If you want to add some extra veggies, try tossing in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers. These will add color, texture, and nutritional value to the dish.

  3. Make It Spicy:

As mentioned earlier, adding crushed red pepper flakes gives the dish a nice kick. You can also use fresh chili peppers if you prefer more heat.

  4. Swap the Pasta:

Feel free to use any type of pasta you like. While penne works great, you can swap it for fettuccine, spaghetti, or rigatoni. You can even try gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

While this dish is hearty and filling on its own, you can pair it with a few delicious sides to complete your meal.

  1. Garlic Bread:

A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy pasta. It’s ideal for soaking up the extra sauce left on your plate.

  2. Roasted Vegetables:

Roast some vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a healthy, flavorful side dish that complements the creamy pasta.

  3. Fresh Salad:

A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the pasta.

  4. Wine Pairings:

For wine lovers, a glass of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir pairs wonderfully with the creamy and slightly tangy flavor profile of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Storing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers (which is rare), don’t worry! Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores well for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

  Storing:

Place the leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

  Reheating:

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce, and stir until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a show-stopping dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in so many households. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or just looking to treat yourself, this recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Penne works well, but feel free to choose based on your preference.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra flavor and moisture. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly and slice them into bite-sized pieces for the pasta.

4. Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat Parmesan.

5. Can I freeze leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the pasta and sauce to cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing.

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