Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish Worth Falling For

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The name suggests that this dish is so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal—and once you taste it, you’ll understand why!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Creamy & Flavorful: The sauce is a dreamy blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Restaurant-Worthy: It feels like a gourmet meal but is easy enough for home cooking.
• Versatile: Works well with different pasta types and proteins.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
• Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.

2. Cook the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth.

4. Cook the Pasta

• While making the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Combine Everything

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
• Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything together until well coated.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve immediately while warm.

Recipe Variations

• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
• Make it Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• Try a Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
• Use a Different Pasta: Works well with spaghetti, bowties, or even gnocchi.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce won’t be as rich. You can add a bit of cream cheese to compensate.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sun-dried tomatoes and broth are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can cook the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat before adding the pasta.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a deeper flavor. You may need to cook fresh tomatoes longer for a similar effect.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an extra layer of flavor.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could lead to a marriage proposal!

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in romance. Whether you’re making it for a date night or just treating yourself, its creamy, comforting taste is sure to impress. Try it out, and who knows? You just might get a marriage proposal!

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