Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with pasta. The dish gets its name from its irresistible taste, said to be so delicious it could prompt a marriage proposal! This recipe is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply crave a comforting meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: A velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Perfectly Seasoned: A blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes add layers of flavor.
• Easy Yet Elegant: A restaurant-quality dish made with simple ingredients.
• Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen over time, making it just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
2. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
7. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 4: Combine and Serve

9. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
10. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat in the creamy sauce.
11. Stir in butter for extra richness, if desired.
12. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.

Variations

• Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Cheese Boost: Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan for a cheesier sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with mushrooms or tofu.

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 gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Simply adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great choices, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the pasta may absorb some of the sauce. Reheat with a bit of added cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, tangy flavor, but you can substitute with cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil.

What side dishes go well with this?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding cream and cheese, and avoid boiling the sauce.

Can I add mushrooms or spinach?

Absolutely! Sauté mushrooms with the garlic, or stir in fresh spinach at the end.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re making it for a date night or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it once, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!

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