Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

A Romantic and Flavorful Dish to Impress

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and utterly irresistible dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious cream sauce. This dish is said to be so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether or not you’re looking for romance, this pasta is sure to impress anyone at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality meal – Creamy, flavorful, and gourmet-worthy without the high price.
• Easy to make – Comes together in just 30–40 minutes.
• Perfect for date nights – A dish with a romantic reputation, ideal for special occasions.
• Customizable – Works well with different types of pasta, proteins, and add-ins.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or your pasta of choice
• Salt (for boiling pasta water)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to thicken for 2–3 minutes.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Simmer for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, coating it in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
2. Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version – Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.
• Mushroom Addition – Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
• Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Protein Swap – Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
• Low-Carb Option – Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish even creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, add 2 ounces of cream cheese or an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but store the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this dish.

Is it necessary to use sun-dried tomatoes?

No, but they add a tangy depth of flavor. You can substitute cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce over low to medium heat and stir frequently. Avoid boiling the cream.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Can I make this dish in one pan?

Yes! Cook the pasta first, drain it, and then use the same pan for the sauce and chicken.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an indulgent and comforting dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions. Its creamy texture, bold flavors, and ease of preparation make it a standout recipe that everyone will love. Whether or not it leads to a marriage proposal, it’s guaranteed to win hearts!

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