Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. With tender, pan-seared chicken smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and tossed with pasta, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food. The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly creamy sauce – A blend of heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious texture.
• Simple yet elegant – Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough for a romantic date night.
• One-pan convenience – Fewer dishes to clean up!
• Rich and savory flavors – The combination of garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs gives this dish depth and warmth.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

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

For the sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the pasta:

• 8 ounces fettuccine, penne, or your preferred pasta
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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 pan and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes.

4. Combine Everything

1. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan cheese.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it lighter – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Use a different protein – Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon.
• Add vegetables – Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions.
• Go low-carb – Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Servings and Cooking Time

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

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing pasta, as it may become mushy.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and combine everything in a pan.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

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

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free for a fully gluten-free meal.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid high heat when adding cream and stir constantly to keep the sauce smooth.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Milk will make the sauce thinner, but you can add a little cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it.

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

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a deeper, more concentrated flavor. You may need to cook fresh tomatoes longer to soften them.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free parmesan alternatives.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and velvety sauce, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite. Try it today and see if it earns a marriage proposal—or at least a request for seconds!

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