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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Short Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. This indulgent meal is known for its irresistible taste, making it a favorite for date nights, special occasions, or simply when you want a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy sauce with a perfect balance of flavors
  • Tender, juicy chicken infused with garlic and herbs
  • Easy to make in under an hour
  • Restaurant-quality meal made at home
  • Perfect for romantic dinners or family meals

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil

For the sauce:

  • Butter
  • Garlic, minced
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Fresh basil, chopped

For the pasta:

  • Your choice of pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
  • Salt (for boiling water)

Directions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for a minute.
  4. Add the creamy ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
  5. Slice the chicken: Cut the cooked chicken into slices and return them to the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
  6. Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  7. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
  8. Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken, topping with extra parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Preparation time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking time: 30 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
  • Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor boost.
  • White Wine Flavor: Replace half of the chicken broth with white wine for a richer taste.
  • Cheese Lovers’ Version: Add extra parmesan or a touch of mozzarella for an even creamier texture.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The dish is so delicious that it’s said to be worthy of a marriage proposal!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great choices, but any pasta will work.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding the cream and stir continuously to keep it smooth.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus make great additions.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, but you may want to omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or simply indulging in a comforting pasta dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Try different variations to customize it to your taste, and enjoy every bite!

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Sarra
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Print Recipe

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect meal to impress your loved one with its rich flavors and easy preparation!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta:

    • Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

  • Prepare the Chicken:

    • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

  • Make the Sauce:

    • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
    • Add red pepper flakes (if using) and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another minute.
    • Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
    • Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, cooking until the sauce thickens.

  • Combine Everything:

    • Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan.
    • Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.

  • Garnish & Serve:

    • Sprinkle fresh basil on top and serve warm!

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before the chicken broth.
  • Substitutions: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (¼ of the recipe)
  • Calories: ~650 kcal
  • Sugar: ~5g
  • Sodium: ~700mg
  • Fat: ~35g
  • Saturated Fat: ~17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~15g
  • Trans Fat: ~0g
  • Carbohydrates: ~50g
  • Fiber: ~3g
  • Protein: ~40g
  • Cholesterol: ~120mg

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