Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Creamy Dish Worth Falling For

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Chicken breast: 2, cut into bite-size pieces; Sun-dried tomatoes: 1/2 cup; Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; Heavy cream: 1 cup; Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup, grated; Chicken stock: 1/2 cup; Pasta: 8 ounces (penne or preferred type); Seasoning: Salt, pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes to taste; Basil: Fresh, for garnish; Olive oil: 2 tablespoons

Looking for a recipe that will make your taste buds sing and become an instant favorite in your dinner rotation? Look no further! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, rich tomato flavors, and perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s quick, easy, and perfect for impressing your loved ones. Read on to learn how to make this irresistible dish step by step.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful pasta dish that combines tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. The chicken is seared to perfection in a skillet before being simmered in a tomato and garlic-infused sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta, this dish is rich, comforting, and flavorful.

This dish gets its name because it’s so good that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals. Whether or not that’s true, one thing is certain: this creamy chicken pasta recipe will win hearts!

Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” stems from its irresistible taste. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors is so enchanting that anyone who eats it might propose! While the name’s origins remain a mystery, this dish’s popularity speaks for itself.

Fun fact: Using sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream gives this dish a luxurious feel, perfect for romantic dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients

To make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, gather the following:

Chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
Sun-dried tomatoes
Garlic (minced)
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Chicken stock
Pasta (penne or your favorite type)
Seasoning: salt, pepper, dried oregano, red pepper flakes
Basil (fresh, for garnish)

These ingredients create a rich, creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and pasta.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breast with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a splash of chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheese

Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the chicken back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

The Secret to a Rich and Creamy Sauce

Tips for Success

Use high-quality heavy cream for a rich base.
Grate fresh parmesan cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melting.
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the creaminess.
Simmer the sauce on medium-low heat to prevent curdling.

Adding a splash of pasta water can help emulsify the sauce and coat the pasta evenly. Furthermore, consider adding a pinch of dried oregano or freshly ground black pepper just before serving for extra depth of flavor.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Chicken

Key Techniques

Cooking chicken to perfection is key to making this dish shine:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Sear the chicken over medium-high heat to get a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain its juices before slicing.

Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-size pieces ensures even cooking and tenderness throughout the dish.

Substitutions and Variations

Customize Your Recipe

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for a richer flavor.
Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Swap parmesan cheese for pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
Add a handful of spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.

For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or chickpeas and swap the chicken stock for vegetable broth. The creamy sauce also pairs wonderfully with plant-based options.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Perfect Pairings

Complement this dish with:

Garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.

Consider serving a light appetizer like bruschetta or a classic caprese salad for a complete Italian-inspired meal. Pair it with a decadent dessert like tiramisu or panna cotta to end on a sweet note.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage Tips

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

Warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to refresh the sauce.

Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. If freezing, store the pasta and sauce separately for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Common Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Shred the chicken and add it to the sauce in step 5.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What type of pasta works best?
While penne is a classic choice, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.