Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just the recipe! Creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this dish has earned its romantic name for good reason—one bite, and you might just be tempted to propose! It’s perfect for a cozy dinner, a special occasion, or simply when you’re craving comfort food with a touch of elegance.

Let’s dive into this deliciously creamy, indulgent pasta that will become an instant favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
• Family-Friendly: Both adults and kids will love the tender chicken bites and creamy sauce.
• Versatile: With options to customize and add your own twist, you can easily make this recipe your own.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this recipe so delicious:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken cut into bite-sized pieces, providing the protein and heartiness of the dish.
• Pasta: Any pasta will do, but we recommend a sturdy variety like penne or fettuccine to hold up against the rich sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the cream.
• Heavy Cream and Parmesan: The stars of the sauce, these two ingredients create a thick, creamy texture that makes the dish so indulgent.

Detailed Ingredients List

Before getting started, here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe. This recipe serves approximately four people, but you can easily double or triple the quantities if cooking for more.

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

this RECIPE

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this recipe, gather the following kitchen tools:

• A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce
• Pasta pot for boiling the pasta
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce
• Chef’s knife for chopping onions and sun-dried tomatoes
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons and measuring cups

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta—it should be al dente, meaning firm to the bite.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until fragrant and the onions are translucent.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them heat through. The tanginess of the tomatoes will balance out the richness of the sauce beautifully.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken just until it’s browned and fully cooked, but avoid overcooking as this can result in dry, tough pieces.
• Separating the Sauce: Simmer the sauce on medium-low heat to ensure it thickens without separating. If the sauce starts to break, reduce the heat immediately.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Keep your pasta al dente to avoid a mushy texture when combined with the sauce.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version of the dish.
• Protein Substitutes: If you prefer something other than chicken, shrimp or turkey breast make great alternatives.
• Dairy-Free: Use a coconut cream or cashew-based cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute for a dairy-free version.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation, serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a large white platter or individual plates. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmesan. To add even more color, sprinkle a bit of crushed red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick.

Serve this dish with a simple side salad or a piece of warm, crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dinner.

Storing Leftovers & Reheating

If you have any leftovers (though we doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to prevent the pasta from drying out and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce may not retain its creamy texture once thawed.

FAQ Section

Can I use another type of pasta for this dish?
Absolutely! While we recommend sturdy pasta like penne or fettuccine, feel free to use your favorite type. Spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta will work perfectly.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Be sure to simmer the sauce on medium-low heat and avoid bringing it to a boil. If the sauce separates, try whisking in a bit more cream to help it come back together.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoy this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta as much as we do! If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more amazing recipes that you’ll want to make over and over again.

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