Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a mouth-watering, creamy pasta dish that’s so flavorful, it might just make you want to propose! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken in a rich and creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, served over pasta. It’s indulgent, comforting, and easy to prepare – the perfect meal for date night, a special occasion, or just when you want to treat yourself to something amazing.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, share some tips to make it even more delicious, and answer your most frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Rich and Flavorful Sauce
The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is the star of this dish. Made with heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan, the sauce is rich and velvety, making every bite a flavorful delight.
2. Juicy, Tender Chicken
The chicken breasts are pan-seared to perfection, seasoned to bring out the flavor, and then simmered in the delicious cream sauce, ensuring each piece is juicy and tender.
3. Perfectly Balanced
The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a well-balanced flavor profile that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
4. Easy to Make
While it sounds like a gourmet dish, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is simple to prepare and can be made in less than an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions without the stress.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients for this delightful dish. Here’s a table for easy reference:
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) | 4 breasts | Main protein, providing tenderness and flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking the chicken and sautéing garlic |
| Garlic (minced) | 4 cloves | Adds rich, aromatic flavor |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) | 1/2 cup | Adds tanginess and depth of flavor |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates a rich, creamy sauce |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | To add flavor to the sauce |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup | Adds saltiness and depth to the sauce |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | For added flavor and an Italian touch |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 tsp (optional) | Adds a little heat to balance the richness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For seasoning the chicken and the sauce |
| Pasta (fettuccine or penne) | 8 oz | To serve as the base for the creamy sauce |
| Fresh basil (optional) | 1 tbsp, chopped | For garnish, adds freshness and color |
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes (reserve a little oil from the jar for extra flavor) and sauté for another 2 minutes. The tomatoes will infuse the oil and garlic with rich flavor.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and allow it to cook for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, making it rich and creamy. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing it to coat the pasta in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Add the Chicken Back: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and lay them over the pasta.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Tenderness: For extra juicy chicken, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
- Pasta Options: While fettuccine is a great choice, you can also use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti depending on your preference.
- Creaminess Level: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a little longer. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the sauce. They will soak up the creamy sauce and add a lovely texture.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, for a more gooey texture, or a bit of goat cheese for a tangy flavor.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 600-650
- Fat: 35-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Sodium: 700-800 mg
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook them through before adding them to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and chicken, cook the pasta, and combine everything.
Can I make this dish without sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them, but you might want to add some extra herbs (like fresh basil or thyme) to add more flavor to the sauce. Alternatively, roasted red peppers or olives could make a great substitute.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the pasta with the creamy sauce, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine everything.
Conclusion: A Dish to Fall in Love With
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings together creamy, savory flavors and juicy chicken with the perfect pasta to create a meal that will make everyone at the table fall in love with it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. The combination of rich sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible. Give it a try tonight, and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me” Chicken!