Prepare to fall in love with this sensational Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience. Imagine succulent chicken breasts bathed in a luxurious, creamy sauce infused with savory sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant Italian herbs, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and delights your taste buds, making it ideal for a special date night or a heartwarming family dinner.
The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its balance of flavors and its surprisingly simple preparation. Despite its gourmet appeal, you can have this exquisite meal on your table in under an hour. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.
Why This Dish Will Win Your Heart
Beyond its charming name, Marry Me Chicken Pasta offers a multitude of reasons to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Irresistibly Creamy: The rich, velvety sauce is the star, perfectly coating every piece of chicken and pasta.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes provide a delightful tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish, complemented by aromatic garlic and classic Italian seasoning.
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together without fuss, proving that impressive meals don't have to be complicated.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your liking – add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or switch up the protein.
Once you try this dish, you'll understand why it earned its legendary name. It's truly a celebration of flavor and comfort in every single bite!
Ingredients You'll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
For the Chicken & Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (e.g., penne, fettuccine)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create a dish that's sure to impress!
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Step 1: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Step 2: Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it's al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the remaining water and set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 5: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into strips.
Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce
- Step 6: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant.
- Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Step 8: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
- Step 9: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Step 10: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes.
- Step 11: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta. This dish is similar in its comforting nature to Easy Chicken Tetrazzini, making it another fantastic choice for a satisfying meal.
- Step 12: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you wish. Consider pairing it with a side of Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Chicken Pasta for an indulgent spread!
Tips for Perfection
- Don't Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure your chicken remains tender and juicy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic finish that really makes the flavors pop.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick to the sauce.
- Vegetable Boost: Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, or bell peppers can be incorporated for added nutrition and color.
- Different Protein: Shrimp or even a plant-based chicken substitute would work beautifully in this recipe.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to rehydrate the sauce and prevent it from becoming too dry.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly a dish designed to impress and comfort. Its rich flavors, tender chicken, and creamy pasta make it a standout meal for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a simple weeknight treat. Give it a try, and let this delightful recipe capture your heart and your palate! Happy cooking!
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish is rumored to be so delicious and impressive that anyone you cook it for will want to propose! It's rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting.
Can I use different types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine are commonly used, you can use any short or long pasta you prefer, such as linguine, rigatoni, or even farfalle. Just ensure it holds the creamy sauce well.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer a bit longer, allowing more liquid to evaporate. If it's too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water or a little extra chicken broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
What are good side dishes to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This rich pasta pairs wonderfully with a light green salad, some crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce, or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Standard
Description
Tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
Salt (for pasta water)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, packed in oil)
1/2 cup chicken broth
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil.
Step 2: Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it's al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the remaining water and set the cooked pasta aside.
Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they're beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board before slicing it into strips.
Step 6: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until it becomes fragrant.
Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 8: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Step 9: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Step 10: Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or cubes.
Step 11: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. Arrange the sliced chicken over the pasta.
Step 12: Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you wish.
Notes
For best results, use good quality Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 560 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Leave a Reply