Craving a creamy, comforting, and utterly delicious dinner that comes together in a snap? Look no further! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a decadent sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Have you ever heard of a dish so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal? That’s the legend behind “Marry Me Chicken”! The name is ridiculously captivating, isn’t it? Was it created by a desperate chef trying to find a spouse? Or perhaps a secret love potion disguised as a delicious dinner? Who knows!
Whatever the origin, this dish is undeniably alluring when first created Marry Me Chicken was a stand-alone dish, so this twist with pasta just takes things to another level. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but trust me, this pasta works its magic on everyone. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a touch of elegance. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce hugs every strand of pasta, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Forget expensive takeout! Making this dish at home is incredibly cost-effective and allows you to control the ingredients.
And the star of the show? That irresistible parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce! If you love this creamy pasta, maybe try our similar chicken alfredo which has a cheesier twist. Ready to win hearts (and maybe even a proposal!)? Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this magical dish:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in approximately 40 minutes! You’ll start by searing the chicken to golden perfection, then building a rich and flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan. Finally, you’ll add your cooked pasta and let it soak up all that deliciousness. Get ready for a truly satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
What to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta With:
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but adding a simple side can elevate the experience. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread is always a welcome addition for soaking up that delicious sauce. For a complete Italian-inspired feast, serve alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crisp, dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, would perfectly complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Make sure to sear it until golden brown and cooked through, but not overdone.
- Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes have more flavor and a softer texture than the dried kind. If using the dried variety, rehydrate them in hot water for 30 minutes before using.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, omit them altogether.
- Don’t Forget the Pasta Water: Pasta water is a secret weapon for creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. The starch in the water helps to bind the sauce together and gives it a silky smooth texture.
- Spice it Up: Consider adding spices such as smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for additional flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. For the best results, reheat in a skillet on low.
Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or anytime you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even popping the question!). Enjoy!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work well. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Roma tomatoes can be added to the sauce though the flavour will not be the same.