Recipes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

By Martha

Everyday Kitchen Bliss!

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that has gained its unique name for a reason: it’s so good that it might just inspire a proposal! This dish blends tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it a favorite for romantic dinners, family meals, or special occasions. The recipe itself has Italian roots, reminiscent of the rich and comforting dishes found in the heart of Tuscany. For many, this pasta brings back memories of shared meals and special nights, where the deliciousness of the meal made everything feel just right.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Creamy and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
  • A satisfying, hearty meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make.
  • Great for special occasions or simple weeknight dinners.
  • Easy to customize with your choice of pasta or vegetables.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You want them to cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Olive oil – For browning the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
  • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a burst of flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken broth – This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Heavy cream – To make the sauce rich and creamy.
  • Parmesan cheese – Grated fresh for a salty, savory kick.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – These add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the sauce.
  • Fresh basil – Adds a fresh, herbal note, perfect for garnishing.
  • Red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds a nice heat that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken and sauce.
  • Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

 

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
    • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
  3. Make it Creamy:
    • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
    • Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts into a smooth sauce.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
    • Cook your pasta according to the package instructions while the chicken simmers.
  5. Serve:
    • Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over a bed of pasta.
    • Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Cooking Tips:

  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster and more even cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
  • If you want a lighter option, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.

Helpful Tips:

  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Be sure to drain them well if using jarred, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to avoid an overly oily sauce.
  • Pasta choice: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni is great for holding onto the sauce, but feel free to use your favorite type.
  • Make it spicy: If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne.

Details:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Chicken-based, can be adjusted for gluten-free diets with appropriate pasta substitution.

 

Notes:

  • You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing the chicken and sauce, then storing them separately. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 42g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you like, whether it’s fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free varieties. The sauce works well with most pasta shapes.

What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less creamy with these substitutions.

Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make great additions to this dish. Add them in when you sauté the garlic for a more vegetable-rich meal.

Storage Instructions:

Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a bit of chicken broth or water to help loosen the sauce as it warms up. Avoid reheating the chicken in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.

 

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Conclusion:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings people together with its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken. Whether you’re making it for a date night or a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. It’s easy to prepare but feels elegant, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions and weeknight meals alike. Enjoy!

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  • Author: Martha

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that has gained its unique name for a reason: it’s so good that it might just inspire a proposal! This dish blends tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it a favorite for romantic dinners, family meals, or special occasions. The recipe itself has Italian roots, reminiscent of the rich and comforting dishes found in the heart of Tuscany. For many, this pasta brings back memories of shared meals and special nights, where the deliciousness of the meal made everything feel just right.


Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You want them to cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
  • Olive oil – For browning the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
  • Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds a burst of flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken broth – This creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Heavy cream – To make the sauce rich and creamy.
  • Parmesan cheese – Grated fresh for a salty, savory kick.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes – These add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor, balancing the richness of the sauce.
  • Fresh basil – Adds a fresh, herbal note, perfect for garnishing.
  • Red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds a nice heat that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Salt and pepper – For seasoning the chicken and sauce.
  • Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
    • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften.
  3. Make it Creamy:
    • Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream.
    • Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to ensure it melts into a smooth sauce.
  4. Combine Everything:
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.
    • Cook your pasta according to the package instructions while the chicken simmers.
  5. Serve:
    • Slice the chicken breasts and serve them over a bed of pasta.
    • Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick.

Notes

  • You can make this dish ahead of time by preparing the chicken and sauce, then storing them separately. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

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