Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Preparation:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, saving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set it aside for later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken While the pasta is cooking, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about 1 minute. Then, add the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan Now, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the cream simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a little extra heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Gently stir in the sliced chicken, allowing everything to heat through and come together.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish Once everything is combined, plate the pasta and chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easy it is to customize! Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up, here are some creative variations:

• Make it gluten-free: Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Chickpea or lentil pasta works well and adds extra protein. Be sure to check that your sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth are also gluten-free.

• Try a different protein: Not a fan of chicken? You can easily swap it for shrimp, salmon, or even ground turkey. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, crispy tofu or chickpeas make a great substitute.

• Go dairy-free: Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

• Add extra veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrition by adding spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté them along with the garlic and onions for a well-rounded meal.

• Spice it up: If you love a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. You can also use Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor.

• Make it extra cheesy: If you’re a cheese lover, stir in some shredded mozzarella or gouda along with the Parmesan for an ultra-creamy, indulgent sauce.

Cooking Notes

• Pound the chicken for even cooking: If your chicken breasts are thick, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.

• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil: They add more flavor and a softer texture compared to dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. If using dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.

• Deglaze the pan for more flavor: After cooking the chicken, use a splash of chicken broth or white wine to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. This enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce.

• Add cream at the right time: Stir in the heavy cream after reducing the heat to low. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, making the sauce grainy instead of smooth.

• Salt carefully: Parmesan cheese adds saltiness to the dish, so taste the sauce before adding additional salt. You can always add more at the end if needed.

• Cook pasta al dente: The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce after mixing, so slightly undercooking it ensures it stays firm and doesn’t turn mushy.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying meal on its own. However, pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate the experience even more.

For a well-rounded meal, serve this pasta with a fresh green salad. A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the sauce. A Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and Parmesan also complements the dish beautifully.

Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is a must-have. The buttery, garlicky goodness is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli add a fresh and healthy contrast to the meal.

If you’re serving this for a special occasion, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The crispness of the wine helps cut through the creamy sauce. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or a lightly sweetened iced tea works well.

For an extra special touch, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. These small additions not only enhance the flavor but also make the dish look more appetizing when served.

Tips

To make sure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Searing the Chicken: When searing the chicken breasts, make sure your skillet is hot enough. You want a nice, golden-brown crust to form on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan if you’re making more than two breasts, sear them in batches.
• Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften when mixed with the creamy sauce. Once it’s cooked, reserve a little pasta water before draining. This starchy water can help thicken the sauce if needed.
• Garlic: Garlic burns easily, so when sautéing, keep the heat moderate. If you notice the garlic browning too quickly, lower the heat to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
• Creamy Sauce Tip: For the creamiest sauce, make sure to use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk. The higher fat content helps create a richer texture. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt, but the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
• Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce. Pre-grated Parmesan can be drier and might not melt as well.

With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, perfectly creamy chicken pasta dish that will impress everyone at the table!

Nutritional Information
Calories: 700-750 per serving
Protein: 45g
Sodium: 700-800mg

Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! While this recipe calls for penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti are great alternatives. You can even use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions, as different types may vary in cooking time.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can! This dish reheats beautifully. If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, I recommend preparing the chicken and pasta separately. Once ready to serve, toss everything together with the sauce and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. Can I substitute the chicken with something else? Definitely! If you’re looking for a lighter option or prefer a vegetarian meal, you can replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey breast, or even tofu. For a vegan version, use plant-based protein such as chickpeas or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for the substitute.

4. How can I store leftovers? Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little bit of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Heat it gently on low to avoid drying out the pasta.

5. Can I freeze this dish? While it’s possible to freeze the pasta, the creamy sauce may change in texture after thawing. If you plan to freeze leftovers, I suggest freezing the chicken and pasta separately from the sauce. Reheat both parts separately and then combine them.

Conclusion:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a bit of magic to your dinner table. It’s the kind of recipe you make when you want to impress someone or simply treat yourself to something indulgent. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, perfectly seared chicken, and fresh basil garnish, it’s guaranteed to elevate any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a cozy weekend meal. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan adds depth, while the red pepper flakes give it a gentle kick of heat.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or that special someone, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. Plus, it’s so versatile if you need to make adjustments for dietary preferences or swap out ingredients you already have on hand, it’s easy to do. Whether you’re serving it with a light salad, a side of garlic bread, or a glass of crisp white wine, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

The best part? You don’t have to be an expert chef to nail this recipe. With a few simple ingredients and a little attention to detail, you’ll be making a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to make everyone feel special. Try it once, and you’ll see why this pasta deserves a permanent place in your cooking rotation.