If you’ve ever heard of “Marry Me Chicken,” you know it’s a dish so good, it could inspire a proposal! But what if we took it to the next level? By pairing the rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce with tender pasta, you’ve got a complete meal that’s irresistible. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you’re in the mood to treat yourself. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Every ingredient in this dish works together to create a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Juicy and tender when cooked just right. Pound them slightly for even cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper: Simple seasoning to bring out the chicken’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth to the seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and keeps the sauce light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The foundation of the rich, velvety sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives the sauce its signature cheesy, nutty flavor.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to balance the richness.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Sweet, tangy, and packed with flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to tie everything together.
For the Pasta
- 400 g (14 oz) pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne): Choose your favorite! Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully to soak up the sauce.
- Salt for pasta water: Essential for perfectly seasoned pasta.
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Extra Parmesan (optional): Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and release all the flavorful bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
- Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this dish!
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs for tossing pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious and tend to stay juicier. Simply adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Fettuccine and penne are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well. But you can use any pasta you love—linguine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work perfectly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Store them separately, and reheat gently before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus are great additions. Add them to the skillet after cooking the garlic and sauté for a few minutes before continuing with the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but it’s not overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a comforting, indulgent dish—rich, creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special someone or just treating yourself, it’s bound to win hearts. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! Don’t forget to share it on Facebook or save it to Pinterest for your next meal inspiration. Happy cooking! 😊
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