Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for a dish that will win hearts and impress everyone? Try the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. It mixes tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich sauce. This dish is so good, it might even lead to proposals!

Follow this recipe to make a meal that’s sure to impress. Your loved ones will love it. Here’s how to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is always perfect.

What is “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish with tender chicken and a rich sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so tasty, it might make someone propose!

The dish has Italian seasonings and a bit of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a special family meal.

Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice (half standard box)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

Want to change the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe? Here are some ideas:

• Pasta: Try gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option.
• Chicken: Use chicken thighs for more juiciness or shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free version.
• Parmesan Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for different flavors.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers if sun-dried tomatoes are not available.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Place a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat.
   • Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
   • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
   • While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken pieces and seasoning mix (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper).
   • Sauté the chicken for 3-5 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
   • Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
   • Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and other seasonings as needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy chicken sauce.
   • Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired.
   • Serve immediately while hot.

How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy and fun. Here’s a simple guide to make it:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Use a large pot and generously salt the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
   • Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite.
   • Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining; this will help in making the sauce creamy.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pan and add the chopped onions.
   • Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and butter, sautéing just until the garlic is fragrant (around 30 seconds).
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan.
   • Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Cook until the chicken is browned and thoroughly cooked, usually taking 3-5 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   • Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water.
   • Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
   • Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Combine and Finish:
   • Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, mixing well to coat every strand.
   • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
   • Serve immediately, ensuring every bite is hot and delicious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dish turns out perfect:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key; overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Undercooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through before adding the cream to avoid any food safety issues.
• Not Reserving Pasta Water: This starchy water helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Using Low-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

The presentation can elevate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta from delicious to extraordinary. Here are some tips:

• Garnish Generously: Fresh basil leaves not only add color but also a fresh aroma that complements the dish.
• Serve Hot: Ensure the pasta is served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy.
• Use Stylish Plates: Serving the pasta on elegant plates or in a shallow bowl can make the dish look more appetizing.
• Add Extra Parmesan: Offer extra grated Parmesan on the side for guests to sprinkle on top.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be served as a main course. Pair it with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread. This combo balances the meal with the pasta’s richness, the salad’s freshness, and the bread’s crunch. A glass of white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon adds a refreshing touch.

Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta look as good as it tastes, consider these presentation ideas:

• Layered Presentation: Serve the pasta on a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula for added color and flavor.
• Elegant Garnish: Top with finely chopped parsley or microgreens for a touch of sophistication.
• Drizzle of Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top adds a beautiful sheen and enhances the flavor.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a success:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality Parmesan make a significant difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
• Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken properly for a rich, creamy texture.
• Cook Pasta to Order: If possible, cook the pasta right before you plan to combine it with the sauce to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish. It mixes chicken, cream, and pasta in a comforting way. It’s great for any occasion, from romantic dinners to family gatherings.

Follow the steps carefully to avoid mistakes. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. This dish is sure to impress everyone.

Enjoy cooking and serving this wonderful pasta. It will win hearts and please palate with every bite. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a delightful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 560 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
• Add butter and chicken, season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until sauce thickens.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta, toss to coat evenly.
• Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

– For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
– Adjust seasoning to taste.

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