Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
There is something utterly irresistible about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it feel like a dish crafted for special moments, yet easy enough to become a weeknight favorite. This creamy, flavorful pasta combines tender strips of chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. It’s comfort food elevated to a romantic level, making it hard not to fall in love with this recipe from the very first forkful. If you’re ready to impress without the fuss, this dish is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of taste and texture that come together effortlessly. From the savory chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy parmesan sauce, these ingredients transform everyday pantry staples into something truly memorable.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips: Quick-cooking and tender, it’s the star protein here.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season and amplify all the flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warmth and a fragrant punch to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers bursts of tangy sweetness and a vibrant color contrast.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme): Infuses classic Mediterranean flavors into the dish.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, lending a savory, nutty finish.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, green note and a beautiful presentation touch.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package’s instructions carefully. This ensures your noodles have the perfect bite to hold up against the rich sauce that follows. Once cooked, drain them and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot oil. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until every piece is beautifully browned and fully cooked through. When ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it just until it becomes fragrant—about a minute. This brief step fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma that sets the stage perfectly. Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Step 4: Add tomatoes and herbs
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the dried Italian herbs, letting everything simmer gently for around 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, the sauce to thicken slightly, and that beautiful tang from the tomatoes to shine through.
Step 5: Combine chicken and parmesan
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and flavorful.
Step 6: Mix in the pasta
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated by the luscious sauce. This step is the heart of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, where all the flavors marry beautifully in every bite.
Step 7: Garnish and serve
Plate your pasta neatly and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous freshness. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed, then dive into your delicious creation.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish here, but you can also add a sprinkle of extra parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving can elevate the richness even more.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic bread to mop up any leftover sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add a lovely crunch and balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party touch, serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a basil leaf carefully placed on top. You could also try layering the pasta and chicken in a clear serving dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes against the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe left over, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the leftovers just as enjoyable.
Freezing
While not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in labeled containers for up to 2 months. Thaw them separately and reheat gently to prevent the sauce from breaking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smooth texture. Microwave reheating works too; just warm in short intervals and stir frequently.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are classic choices, but rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully. Just stick to pasta shapes that can hold onto the creamy sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan parmesan substitute to keep the rich, creamy texture without dairy.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked thoroughly?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside after cutting into a piece. Thin strips cook fairly quickly, usually within 5 to 7 minutes on medium heat.
Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply the ingredient quantities to suit your guest list and use a large enough skillet or pan to toss everything easily. This recipe scales well and is sure to impress.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Try a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Their crispness and subtle fruit flavors complement the creamy sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got this amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in your culinary arsenal, I encourage you to give it a try as soon as you can. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for a date night but simple enough to brighten any ordinary evening. The balance of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and zesty tomatoes just might make it your favorite pasta dinner too.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a luscious Italian herb cream sauce tossed with penne or fettuccine pasta. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a romantic dinner or family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and dried Italian herbs. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy chicken pasta and top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed before serving hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can enhance flavor; drain lightly before chopping.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner
