If you’re in search of a dish that combines comfort with romance, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This delectable meal, with its creamy sauce and succulent chicken, has garnered a dedicated following—especially among couples looking for a perfect date night idea. What makes this dish truly special? It’s not just the tantalizing flavors; it’s the ease with which you can prepare it, making it a go-to for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. I can’t count the times this dish has helped spark joy in my kitchen and at the dinner table!
Why make this recipe
What makes this recipe special
So, why should you consider whipping up Marry Me Chicken Pasta? For starters, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, ideal for those busy weeknights when you still want to impress. The ingredients are all budget-friendly, which means you won’t break the bank to create a gourmet experience. Plus, thanks to the creamy goodness of heavy cream and the savory richness of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s a dish that’s pretty much guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
“I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta for my girlfriend, and it was an instant hit! The flavors were amazing, and she loved it so much that she jokingly asked if I would marry her after dinner!” — A Happy Home Cook
How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Creating this dish is a breeze! You’ll start by searing the chicken to golden perfection, then developing a rich sauce loaded with flavor from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and cream. Toss in your pasta, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you know exactly what to expect.
What you’ll need
Here’s what you’ll require to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped (you could use fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated (for that rich taste)
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil: For garnish (adds a lovely color and aroma)
Don’t forget that many ingredients can easily be adjusted—like substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or skipping the crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Sear on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Create the Creamy Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Allow this mixture to thicken for a few minutes.
Combine with Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce, followed by the chicken. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Garnish and Serve: Plate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, topping it with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that extra touch of elegance.
How to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Best ways to enjoy it
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a beautiful platter topped with additional fresh basil. Pair it with a side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. If you’re feeling creative, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would complement the flavors perfectly, making your dinner setup even more romantic.
How to store
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have leftovers—though I doubt it!—you can store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a dash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It can also be frozen for up to a month, but keep in mind that the pasta may become a bit mushy upon thawing.
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
To get the most tender chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after searing before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in. Also, make sure to freshly grate your Parmesan cheese! The flavor and texture will vastly improve your dish. You can add more or less garlic based on your preference which can also amp up the flavor!
Variations
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? You can easily modify this recipe by adding spinach for a pop of color and nutrition or substituting the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella or Asiago, to give it a unique twist.
FAQs
Your questions answered
What is the prep time for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Prep time is about 10 minutes, while cooking takes around 20 minutes, making it a quick meal option.
Can I use different pasta varieties?
Absolutely! Whether you prefer penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti, feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Yes! Opt for gluten-free pasta, and you can still enjoy this delicious dish without concern.
Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create a dish that’s sure to captivate everyone’s heart!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delicious creamy pasta dish featuring succulent chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for date nights.
Ingredients
- 2 large Chicken Breasts, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil, for searing
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- Fresh Basil, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and sear on both sides until golden, about 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese, allowing the mixture to thicken for a few minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce, followed by the chicken. Toss until well coated.
- Plate the pasta, topping with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Notes
Let the chicken rest after searing for the most tender results. Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg