Introduction to Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Have you ever found yourself in a dinner rut, staring blankly at your pantry? I’ve been there too! That’s why I’m excited to share my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe with you. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that wraps you in creamy goodness. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it a fantastic solution for busy days. Trust me, once you try this dish, you might just find yourself falling in love all over again!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a game-changer in the kitchen! It’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it also comes together in just 45 minutes. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, creates a flavor explosion that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. What’s not to love?
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, these are the stars of the show. Slicing them in half makes for quicker cooking.
- Olive Oil: A staple in my kitchen, it adds richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices bring depth to the dish without the fuss of chopping.
- Paprika: A dash of this adds a subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, they enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic gives a fragrant kick that elevates the creamy sauce.
- Chicken Broth: This adds a savory base to the sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture that makes you want to dive right in!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated for a salty, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweetness and a chewy texture.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a taste of Italy right to your table.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but if you like a little heat, sprinkle some in for a spicy kick!
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps sauté the garlic.
- Pasta: I love using penne, but feel free to swap it for your favorite type!
- Salt (for boiling water): Don’t forget to season your pasta water; it makes a world of difference!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything you need for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a culinary superstar by the end. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt is crucial; it flavors the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add your penne or any pasta of choice. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. When it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Trust me, the perfect pasta is the foundation of this dish!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, let’s focus on the chicken. Take your chicken breasts and season them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning is where the magic begins! Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Slice it into strips for serving later.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt some unsalted butter over medium heat. The leftover bits from the chicken will add flavor to your sauce. Sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Let this simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing it gently to coat every piece. Place the sliced chicken on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve it warm, and watch as your loved ones swoon over this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Tips for Success
- Always season your pasta water generously; it makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Don’t rush the sauce; let it simmer to develop rich flavors.
- Feel free to customize the spice level with more or less red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness!
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot: For boiling pasta. A Dutch oven works great too!
- Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for searing chicken and making the sauce.
- Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring and combining ingredients.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or grilled zucchini for a delicious meatless version.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to the sauce for a boost of nutrients and color.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a fiery twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano instead of Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, enhances the flavors beautifully.
- Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy look.
FAQs about Marry Me Chicken Pasta
As I’ve shared my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, I often get questions from fellow home cooks. Here are some of the most common queries I’ve encountered:
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss in the cooked pasta.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cornstarch. Just keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, fresh tomatoes can work, but they’ll give a different flavor and texture. If you choose fresh, consider sautéing them until soft before adding to the sauce.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap out regular pasta for gluten-free penne or any gluten-free pasta of your choice. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the sauce. It’s a great way to kick up the flavor!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just preparing a meal; it’s about creating a moment. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes come together to form a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re impressing a date or enjoying a cozy night in, this recipe brings joy to the table. I love how it transforms an ordinary evening into something special. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your loved ones, and dive into this delightful dish. Trust me, it’s a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Delicious Recipe to Try!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise for thinner cutlets)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 12 oz penne (or any pasta of choice)
- Salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken cutlets with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp). Remove from skillet and set aside. Slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat well. Place sliced chicken on top. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to substitute the penne with your favorite pasta type.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if necessary.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
