Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of creamy cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, all in a rich and savory sauce. This dish has earned its charming name because of its irresistibly delicious taste that might just sweep your loved one off their feet.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to transform everyday ingredients into a memorable meal in just 30 minutes.
Preparing this dish involves straightforward steps, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It uses common ingredients like cream, cheese, and fresh herbs to create a vibrant taste.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth, while the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, making every bite a delight.
Besides being quick and easy to prepare, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. Its warm and inviting flavors create a sense of comfort, and it’s equally suitable for date nights or a family gathering.
The engaging mix of flavors and ease of preparation make it a timeless dish everyone should try.
What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Special?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish known for its rich flavor and creamy sauce. It is an inviting blend of tender chicken, pasta, and a smooth, savory cream sauce that makes it a family favorite.
The creamy texture comes from a delicious blend that often includes cream, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients create a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that coats each piece of chicken and pasta perfectly.
This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare with basic ingredients like chicken, pasta, and a few seasonings. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both indulgent and satisfying without complicated steps.
What sets this pasta apart is the creamy chicken that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Cooking the chicken until golden brown ensures it remains juicy and tender, enhancing the meal’s appeal.
A highlight of this recipe is how the sauce flavors the pasta, creating a rich and flavorful experience. Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings a comforting, gourmet feel to any dining table with its mix of textures and tastes.
The combination of these elements makes this dish a standout among pasta recipes, ensuring its place as a beloved main course for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creating Marry Me Chicken Pasta requires a simple yet flavorful list of ingredients. Each component works together to create a creamy and delicious dish.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They should be cut into bite-sized pieces.
Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta, such as rigatoni or any pasta you enjoy.
Olive Oil and Butter: Start the cooking process by heating olive oil in a pan. You’ll also need unsalted butter to add richness to the sauce.
Garlic and Onion: Add minced garlic and onions for aromatic depth.
Heavy Cream: This is crucial for the creamy texture. Alternatively, half and half can be used for a lighter option.
Parmesan Cheese: Use grated Parmesan to add a cheesy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a sweet, concentrated tomato taste.
Seasonings: Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, thyme, and Italian seasoning.
Chicken Broth or Stock: Use chicken broth to blend all flavors seamlessly. It enhances the savory profile of the dish.
Fresh Basil: Finish with fresh basil leaves to add a hint of freshness.
With these ingredients, Marry Me Chicken Pasta promises a delightful, creamy experience that will surely be a favorite on any dinner table.
Step-By-Step Instruction to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Begin by preparing all ingredients.
Start with the chicken by seasoning it on both sides with salt and pepper. Set it aside while you heat oil in a large skillet. Use medium-high heat for a nice golden crust.
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, turning gently to brown all sides. Once done, remove and set it aside. Keep the skillet ready for the sauce.
Prepare the sauce.
Add garlic and shallots to the skillet, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Introduce the sun-dried tomatoes next.
In a small bowl, whisk together cream, chicken broth, and starch. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring until it thickens slightly.
For the pasta, boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Stay near the kitchen as this should take about 7–10 minutes.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
Mix the pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Let them mingle for a final few minutes, soaking up the flavors.
Finish by placing the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let it simmer just a bit longer to absorb the sauce.
In about 30 minutes, including an extra 5-minute prep time, the dish is ready to be served. Serve immediately while it’s still hot, relishing the blend of flavors in every bite.
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creating the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easier than you might think.
Start by choosing pieces of chicken that are similar in size. This ensures even cooking. You don’t want any pieces to end up dry or undercooked.
For the best results, use fresh chicken straight from the fridge for a delightful kitchen experience.
Get the sauce just right by using sun-dried tomatoes and a good quality parmesan cheese. These ingredients will give your dish a rich and savory flavor that’s bound to impress.
Don’t hesitate to adjust the size of penne noodles to your preference, as they soak up all that delicious sauce beautifully.
To keep the pasta from drying out when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. This trick works wonders and keeps your pasta dish moist and flavorful.
Adding warmth to your kitchen and pantry with aromatic herbs like basil or thyme can enhance the dish’s fragrance. A warm kitchen filled with these aromas sets the perfect scene for cooking this cozy meal.
Using a single pot makes cleanup quick and the flavors even more intertwined. Everything cooks in one place, making it practical for any home cook.
Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This combination is sure to make your family feel special, whether it’s a weeknight or a special occasion.
How to Customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta for Different Diets
Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be adapted to fit various dietary needs.
For those on a gluten-free diet, substitute the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta, which still hold the sauce well.
For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Coconut cream or almond cream can be good substitutes for dairy cream. Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan cheese to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
If someone is following a vegetarian diet, they can replace the chicken with plant-based protein. Options like tofu, chickpeas, or even mushrooms provide a hearty texture. Just season and cook them as you would the chicken.
For those looking for a lighter, low-calorie meal, consider using zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead of traditional pasta. This reduction in carbs can be very appealing for those attentive to calorie intake.
Couples cooking together might find this dish a fun and romantic choice. It can easily be adapted as part of a surprise dinner for a marriage proposal. With its delicious flavors, it adds an element of warmth and love to the occasion.
By tweaking small components like pasta type or protein source, this dish can satisfy a variety of dietary preferences, making it versatile and inclusive.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Storing and preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta the right way ensures it stays delicious and safe to eat.
To preserve it, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain freshness and flavor.
Refrigerate the pasta for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Before serving, ensure it is thoroughly heated to enjoy safely.
To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it moist. This helps prevent the pasta from drying out during warming.
When meal prepping, consider dividing the pasta into individual servings. This makes reheating easy and quick, perfect for busy days.
Balance your meals by considering the nutritional content. This dish typically contains calories, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and some sodium. However, details like saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium levels depend on the ingredients used.
For additional nutrition, serve with a side of vegetables. Consider adding foods rich in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. A salad or steamed veggies can make the meal more balanced.
Remember to always check for spoilage before consuming any leftovers. If it smells or looks off, it’s safer to discard it. Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and happy cooking!
Pairing Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Salad
A fresh salad makes a great partner for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. A simple Caesar salad with crisp romaine, Parmesan, and croutons adds a light touch. For something a bit sweeter, a spinach salad with strawberries and balsamic dressing is a refreshing choice.
Bread
There’s nothing like warm bread to complement a creamy pasta dish. Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette. They are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. You might also try bruschetta, topped with tomatoes and basil for an added burst of flavor.
Vegetables
Roasted or steamed vegetables bring a good balance to the meal. Try some asparagus or broccoli, which work well with the pasta’s flavors. Another option is glazed carrots, providing a sweet contrast.
Rice
Though unconventional, pairing with a side of seasoned rice can work. Consider a wild rice pilaf with herbs, offering a nice texture. For a milder taste, lemon rice can be a delightful side.
Wine
When it comes to drinks, a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce nicely. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can also work well, providing a gentle pairing without overpowering the flavors.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Medium pot
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts cubed
- 8 oz rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season and sauté chicken in olive oil until golden. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta to al dente, reserve ½ cup pasta water, and drain.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes in butter. Add chicken broth and cream. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in Parmesan, seasonings, chicken, and pasta. Adjust sauce consistency with pasta water if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition Facts for 1 Serving:
- Calories: 560
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
