This creamy and indulgent Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting dish with a romantic flair, perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality at home:ย Impress your loved ones with a gourmet dish thatโs surprisingly easy to make.
- Creamy and flavorful:ย The combination of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates an unforgettable sauce.
- Versatile:ย Use your favorite pasta, or substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a twist.
- One-pan wonder:ย Fewer dishes to wash while still serving up a hearty, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well)
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken:ย Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce:ย In the same skillet, sautรฉ garlic until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the chicken:ย Return the seared chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce until cooked through.
- Cook the pasta:ย While the chicken cooks, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble:ย Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy chicken sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve:ย Plate the pasta with chicken and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4-6
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 25 minutes
- Total Time:ย 35 minutes
Variations
- Protein options:ย Substitute chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a delicious variation.
- Vegetarian:ย Skip the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
- Gluten-free:ย Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
- Spicy twist:ย Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:ย Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezer:ย This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before combining with pasta.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are great choices, but any pasta you prefer will work well.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative and work perfectly in this recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit of cornstarch slurry if needed.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese can be used as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can be a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
Itโs mildly spicy due to the red pepper flakes. Adjust to your taste by adding more or omitting them entirely.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, simply stir pre-cooked chicken into the sauce and heat through before combining with pasta.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by searing the chicken and letting it finish cooking in the sauce. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that combines rich, comforting flavors with an impressive presentation. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, itโs versatile, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe, and you might just fall in love with cooking all over again!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with pasta in a creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 ounces penne or rigatoni
- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Oil and Butter:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:ย Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ยฝ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken:ย Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken:ย In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sautรฉ Aromatics:ย In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt. Sautรฉ the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until tender and starting to brown. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:ย Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine:ย Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken and pasta are well coated with the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Serve:ย Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to add fresh spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *