Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and delicious pasta. It’s an easy recipe perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing a special someone. The name says it all—this dish is so good that it has the power to win hearts! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a meal that feels fancy without much fuss.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
- About 10 minutes before the pasta is done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Let it melt.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
- Add in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and wine; stir and let bubble for about one minute.
- Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Stir in the parmesan and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Reserve some hot pasta water before draining the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of hot pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately with additional parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a family feast.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave. You may need to add a bit of cream or pasta water to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat pasta or add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie if you prefer; just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
Variation
You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. Switch the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a flavorful base.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use cooked, shredded fresh chicken. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the dish.
2. Is there a dairy-free option for the cream?
You can replace heavy whipping cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time, but it’s best to combine them right before serving for freshness.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta. Cook it al dente according to package directions.
- About 10 minutes before the pasta is done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Let it melt.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
- Add in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and wine; stir and let bubble for about one minute.
- Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Stir in the parmesan and basil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Reserve some hot pasta water before draining the pasta. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- If needed, add a splash of hot pasta water to thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately with additional parmesan if desired.