Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s hearty, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing someone special. It’s called “Marry Me” because it’s said to be so good that it might just win someone’s heart!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon” or 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
- 0.75 pound penne pasta
Directions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, bouillon, 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper, and the remaining salt.
- Return chicken to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 0.25 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Add pasta to the sauce along with reserved pasta water, toss to combine, and serve topped with basil, remaining Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm right after cooking. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for added flavor and presentation. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. You may need to add a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Make sure to pat the chicken dry before cooking for a nice sear.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Use fresh basil at the end for the best flavor—add it just before serving.
Variation
For a light version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute penne pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, rotini, or spaghetti.
2. What other proteins can I use?
You can replace chicken with shrimp or turkey. Adjust the cooking time as needed for different proteins.
3. Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes! You can use mushrooms or firm tofu instead of chicken. Sauté them until they’re golden, and follow the same steps for the sauce.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season with 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream, chicken stock, bouillon, 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, pepper, and the remaining salt.
- Return chicken to the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 0.25 cup of pasta water and drain.
- Add pasta to the sauce along with reserved pasta water, toss to combine, and serve topped with basil, remaining Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if desired.