Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that has the power to impress anyone at the dinner table. Its rich flavors and creamy sauce create a comforting meal that is perfect for date nights, special occasions, or simply a cozy night in. With tender chicken and aromatic garlic combined with sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s no wonder this recipe has the potential to make hearts flutter and bring loved ones together.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
- Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Fresh Basil: For garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined and allow to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is well coated.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce and aromatic flavors create a perfect balance, making it a meal to remember. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce if needed.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality chicken breasts will enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, skip the crushed red pepper flakes. For more heat, add a little more.
- Customize the Pasta: Try different pasta shapes for a fun twist.
Variation
You can make this dish lighter by substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk. Additionally, consider using zucchini noodles for a healthier option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined and allow to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired.