Have you ever wanted to make a dish so tasty that it makes someone want to propose? Well, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the recipe to seal the deal. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan. Whether you're trying to impress a special someone or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is a must-try. Read on to discover how to make this crowd-pleasing dish at home and follow every step to ensure your pasta turns out perfectly.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a rich sauce made with parmesan, garlic, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. This dish is known for its bold flavors and creamy texture that perfectly coats the pasta, making it incredibly satisfying. The name suggests that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! While the legend might be playful, there's no denying the irresistible allure of this dish.
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To make the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for depth of flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (for that nutty, cheesy goodness)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (for a burst of tangy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, and rosemary)
- Fresh basil for garnish (adds freshness and color)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to suit personal tastes and dietary restrictions. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is no exception, and there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore to make this dish your own.
- Pasta Type: While penne pasta is commonly used, you can swap it out for other types of pasta such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used as healthier or allergy-friendly options.
- Protein: If you're not a fan of chicken or want to try something different, substitute it with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can also use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier texture.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative.
- Vegetables: Add extra vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional content and enhance the flavors.
- Spicier: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s a detailed guide to make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

- Prepare the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Cream and Cheese:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
How to Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to making the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in balancing the flavors and achieving the right consistency for the sauce. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to help you nail the recipe:
- Boil the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should be tender but still firm to the bite. This helps the pasta hold up well when mixed with the rich sauce.
- Sear the chicken: When cooking the chicken, make sure the pan is hot enough to give the pieces a nice golden sear. This adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Make the roux: A good roux (flour and butter mixture) is crucial to thickening the sauce. Cook the roux just long enough to get rid of the raw flour taste but not too long that it darkens.
- Slowly add liquids: Adding the broth and cream gradually will help you create a smooth, velvety sauce without lumps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked pasta can become mushy when tossed with the sauce. Always aim for al dente.
- Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, and burnt garlic can add bitterness to your sauce. Make sure to sauté it just until fragrant.
- Not allowing the sauce to thicken: Patience is key when making the sauce. Don’t rush it; allow it to simmer and thicken properly before adding the other ingredients.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is everything when it comes to food, especially a romantic dish like Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Here are some tips to ensure your dish looks as amazing as it tastes:
- Serve on a wide, shallow bowl: This gives the pasta room to spread out and allows the sauce to coat every piece evenly.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh basil and an extra dusting of parmesan on top adds both flavor and a pop of color.
- Add a side of garlic bread: Serve with a warm, crusty garlic bread to make the meal feel even more indulgent.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To truly impress, serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with the perfect accompaniments. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish. A glass of white wine, such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with the creamy sauce, cutting through its richness and enhancing the flavors.
Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For a romantic touch, consider serving the pasta on a large platter with basil leaves arranged around the edges. For an extra flair, you can drizzle some olive oil over the top and sprinkle a few sun-dried tomato pieces for color contrast. Plating the dish on a white plate will make the vibrant red of the sun-dried tomatoes and green basil stand out beautifully.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce up to one day ahead. Reheat them gently on the stove, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative such as cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: While the pasta itself may become soft when frozen, you can freeze the sauce separately. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then toss with the pasta just before serving.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that’s sure to impress with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, it's a recipe that's bound to become a favorite. Give it a try, and who knows? It might just lead to more than a clean plate—maybe even a proposal!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring boneless chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. Cooked with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a rich cream sauce, this delicious pasta is perfect for dinner. Enjoy a quick meal packed with protein and bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and combine with the sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring well. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, sauté sun-dried tomatoes with garlic. Use freshly grated parmesan for the best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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