Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Indulge in the rich flavors of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a dish that combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.

This recipe is a reader favorite, and for good reason. The addition of penne pasta elevates the classic “Marry Me Chicken” to a whole new level, holding the cheesy sauce inside for a burst of flavor in each bite.

Ready in just 30 minutes, this delicious recipe is perfect for both special occasions and quick weeknight dinners when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Takeaways

• Combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked pasta
• Rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners
• Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Behind the delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies a story of culinary innovation and love. This dish has captured the hearts of many with its rich and creamy sauce, made from a mouthwatering combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, and delicious seasonings.

What Makes This Dish Special

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out due to its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory elements, creating an unforgettable taste experience. It’s a simple yet elegant chicken pasta recipe that has become a favorite among many.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken

The name “Marry Me Chicken” originated from the idea that this dish is so delicious that serving it to your partner might lead to a marriage proposal. It’s a romantic notion that has contributed to its popularity, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta involves using high-quality ingredients. The dish requires a combination of protein, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce.

For the Chicken and Pasta

For this recipe, you’ll need high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds) cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even and quick cooking. The pasta component calls for approximately 10 ounces of penne pasta, which is ideal for this dish as its tubular shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly. Basic seasonings like salt and pepper form the foundation of flavor, while olive oil is essential for properly searing the chicken to lock in moisture.

For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce begins with a base of butter and minced fresh garlic, creating a rich foundation for the remaining ingredients. You’ll need flour to create a roux that thickens the sauce, along with chicken broth that adds depth of flavor while adjusting the consistency. Heavy cream is crucial for achieving the luxurious texture that makes this dish special, while grated parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory element. For more information on making a great tomato sauce, you can visit this helpful resource. Sun-dried tomatoes are the star ingredient that gives the dish its distinctive tangy flavor, complemented by paprika and Italian seasoning for warmth and complexity.

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• Salt and pepper for seasoning
• Olive oil for cooking
• Butter for the sauce base
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Flour for thickening
• Chicken broth for consistency and flavor
• Heavy cream for a luxurious texture
• Grated parmesan cheese for sharpness
• Sun-dried tomatoes for tangy flavor
• Paprika and Italian seasoning for added warmth and complexity

Step-by-Step Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that involves cooking pasta, preparing chicken, and making a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress with its flavors and presentation.

Preparing the Pasta

Begin by cooking penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture for your chicken pasta recipe.

Cooking the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken by cutting boneless, skinless breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce

For the sauce, melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about a minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth base. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Stir in drained sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes to thicken.

Combining Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta, stirring everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish with a final seasoning of salt and pepper to taste. For more recipe ideas, you can visit this page. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional parmesan before serving.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results

To elevate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta to the next level, consider these expert chef tips. Ensuring that your chicken is cooked to perfection is crucial, and using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method to achieve this.

Chicken Cooking Techniques

Cooking chicken correctly is vital. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor. Allowing the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust before flipping enhances the overall flavor.

Sauce Consistency Secrets

The key to a perfect sauce consistency is patience. Allow it to simmer and reduce naturally. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. The fat content in heavy cream contributes to the luxurious texture, so it’s best not to substitute it with lower-fat alternatives.

Flavor Enhancement Ideas

To add a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste. Using freshly grated parmesan cheese also enhances the flavor, as it melts more evenly into the sauce. For an extra layer of complexity, consider adding a splash of white wine before the chicken broth, and a sprinkle of paprika can add depth to the dish.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish that’s sure to impress. For more Italian-inspired recipes, check out this Parmigiana de Pomme de Terre recipe.

Variations to Try

The beauty of marry chicken pasta lies in its flexibility and the ease with which it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

One way to enhance this dish is by adding various vegetables. For instance, incorporating spinach not only adds nutritional value but also brings a beautiful color to the dish when stirred in during the final minutes of cooking until just wilted. Other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms make excellent additions, adding texture and nutritional benefits without compromising the signature flavor profile.

Adding Vegetables

• Enhance your marry chicken pasta by incorporating vegetables like spinach, which adds nutritional value and beautiful color.
• Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are excellent additions, adding texture and nutritional benefits.
• For a heartier variation, consider adding artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers, which complement the sun-dried tomatoes and create a more complex flavor experience.

Spice Level Adjustments

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes, paprika, or even adding a dash of cayenne for those who prefer a more pronounced heat in their marry chicken pasta. For a milder version that’s kid-friendly, omit the red pepper entirely and increase the amount of fresh basil and parmesan cheese to maintain flavor complexity without the spice.

Pasta Shape Options

While pasta shapes like penne are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other shapes like farfalle (bow ties), fusilli (spirals), or rigatoni, which all capture the creamy tomato sauce beautifully. For more inspiration on creative pasta recipes, you can visit this culinary blog.

Storage and Leftovers

While it’s unlikely you’ll have leftovers, it’s good to know how to store and reheat them properly. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that’s likely to be consumed quickly, but in case you have leftovers, you can enjoy it later with proper storage.

Refrigeration Guidelines

To keep your leftover chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s essential to cool the pasta completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. You can safely store it for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instruction

When reheating, you have two convenient options: the microwave or stovetop. For stovetop reheating, use medium-low heat and stir occasionally to ensure even warming and prevent the sauce from separating. If using a microwave, reheat at 50-60% power, stirring frequently. You may need to add a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid during storage. For more tips on reheating and food safety, you can visit this resource.

Conclusion

In the world of pasta recipes, Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out for its simplicity, flavor, and the joy it brings to those who taste it. This marry chicken pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event, and can be ready in just 30 minutes.

The combination of tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates an unforgettable dining experience. With its rich flavors and straightforward preparation, this chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress, and its simplicity makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels, saving you time in the kitchen.

Give this marry me chicken pasta recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to recipe for a delicious meal.

FAQ

What type of pasta is best suited for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The best pasta shapes for this dish are penne, fettuccine, or linguine, as they hold the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce well.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

While fresh tomatoes can be used, sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated flavor and chewy texture that enhances the dish. If using fresh tomatoes, consider cooking them down to achieve a similar intensity.

How can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?

To adjust the spice level, add more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference. You can also introduce other spices like paprika or garlic powder to change the flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative and using a non-dairy cream or coconut cream in place of heavy cream.

Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to serve, reheating as necessary.

How long does the dish last when stored in the refrigerator?

When stored properly in an airtight container, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can last for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.