Let me share the heartwarming tale behind this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe!
You know that magical feeling when delicious aromas fill your kitchen? Picture yourself stirring a pot of this amazing pasta, with the cozy scent of garlic, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes dancing through the air. This isn't just any Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – it's become a modern love story in the food world! From neighborhood kitchens to candlelit dinner tables, folks have fallen head over heels for this dish. And trust me, it's not just about the creamy, dreamy sauce (though that's pretty amazing!) – it's about those special moments it creates when we gather around the table.
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
What makes everyone fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe? Oh my goodness, where do I start! Think of it like your favorite love song – everything just works together perfectly. You've got these tender pieces of chicken swimming in the most velvety cream sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add these gorgeous little bursts of sweet-tangy flavor, while fresh basil brings that garden-fresh brightness. Add a generous sprinkle of Parmesan (because who doesn't love cheese?), and a tiny kick of red pepper flakes... pure magic! And don't even get me started on how the pasta soaks up all that incredible sauce – it's like they were meant to be together!
Here's the best part – this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn't some fancy, complicated dish that requires a culinary degree. It's like that perfect first date outfit – impressive but totally comfortable! With some good ingredients and a little love, you can create this restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen. Maybe it'll become your signature dish for special occasions, or hey, maybe it'll inspire your own "marry me" moment!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Ingredients
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Instructions
- Helpful Tips
- Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Equipment For Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Storage Instructions
- Top Tip
- Grandma's Magic Touch:
- FAQ
- HOW DID YOUR MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE TURN OUT?
- Related
- Pairing
- Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe(Ready in 30 Minutes)
Ingredients
the Chicken:
- 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
the Pasta:
- 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
- Reserved pasta water
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Instructions
Let's make this incredible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe together! I'll guide you through each step with all my favorite tips and tricks. 🍝
Let's Start with the Star of the Show - The Chicken!
- First, let's give those chicken breasts lots of love! Season them generously (and I mean generously!) with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Don't be shy with the seasonings!
- Get your favorite large skillet nice and hot with some olive oil over medium-high heat. You want to hear that exciting sizzle!
- Now for the magic - cook those seasoned beauties for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they're gorgeously golden brown. Want to know my secret? Don't move them around too much - let them get that beautiful crust! They're done when they reach 165°F inside.
- Give your chicken a little rest on a plate while we work our other kitchen magic.
Pasta Time!
- Fill your biggest pot with water - make it as salty as the sea! That's the secret to flavorful pasta.
- Once it's boiling like crazy, add your pasta and cook it until it's perfectly al dente (that lovely firm-but-tender bite).
- Here's a pro tip you'll thank me for later - scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for our sauce!
- Drain your pasta but don't rinse it - we want all that starchy goodness!
Now for the Dreamy Sauce
- Remember that chicken skillet with all those amazing flavors stuck to the bottom? That's where our sauce magic begins! Melt your butter over medium heat.
- Drop in that minced garlic and let it dance around until your kitchen smells amazing (about a minute).
- Time to add our flavor boosters - those sweet sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and just enough red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
- Pour in your heavy cream and chicken broth - watch how it all comes together beautifully!
- Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes until it starts to thicken up into silky perfection.
- Now for the best part - stir in that Parmesan until it's melted and your sauce is smooth as silk!
Bringing It All Together
- Slice your rested chicken into beautiful strips - this is where you'll see how perfectly juicy it is inside!
- Toss your pasta into that heavenly sauce. If it feels a bit thick, add some of that reserved pasta water - a little at a time until it's just right.
- Nestle those chicken strips back in and let everything get cozy and warm together.
- The finishing touch - a shower of fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, because why not?
Combine and Serve
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese freshly grated from a block for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Don't wash the skillet after cooking the chicken – those browned bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This indulgent pasta dish is protein-rich and satisfying. While it's not low in calories, it's perfect for special occasions. Serve with:
- A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation
- Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables
Equipment For Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as pasta may continue to absorb sauce during storage.
Top Tip
The key to perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is patience with the sauce. Let it simmer gently to reduce and thicken naturally, which concentrates the flavors and creates that irresistible creamy texture.
Grandma's Magic Touch:
You know what makes this beloved Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe extra special? It's got a sprinkle of what I like to call "Grandma's Magic Touch"! Just like how grandmothers have that uncanny ability to make everything taste better with their loving hands, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe carries that same heartwarming magic.
Remember those Sunday afternoons in Grandma's kitchen? That's exactly the feeling this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe brings to your table. While our modern version might not be a traditional grandma recipe (sorry, Nonna!), it uses all those time-tested cooking secrets that grandmothers have passed down through generations.
FAQ
Why is it called "marry me pasta"?
"Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe" got its name from the legend that it's so delicious, someone will propose to you after tasting it. This rich, creamy pasta dish became popular on social media and is typically made with rigatoni, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. The recipe originated from the similar "marry me chicken" dish that went viral for its proposal-worthy taste.
How to marry pasta and sauce?
To marry pasta and sauce, finish cooking the pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes before serving. This technique, known as "mantecare" in Italian cooking, allows the pasta to absorb the sauce's flavors and create a cohesive dish. Always reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and create a silky texture when combining the two.
What is marry me chicken made of?
Marry me chicken is made with chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The key ingredients include garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasonings, and chicken broth. This viral recipe gained popularity for its restaurant-quality taste and simple preparation method that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce.
What is creamy pasta sauce made of?
Creamy pasta sauce is primarily made with heavy cream, butter, and parmesan cheese as its base. Common additions include garlic, shallots, black pepper, and salt. For extra richness, some recipes incorporate egg yolks (carbonara-style) or cream cheese. The sauce often starts with a roux (butter and flour mixture) for thickening, though some versions rely solely on reduced heavy cream.
HOW DID YOUR MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE TURN OUT?
How did your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of tender chicken and al dente pasta in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that's truly proposal-worthy. If you're a fan of Italian-inspired comfort food, be sure to try our Traditional Carbonara Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Some cooks have had great success adding fresh spinach or mushrooms, while others love incorporating different pasta shapes like penne or fettuccine. Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe(Ready in 30 Minutes)
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for pasta
- Sharp knife for cutting chicken
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
the Chicken:
- 4 medium chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
the Pasta:
- 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results
- Don't rinse the pasta after cooking
- Add pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
Emily says
Really yummy recipe! I added some andouille sausage and it was 👩🍳😚.