Loving Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Seals The Deal

Crafting a delectable marry me chicken pasta promises to spark culinary magic in your kitchen.

Home cooks adore this romantic dish that blends creamy textures with bold flavors.

Tender chicken nestles among perfectly cooked pasta, creating an irresistible meal.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil dance across each forkful.

Succulent pieces of chicken bathe in a luxurious sauce that whispers sweet promises.

Simple techniques make this recipe accessible for anyone wanting to impress their special someone.

Dive into this romantic plate that might just win someone’s heart – and appetite.

Why You’ll Enjoy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Quick Family Feast: Capture everyone's heart with this crowd-pleasing pasta that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures in one delicious dish.
  • Skill-Friendly Cooking: Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe requires minimal cooking techniques and delivers maximum taste with straightforward ingredients.
  • Restaurant-Quality Indulgence: Transform your kitchen into a gourmet experience by creating a creamy, luxurious pasta that rivals professional restaurant preparations without complex cooking methods.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, this recipe seamlessly transitions between different dining scenarios with its impressive yet approachable style.

What You’ll Need For Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender chicken pieces that form the main protein of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, savory flavor and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Provide a deep, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Create a complex and balanced seasoning profile that adds depth and warmth to the chicken.
Sauce and Pasta Components:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Create a flavorful cooking base and help develop a rich sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, smooth texture and creamy consistency.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Pasta: Serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy chicken sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens the entire dish.

How To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Once al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and freshly minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Brown Chicken with Spices

  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Drop butter into the skillet and introduce chicken pieces. Sprinkle the spices generously over the meat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and blend in Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and becomes gloriously smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets coated in the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Flourish

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top of the dish. Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming and sauce is at its most decadent.

Helpful Tips For Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet before adding other ingredients to intensify the aromatic profile and release more complex flavors.
  • Chicken Cooking Pro Tip: Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
  • Cream Sauce Rescue: If sauce breaks or looks grainy, whisk in a tablespoon of cold water to help stabilize and smooth out the texture.
  • Dietary Swap Solution: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy consistency and adds subtle sweetness.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Trick: Quickly rehydrate sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 5 minutes before adding to enhance their softness and concentrated tomato flavor.

New Spins On Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using the same seasoning blend for rich flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and include some black beans for a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.

What Pairs Nicely With Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Enhance Creamy Chicken Delight: Perfect Pairings
  • Uncork Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chardonnay or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the chicken's savory flavors.
  • Serve Bright Side Salad: Create a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and add a zesty contrast.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Select a crusty garlic bread or ciabatta to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural crunch.
  • Crisp Vegetable Sidekick: Roast some asparagus or green beans with olive oil and garlic to add a light, nutritious element that pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.

How To Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Right

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or cream to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Q&A

  • What are the key flavor-boosting ingredients in this dish?

The sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and combination of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes create a rich, complex flavor profile that makes this pasta incredibly delicious.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken breasts. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference or omit them completely for a milder version of the dish.

  • How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra protein like crispy bacon bits, grilled shrimp, or additional chicken to increase the protein content of the meal.

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Loving Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Loving Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to your dinner table with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this irresistible dish you’ll want to savor with someone special.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup onion
  • 34 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until aromatic and translucent.
  3. Incorporate butter, then carefully add chicken pieces. Generously season with a blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking.
  4. Gently pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking in Parmesan cheese. Allow sauce to gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring intermittently until it reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
  5. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes and previously prepared pasta. Toss meticulously, ensuring each pasta strand is lavishly coated with the creamy, herb-infused sauce.
  6. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering freshly torn basil leaves across the top. Serve immediately while piping hot, offering a tantalizing aroma and vibrant flavor profile.

Notes

  • Boost chicken tenderness by pounding it to an even thickness before cooking, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry edges.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter version that maintains creamy texture while reducing calories.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – use less for mild palates or more for spice lovers seeking extra kick.
  • Transform into gluten-free meal by using alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles without compromising rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 590 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 460 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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