The Most Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever Created
Culinary magic happens when you dive into this marry me chicken pasta that promises to steal hearts with every delectable bite.
Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among ribbons of pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.
Creamy sauce coats each strand, delivering a romantic dinner experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that sparks conversation and connection.
Rich parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes add depth and complexity to this irresistible dish.
Fragrant herbs whisper promises of love with each aromatic spoonful.
Savor this recipe, and you might just hear wedding bells ringing in your kitchen.
Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Always A Win
What Goes Into Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Main Protein:Pasta Base:Sauce Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Garnish:How To Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a colander.
Step 2: Season Chicken Generously
Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.
Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
Step 4: Create Creamy Garlic Base
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
Step 5: Develop Silky Sauce Foundation
Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux.
Step 6: Whisk Luxurious Sauce
Gradually whisk in these ingredients:Continue whisking until sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy.
Step 7: Enhance Sauce Flavor
Stir in:Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 8: Simmer Sauce
Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and develops rich flavor.
Step 9: Combine Final Dish
Return cooked chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. Stir thoroughly to coat everything with creamy sauce.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Pro Tips For Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ways To Customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What Pairs With Marry Me Chicken Pasta
How To Keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fresh
Common Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The dish originated in the United States as a trendy recipe that gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, known for its creamy and flavorful combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.
The recipe is not inherently spicy. It uses paprika and Italian seasoning for flavor depth, but you can adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes if desired.
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for penne, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine that hold sauce well.
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Passionate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic culinary journey through creamy Italian-inspired flavors. Tender chicken nestled in a luxurious sauce guarantees to sweep you off your feet with its irresistible charm.
Ingredients
Main Protein and Pasta:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 10 ounces (280 grams) penne pasta
Seasonings and Spices:
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente at 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat around 375°F. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes, ensuring golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet, keeping warm on a separate plate.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour into butter-garlic mixture, creating a light roux. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create smooth consistency.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance flavor profile.
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Reintroduce chicken and pasta into sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
- Finish dish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before serving immediately.
Notes
- Choose tender, thin chicken breasts for quicker and more even cooking throughout the dish.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too dense during simmering.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans for protein-rich alternative.
- Gluten-free adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour for sauce thickening and gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile and add vibrant color to the final presentation.
- Create a spicier version by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during sauce preparation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 678 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
Katherine Pierce
Recipe Curator & Food Educator
Expertise
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.