The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but is also known to make hearts flutter. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, ensuring a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Why Make This Recipe
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity and rich flavors. It is the ideal dish for a cozy dinner at home, a special occasion, or even a casual gathering with friends. Its creamy, garlicky sauce and the heartwarming aroma will have everyone clamoring for seconds, and perhaps even proposing! With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can whip up a delightful masterpiece that will impress your family and friends alike.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creating this flavorful pasta dish is easy and requires just a handful of ingredients. Here is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need and how to prepare it.
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Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Directions
- Start by seasoning the chicken breast with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken until it’s beautifully browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and cream, whisking constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and smoothly incorporated.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, letting it cook in the rich sauce while you prepare the pasta.
- Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain it.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing well until every piece is beautifully coated with that creamy sauce.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh basil for an added touch of flavor and freshness.
Pro Tips for Success with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference. Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s searing to ensure it remains juicy. Using a meat thermometer can help; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Pasta Water is Gold: Reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining; add it to the sauce if you want a slightly thinner consistency.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Everyone has different taste preferences, so don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings to suit your palate. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a lovely kick if you enjoy a bit of heat.
- Cream Alternatives: If you want a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
Flavor Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen:
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for an extra nutritional boost and vibrant color.
- Herb Swaps: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the sauce for different aromatic profiles.
- Cheese Variations: Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or even a bit of mozzarella for a stringy cheese pull effect.
- Protein Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or paneer instead of chicken; simply sauté until heated through.
- Spicy Twist: Incorporate chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to give the sauce a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Presenting your delicious creation beautifully can make the meal even more enjoyable:
- Pair with a Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can be a perfect side to balance the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread is Key: Serve warm garlic bread or a side of crusty baguette to soak up any leftover sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
- Herb Garnish: Sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), here are some important storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers (don’t forget to cool completely first) and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|———-|———|——-|—–|——-|——–|
| 585 | 35g | 52g | 28g | 2g | 600mg |
FAQ About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta special?
The combination of tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich and comforting dish that is simply irresistible. Its name, "Marry Me," suggests that the flavors are so delightful that they might just inspire a proposal!
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes! While penne pasta is ideal for this recipe, you can certainly substitute it with other pasta shapes such as fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Marry Me Chicken Pasta is great for meal prep as it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Just make sure to store the sauce and pasta together for best results.
What are the best side dishes to serve with this pasta?
Pairing the pasta with a light salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. These sides complement the richness of the dish without overwhelming it.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that any additional ingredients (like broth and spices) are also gluten-free. The flavor profile will stay intact while catering to your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta, this dish is sure to bring joy to the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight family dinner, this recipe is a perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, get into your kitchen, and prepare for a dish that might just make someone fall head over heels!
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The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ½ lb penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt the butter, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and cream, whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, simmering for a few minutes.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet to cook in the sauce.
- Boil the penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and toss in the skillet with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for better flavor. Adjust seasonings to personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 585
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
