This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is famous for a reason! Tender chicken simmers in a rich and creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This easy homemade dish is so delicious, it might just lead to a proposal!
- Keyword Focus: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Romantic Dinner Recipe, Easy Chicken Dinner.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
- Course: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yields: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2-3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped (reserve some oil if desired)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 8-12 oz Pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine)
- Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2.
1 Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil (and a little of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil, if using) and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.2 Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine, adding a little of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil, if desired.
Enjoy this incredibly delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
History and Variations:
The exact origins of "Marry Me Chicken" are somewhat debated, but it gained significant popularity through social media and food blogs. The name playfully suggests that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. It's believed to have evolved from creamy Italian-American dishes featuring sun-dried tomatoes.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta abound, with home cooks and chefs adding their own twists:
- Vegetables: Some versions include spinach, mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
- Spices: Different herbs and spices like oregano, paprika, or Cajun seasoning can be incorporated for a unique taste.
- Cheese: While Parmesan is classic, some recipes add cream cheese or mozzarella for extra creaminess and melt.
- Wine: A splash of dry white wine can be added after sautéing the garlic to deglaze the pan and add depth of flavor.
- Protein: While chicken breast is common, chicken thighs or even shrimp can be used.
- Pasta Shape: Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer. Short, textured pasta like penne or rigatoni often works well for holding the sauce.
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own proposal-worthy version!
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