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!
More on the Origins and Variations:
While the exact history is a bit hazy, "Marry Me Chicken" seems to have gained popularity in the United States through home cooks and food bloggers sharing their versions online. It's often described as an evolution of creamy Tuscan chicken dishes, with the focus on a rich, flavorful sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes. The name itself is a playful suggestion that the dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal!
You'll find many delicious variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Vegetables: Spinach is a common addition, wilting beautifully into the creamy sauce. Other additions include mushrooms, peas, roasted red peppers, or even kale.
- Spices and Herbs: While Italian seasoning is standard, some recipes incorporate smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, or a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs like parsley can also be added.
- Cheese: Besides Parmesan, some variations include cream cheese for extra creaminess or mozzarella for a meltier texture.
- Wine: A splash of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic can add another layer of flavor to the sauce.
- Protein: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor, and shrimp is another popular substitution. Some recipes even incorporate Italian sausage or bacon.
- Pasta Shape: While the recipe suggests a few options, feel free to use any pasta shape you enjoy. Short, textured shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells tend to hold the sauce well. Orzo is also a popular choice for a one-pot version.
- Dairy Alternatives: For a lighter or dairy-free version, some recipes suggest using half-and-half or even evaporated milk (though the sauce might be less thick). Dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan alternatives can also be used.
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