Marry Me Chicken Pasta

“Marry Me Chicken Pasta” is a rich and indulgent dish that has earned its name for its creamy and irresistible flavor, rumored to be so good that it could lead to a marriage proposal! This dish combines succulent chicken breasts, a luscious creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and heavy cream, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The dish gets a final touch of fresh basil and parmesan cheese, elevating its taste to a restaurant-quality level. The blend of hearty flavors and smooth textures makes this meal perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply when you’re craving something cozy and decadent. Whether or not it leads to a proposal, one thing’s for sure: anyone who tastes it will definitely fall in love with the dish. In this guide, we’ll break down how to prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta step by step, as well as provide tips on serving, storage, common mistakes, and answer FAQs to ensure you have the most delightful experience making it.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken is the protein base of the dish. You’ll want them evenly sized for cooking consistency.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For pan-searing the chicken, adding flavor, and creating a nice crispy outer layer.
• 3-4 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
• 1 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: For the rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): These add a sweet, slightly tangy flavor, balancing out the richness of the cream.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan provides a sharp and nutty undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat without overpowering the dish. You can adjust this to your spice tolerance.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the chicken and sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh basil (chopped): Basil brightens up the dish and gives it a fresh finish.
• 12 ounces pasta (linguine or fettuccine): Long pasta works well for holding the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with any pasta you prefer.

Equipment:

• Large skillet or sauté pan: You’ll need this to cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot is necessary to ensure the pasta cooks evenly without sticking.
• Whisk or spoon for stirring the sauce: A whisk helps in evenly blending the ingredients for the sauce.
• Tongs or spatula for flipping chicken: This will help you handle the chicken breasts without tearing them.
• Colander: To drain the pasta once it’s cooked.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. After the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover it with foil to keep it warm.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it can become bitter. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, using a spatula to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are full of flavor and will enhance the sauce.

Once the broth has simmered for about 2-3 minutes and reduced slightly, stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Finish the Sauce

After the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Whisk or stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and creates a smooth, velvety texture. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Once seasoned, lower the heat to keep the sauce warm while you prepare the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Marry Me Chicken Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together using tongs to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served fresh out of the skillet while the sauce is still warm and creamy. For serving, you can add extra grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top to elevate the presentation. Pair this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread to balance out the richness of the pasta.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so when reheating, you may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly if overcooked. Make sure to cook them until just done and remove them from the heat immediately.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter if it’s overcooked, so keep an eye on it while sautéing.
• Sauce too thick: If the sauce becomes too thick, don’t hesitate to add reserved pasta water or extra chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste the sauce and chicken as you go and adjust the seasoning. Salt enhances the overall flavor, and without enough of it, the dish can taste flat.

Tips and Tricks

• Use freshly grated parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a smoother consistency compared to pre-grated versions, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: If you’re using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, make sure to drain them before adding them to the sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
• Pasta water: Don’t forget to save a little pasta water when draining the pasta. It’s rich in starch and can help to create a silkier sauce.
• Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work beautifully in this dish. They tend to be juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts, but they may take slightly longer to cook.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. The sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish isn’t ideal for freezing because cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together and add fresh pasta later.

What’s a good side dish for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A light green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are excellent side dishes to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Garlic bread is also a favorite!

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that blends rich flavors and creamy textures into one indulgent meal. Whether you’re making Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its simplicity and deliciousness, it’s no wonder that this dish has a reputation for winning hearts! Try it out, and see if it lives up to its romantic name.

.So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the delightful experience of making and sharing Chicken Mozzarella Pasta!

Print