What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Hey there, friends! It’s Benjamin Sharif from Mister Recipe, and let me tell you, I’ve got something special for you today. We’re diving headfirst into the creamy, dreamy world of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Now, I know the name might sound a little… intense, right? Like, are you proposing with a plate of pasta? Well, not exactly. But trust me, after one bite of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you might just feel the urge to pop the question to the chef!
This Marry Me Chicken pasta recipe isn’t about elaborate presentations or fancy ingredients. It’s pure comfort food magic, the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling utterly satisfied. Essentially, it’s a creamy, cheesy, tomatoey pasta dish starring succulent pan-seared or roasted chicken. Sun dried tomatoes add a burst of chewy, tangy goodness, while fresh herbs like basil or oregano bring a touch of freshness. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a special occasion and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Think of it as the perfect marriage (pun intended!) of flavor and simplicity.
The Marry Me Chicken and pasta dish has taken the internet by storm for a reason. It’s one of those recipes that combines everyday ingredients in a way that just works. And even though the original Marry Me Chicken recipe with pasta is fantastic, it’s also incredibly adaptable. You can swap out the pasta shape, add different veggies, or even spice things up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You see variations sometimes with Chicken Tomato Pasta, but the soul of the recipe remains the same! The best part? it’s so easy even Jana, my 9-year-old, can lend a helping hand!
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Why You Should Try This Viral Pasta Dish
Now, I know what you’re thinking: another viral recipe? Do I really need to try this Marry Me Chicken pasta? And my answer, my friend, is a resounding YES! Remember how I told you my grandmother taught me that cooking is about making people happy? This dish embodies that philosophy perfectly. It’s the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces, the kind that sparks conversations and creates memories.
Picture this: it’s a chilly evening, and you’re gathered around the table with your loved ones (Adams, my 12-year-old, is a pasta fiend and inhalates this!). The aroma of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce fills the air. You take your first bite of this irresistible Marry me pasta recipe, and… pure bliss. The chicken is tender, the sauce is rich and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to close your eyes and savor every single moment. Just imagine diving into a bowl of pure comfort. Creamy, tangy, herby this Chicken and Pasta recipe has it all!
But here’s the thing about this Marry Me Pasta it isn’t just delicious, it’s practical too. It’s quick enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. And who knows, maybe it’ll even inspire a proposal or two! (Okay, maybe not, but it’s definitely a romantic dinner option!). So, if you’re looking for a delicious, versatile, and easy pasta dish that’s sure to impress, look no further than the best Chicken and pasta recipe around my Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Let’s get cooking, shall we?
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Alright, folks, let’s gather our ingredients! Like I said, one of the beauties of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. No need for fancy trips to the grocery store. This Marry me Chicken Pasta recipe can be made easily without breaking the bank or hunting down exotic spices. So, grab a pen and paper, or just screenshot this list, and let’s get started:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless are the easiest to work with. About 1.5-2 pounds should do it.
- Pasta of your choice: Personally, I love using penne or fettuccine, but anything goes! Go wild and try rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: These little gems bring a burst of flavor. I prefer the ones packed in oil, but you can use dry-packed ones too, just make sure to rehydrate them in warm water first.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
- Garlic: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
- Onion (optional): I love the added flavor onion brings, but it’s totally optional.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is always best! This cheese adds that salty, cheesy kick that makes this dish so addictive.
- Fresh herbs: Basil or oregano are my go-to choices, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing the veggies.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Remember how Emily always says, “Seasoning is key!” She is totally right and I learn form her.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes.
And that’s it! Pretty simple, right? Now that we’ve got our ingredients sorted, let’s move on to the fun part making this magical pasta dish!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, friends, let’s get down to business the delicious business of making Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This recipe, let me tell you, is a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special and weekend feasts even more memorable. Plus, it’s earned the nickname “Marry Me Chicken” for a reason it’s THAT good! So, grab your aprons, put on some music, and let’s get cooking!
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (cast iron is my favorite for this) over medium-high heat with a good drizzle of olive oil. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and any other spices you love. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest. Trust me, letting it rest is key for juicy chicken!
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for a few minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally. The smell of this alone is enough to make your mouth water!
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is hiding! Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Think of it like a symphony of deliciousness happening right in your skillet.
- Return the Chicken and Pasta: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them back to the skillet along with your cooked pasta (I usually go with fettuccine or linguine, but any pasta you like will work). Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are coated in that luscious sauce. This is where the magic really happens, folks!
- Add the Final Flourishes: Stir in fresh basil, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick (optional, but highly recommended!), and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Don’t be shy with the basil it adds such a fresh, bright flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the sauce.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Now, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is pretty fantastic as is, but like any good recipe, it’s open to interpretation! Here are a few tips and variations to make this dish your own:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno will really kick it up a notch.
- Get cheesy: Swap the Parmesan for another cheese like Asiago, Romano, or even a mix of Italian cheeses. More cheese is never a bad thing, right?
- Veggie boost: Add some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can also use roasted vegetables for their added depth and delicious marry me chicken recipe with pasta..
- Creamy dreaminess: For an extra-rich sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. Trust me, this is pure indulgence.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even milk for a lighter version of the sauce. You can also use skinless chicken breasts to reduce the fat content.
- Sun-dried tomato power: If you’re a sun-dried tomato fanatic like me, try using both sun-dried tomato halves and some of the oil they’re packed in for even more intense flavor.
I encourage you to play around with this chicken-tomato pasta base and create your own signature twist. That’s the joy of cooking, right?
Serving and Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served immediately, piping hot and straight from the skillet. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad and a crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce creating the best chicken and pasta recipes for your family..
If you have leftovers (which, honestly, doesn’t happen often in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. One last time, you can also freeze this marry me pasta.
So there you have it, folks! My take on the viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta a comforting, flavorful, and utterly irresistible dish that I know you and your loved ones will adore. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but elegant enough for a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: FAQs
Got a few questions about this love a first bite pasta dish? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I get about my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe:
Can I use different types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While I love fettuccine and penne for this Marry Me Chicken pasta recipe, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Rotini, farfalle, linguine, even spaghetti it all works beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
My sauce is too thin. How do I thicken it?
A slightly thinner sauce happens sometimes, especially if using lower fat dairy! For a thicker sauce for your,Marry Me Chicken and pasta, continue simmering it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering sauce.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prepare parts of it ahead of time. The chicken can be cooked and sliced earlier in the day, and the sauce components can also be prepped separately. Combine everything right before serving and heat through. Or, you could use a crockpot to make a Marry Me chicken recipe with pasta!
I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes. Can I substitute something else?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy sweetness to this pasta dish aka the marry me pasta recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you could use roasted red peppers or a pinch of tomato paste. However, for the authentic Marry Me Pasta experience, I highly recommend sticking with the sun dried tomatoes!
Can I freeze leftover marry me chicken pasta?
Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta. However, the creamy sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. To best enjoy your frozen Chicken Tomato Pasta simply reheat gently and stir well to recombine the sauce. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to regain the creamy consistency.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet,
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into fillets
- 12 oz pasta of choice Fettuccine, penne, or rotini
- 2 tbsp olive oil For cooking the chicken
- 1 tsp salt To taste
- 1 tsp black pepper To taste
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes Preferably packed in oil, drained & chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for heat
- 1/4 cup fresh basil Chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and let it rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Conclusion: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
So, there you have it everything you need to know to create your own version of the sensational Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This best chicken and pasta recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about the joy of simple ingredients transforming into something truly extraordinary. It’s about sharing a delicious meal with the people you cherish, creating memories and laughter around the table.
It’s comfort food at its finest, a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. From the first tantalizing aroma to the last satisfying bite, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a celebration of good food and the people you love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible dish!
