Whether it’s a candlelit dinner for two (unless it’s your eternally hapless roommate) or you want to wow the family at home, this recipe is your ticket. Read the full article for all the specific ingredients and instructions that are simple enough to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta will be the centre of attention every single time.
What is "Marry Me Chicken Pasta"?
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. This rich, creamy pasta dish features tender pieces of chicken coated in a silky sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.
The name itself is a hint aside from how magic the dish is everyone who enjoys this dish falls in love with it and if they eat it on one knee, it can as well lead to a marriage proposal!
What makes this dish special is the Italian seasoning blend that haphazardly season the pasta turning each bite tasty and enticing with a kick from the red pepper flakes.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate showstopper whether you are cooking for a romantic dinner for two or a special dinner for the family. Prepare to whip up a culinary tour de force which will leave those you love begging for the recipe and possibly a ring!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Dish That Wins Hearts
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice (half a standard box)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta: For a healthier alternative, use gluten free or whole wheat pasta.
- Proteins: Chicken thighs yield juicier bites, or try shrimp for a seafood spin.
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Mix it up with different hard cheeses, like Pecorino Romano or Asiago, for something out of the ordinary.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: No sun-dried tomatoes on hand? Substitute fresh cherry-tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- If you’re adding pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions, until al dente.
- Reserve Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the water used to cook the pasta.
2. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Heat Oil: In a large, heavy duty pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium high heat.
- Add Onions: Once hot, add in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Saatir minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of butter for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add pieces of chicken and all seasonings (Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Cook for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add Cream and Seasoning: Pour in heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer: Once simmering, cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce a little. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Combine and Serve
- Toss the pasta: Transfer the cooked pasta into the pan with the creamy chicken sauce and toss well until coated.
- Garnish: Fresh chopped basil, optional for color and flavor.
- Serve Hot: Serve hot and enjoy it while it stays creamy and hot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Shoot for al dente; pasta that’s cooked to too soft can become mushy.
- Not Cooking the Chicken All the Way Through: Make sure to cook the chicken all the way through so as to not have food safety issues.
- Not Reserving Pasta Water: This starchy water helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Using Low-Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has the best flavor and melts beautifully.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Add pizzazz to your Marry Me Chicken Pasta from good to wow, with these presentation secrets:
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil leaves not only add some color but also provide an aromatic fragrance.
- Find out the secrets:that will unlock the true potential of this dish with these five tricks
- Use Stylish Plates: Elegant plates or shallow bowl can add glamour to the dish.
- Serve With More Parmesan: Serve extra grated Parmesan at the side to allow each guest to top their own.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Presentation Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Fancy Layering: Serve the pasta on top of a mound of sautéed spinach or arugula for added color and taste.
- Final Touch: Sprinkling chopped parsley or microgreens on top will elevate its elegance.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil is a great finishing touch. A few drops will give your dish a lustrous sheen and enhance the flavor.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh garlic, basil and good Parmesan adds so much flavour.
- Taste and Adjust Seasonings: As always, taste the sauce as you're cooking and add more seasonings to taste.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Give the sauce time to simmer and thicken properly for a rich, creamy texture.
- Cook Pasta to Order: If you can, cook the pasta just before you’re going to mix it into the sauce so that it’s perfectly al dente.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta a make-ahead?A: It’s good freshly made, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and keep it in the fridge. Gently reheat it on the stovetop, and toss it with freshly made pasta before serving.
Q: Can you freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: The cream-based sauce might break when frozen and reheated. It’s best to enjoy this dish still fresh or save leftover for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Q: What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Fresh cherry tomatoes (especially when in season) or roasted red peppers are other good substitutes if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable.
Q: Can I use a different kind of meat?
A: Absolutely! And chicken can be replaced with shrimp, turkey or even tofu.
Q: Can this dish be made spicy?
A: For more heat, double the red pepper flakes, or stir a diced jalapeno into the sauce.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a wonderful dish that takes the comforting flavors of chicken, cream, and pasta and transforms them into a meal fit for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a family gathering or just because it’s a weeknight, you are sure impress.So, just follow the steps, not run into common mistakes and use fresh ingredients to get the best out of this delicious dish.
Have fun cooking and serving this great pasta, and see it win hearts and fill tummies with every bite. Happy cooking!
Summary Of Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté ’til pungent.
- Add butter and chicken; season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is brown and cooked through.
- Combine heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, bring to simmer until sauce thickens.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly.
- Top with basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
To make it lighter, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Adjust the seasoning to taste.Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg