Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Swoon-Worthy Dinner You’ll Fall In Love With

Marry Me Chicken pasta as the name says it all, combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that might inspire a proposal.

Whether you’re cooking for a date night, dinner, someone special, or simply craving something special, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with just a little effort.

Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, romantic evenings, or just a family dinner when you still want something delicious without spending countless hours in the kitchen.

The first time I made this dish I was surprised at how easy and fast it took me. I always prefer something quick for dinner as am always busy. Let’s go through the steps for preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Why You Will Love It

• Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Irresistibly Creamy: The rich sauce combines sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and cream, creating a luxurious flavor that’s hard to resist.
• One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more flavor.
• Ideal for any Occasion: A hit with both adults and kids, making it ideal for family dinners or date nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Step-by-Step Preparation For Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt (the water should taste like the sea).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, you want it slightly firm as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water will be used for silky sauce!
4. Drain pasta but don’t rinse it, those starches help the sauce cling beautifully.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Prepare the chicken breasts. If they’re very thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets or gently pound them to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
2. Season generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips. This resting time is crucial for juicy chicken!

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet don’t clean it – those browned bits add flavor, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
5. Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese a little at a time until smooth and integrated.
7. Season with Italian herbs and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Add spinach and stir until just wilted about 1 minute.

Combine The Chicken and Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
2. Fold in the sliced chicken pieces, allowing them to warm through in the sauce.
3. Finish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
4. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Additional Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

• Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente, the pasta will continue to absorb sauce after cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent your sauce from being silky smooth.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps all those flavorful juices inside instead of on your cutting board.
• Season at every stage. Taste and adjust salt levels in both the pasta water and the final sauce.
• Low and slow with the sauce. Simmer gently to prevent the cream from separating.

Customization Options for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

While the dish is delicious as it is, you can also customize it as it pleases you. You can:

• Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, the sauce won’t be quite as thick.
• Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts make wonderful additions.
• Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for more heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Storage and Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the stove, but if you have leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible as it may cause the sauce to separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: For a lighter version, you can use milk, but the sauce will be less rich. Consider adding a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it.

Q: What’s the origin of the name “Marry Me Chicken”?
A: The dish earned its name because it’s so delicious that it might prompt a marriage proposal! It’s a playful nod to its irresistible flavor.

Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or peas blend well and add color and nutrients.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?
A: Yes, just tone down the spice. Most kids love the creamy sauce and cheesy flavor.

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