Short Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is said to be so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a special occasion, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe will leave everyone at the table wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a sauce that’s bursting with taste.
Easy to Make – Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish comes together quickly in one pan with simple ingredients.
Perfect for Special Occasions – The elegant presentation and indulgent flavors make it a great choice for romantic dinners.
Customizable – Can be adapted with different proteins, pasta types, and even dairy alternatives.
One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, easy cleanup, and minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes
Sun-dried tomatoes
Garlic cloves
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil
Butter
Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Make it Creamy: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Variations

Make it Spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Use Different Proteins – Swap chicken for shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different take.
Lighter Version – Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Extra Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate when thawed.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta and combine when reheating.

How do I make this dish dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.

Is there a substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers can work as an alternative for a different but delicious flavor.

Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

Yes! Sauté the chicken, add the ingredients, pressure cook for 6 minutes, then stir in the cream and cheese.

What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I use bone-in chicken instead?

Yes, but adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The dish is so delicious that it’s rumored to be proposal-worthy!

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Simmer a little longer, add more parmesan, or mix in a cornstarch slurry.

Can I add bacon?

Absolutely! Crispy bacon bits add a smoky depth to the dish.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for impressing your loved ones. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or just treating yourself, this dish is a must-try!

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