Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying a cozy family meal. With its easy preparation and delightful flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates a rich and savory sauce that elevates your pasta experience.
- Versatile Dish: Use any pasta type you prefer—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will love this hearty meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
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Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing chicken and making the creamy sauce all in one place.
- Pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking for your chosen pasta.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for coating the chicken with cornstarch and spices before cooking.
Ingredients
This creamy marry me chicken pasta is a simple, cozy dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich, silky Parmesan sauce. Perfect with your favorite pasta, it’s easy to make and full of flavor!
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
For the Pasta
- 10 oz pasta, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp seasoned oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, to coat the chicken
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly diced
- 1¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ oz torn fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil 10 oz of pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the rest. Set aside.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp oregano, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tbsp of oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes
Melt 1 tbsp of butter in the same skillet. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 cup of thinly diced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Stir in ¾ cup of chicken broth along with 1¼ cups of heavy cream. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes while stirring occasionally. Then add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and thickened.
Step 6: Add Chicken to Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Simmer everything together for about 5 minutes so that the chicken absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the reserved cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat with sauce; use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finish by garnishing with torn fresh basil or parsley along with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm for a delightful meal!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Garlic Bread
- Freshly baked garlic bread complements the creamy pasta perfectly. The buttery, garlicky flavor adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
Add Extra Parmesan
- Sprinkle more freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This enhances the cheesy flavor and makes the dish even more indulgent.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Using fresh basil or parsley as a garnish brightens up the dish and adds an aromatic touch that elevates the presentation.
Pair with White Wine
- A chilled glass of white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, enhancing its flavors.
Top with Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- For those who enjoy heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes provides a spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dish turns out creamy and flavorful every time.
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Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken breasts and real Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook pasta al dente so it retains texture when combined with the sauce.
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Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick while combining.
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Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
When planning your meal, pairing side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Pasta can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideal options:
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Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
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Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons brings freshness to balance the creamy pasta.
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Steamed Asparagus – Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with olive oil offers a healthy and elegant touch that contrasts well with rich flavors.
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Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil on skewers provide a fun appetizer that complements Italian cuisine.
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Antipasto Platter – An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables serves as an inviting starter before digging into your pasta.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Smooth and buttery mashed potatoes can be an indulgent side dish that pairs well with any pasta meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the dish’s overall taste and texture. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to properly season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the taste.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking pasta for too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente for the best texture in your dish.
- Not using enough sauce: A dry pasta dish can be unappealing. Ensure you have a generous amount of sauce to coat all the ingredients well.
- Using pre-grated cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan lacks flavor and doesn’t melt as nicely. Always opt for freshly grated cheese for a richer taste.
- Rushing the cooking process: Hurrying through steps can lead to uneven cooking. Take your time, especially when sautéing garlic and tomatoes for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store left-over Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It’s best consumed within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place a portion of pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth or water to a skillet over medium heat. Stir in pasta and cook until warmed, about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes! While penne or fettuccine works well, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes are optional; adjust according to your spice preference or omit them entirely.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or adjusting spices based on your taste preferences. This comforting dish is sure to impress family and friends—give it a try!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the creamy delight of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish that beautifully marries tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or cozy family dinners, this one-pan wonder is as easy to make as it is delicious. With its flavor explosion from garlic and herbs, this comforting Italian pasta recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready to savor every bite and experience why everyone falls in love with this hearty meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp seasoned oil from sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook 10 oz pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Toss diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the seasoned chicken in oil until golden brown (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Return chicken to the skillet; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce; adjust consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
