Introduction:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Prepare to fall head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This dish is famous for a reason – it’s utterly irresistible. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it the perfect dish to impress a loved one (or simply treat yourself!).
This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also surprisingly easy to make. With simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen in under an hour. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two, a crowd-pleasing family meal, or a dish to wow your guests, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to be a winner.
Get ready to experience a truly unforgettable pasta dish that lives up to its legendary name. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce is the star of the show, perfectly complementing the savory chicken and comforting pasta. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience, promising a delightful and deeply satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds – and maybe even a proposal!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
To create this legendary Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you will need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients that harmonize to create its signature creamy sauce and irresistible taste. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that define this beloved dish. Let’s explore the essential elements for crafting this unforgettable pasta.
The protein centerpiece of our dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Chicken breasts provide a lean and versatile base that absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce beautifully. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer and more flavorful option, if preferred.
For the pasta component, we will use your favorite pasta shape. While the name implies “pasta,” you can choose any pasta you love. Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even farfalle (bowtie) pasta all work wonderfully with this creamy sauce. Choose your favorite pasta shape based on personal preference and what you have on hand.
The signature flavor of Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes from sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Sun-dried tomatoes, especially those packed in oil, provide an intense, concentrated tomato flavor with a hint of sweetness and a pleasant chewiness. The oil they are packed in is also infused with flavor and can be used in the recipe.
Heavy cream is essential for creating the luxurious and velvety cream sauce that coats the chicken and pasta. Heavy cream provides the richness and thickness that defines the signature sauce of this dish. For a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but heavy cream will yield the most decadent results.
Chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the sauce and helps to thin it to the perfect consistency. Chicken broth enhances the savory notes and ensures the sauce is flavorful and not overly thick. Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
Parmesan cheese is crucial for adding salty, nutty, and savory notes to the sauce. Parmesan cheese melts beautifully into the cream sauce, adding depth of flavor and a pleasant umami richness. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and melting quality.
For aromatic complexity, we incorporate garlic and shallots. Garlic, minced or pressed, provides a pungent and savory base that complements the sun-dried tomatoes and cream beautifully. Shallots, finely diced, add a milder, slightly sweet onion-like flavor that enhances the overall flavor profile. Shallots are a classic ingredient in creamy sauces for their subtle sweetness and delicate flavor.
Dried Italian seasoning is a convenient blend of herbs that provides a classic Italian flavor profile. Italian seasoning typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, all of which complement the other ingredients in this dish. You can also use a combination of individual dried Italian herbs if you don’t have a pre-made blend.
Fresh basil, chopped, adds a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of fresh flavor to the dish. Fresh basil provides a vibrant aroma and a fresh, slightly sweet and peppery note that balances the richness of the sauce. It’s best added at the end to preserve its fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat that balances the richness of the cream sauce and provides a pleasant subtle kick. Red pepper flakes are optional but highly recommended for adding complexity and preventing the dish from being overly rich. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
Finally, olive oil is used for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, providing a healthy fat and a neutral cooking base. Olive oil is used for sautéing chicken and shallots/garlic, providing a healthy fat and enhancing the flavors through gentle cooking.
Seasoning with salt and black pepper is essential for enhancing all the flavors and bringing the dish together. Salt brings out the inherent flavors of the ingredients, while freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth. Season to taste throughout the cooking process to ensure the dish is perfectly balanced.
HOW TO MAKE “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”:
Creating this iconic Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a surprisingly simple process, despite its gourmet taste. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward method – you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this impressive dish comes together. Let’s outline the basic steps to guide you through the creation of this crowd-pleasing pasta.
First, you will season and sear the chicken breasts. Searing the chicken in olive oil creates a golden-brown crust and seals in the juices, ensuring tender and flavorful chicken. Searing is key to building flavor and achieving the desired texture for the chicken.
Next, you will build the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in the same pan. Using the same pan builds layers of flavor from the chicken drippings and simplifies cleanup. The sauce is built by sautéing shallots and garlic in the rendered chicken fat and olive oil, then deglazing with chicken broth, and finally enriching with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Then, you will simmer the sauce to allow it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simmering the sauce concentrates the flavors and creates a rich, cohesive creamy texture that perfectly coats the chicken and pasta.
After simmering, you will add the seared chicken breasts back to the sauce and let them finish cooking in the creamy mixture. Cooking the chicken in the sauce ensures it becomes infused with the sauce’s flavors and remains moist and tender. This step allows the chicken to fully absorb the creamy sun-dried tomato essence.
While the chicken finishes cooking in the sauce, you will cook your pasta according to package directions. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it has a pleasant bite and holds up well when tossed with the sauce. Starting the pasta while the chicken is simmering ensures everything finishes around the same time.
Finally, you will toss the cooked pasta with the creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes, and serve immediately. Garnishing with fresh basil adds brightness and freshness, while red pepper flakes add a final touch of visual appeal and optional heat. Serving immediately ensures the pasta is perfectly coated and the dish is enjoyed at its best texture and temperature.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Let’s delve into the detailed step-by-step instructions for creating this legendary Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Following these steps carefully will ensure your dish turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and worthy of its iconic name. Get ready to embark on this simple yet rewarding culinary adventure!
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper. Seasoning before searing enhances the chicken’s flavor from the inside out.
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Using an oven-safe skillet is important if you plan to finish the dish in the oven (optional, but recommended for extra tenderness).
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Searing creates a flavorful crust and seals in the juices. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Keep warm. Setting aside the chicken while preparing the sauce prevents it from overcooking and drying out.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. Add diced shallots to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. Sautéing shallots until softened brings out their sweetness and mellows their sharpness.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Sautéing garlic until fragrant enhances its aroma and flavor without burning.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Deglazing incorporates the flavorful browned bits left from searing the chicken and shallots/garlic, adding depth to the sauce.
Stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes (and their oil from the jar), Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine all sauce ingredients and ensure the Parmesan cheese is melting smoothly into the cream sauce.
Step 3: Simmer and Cook Chicken in Sauce
Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Simmering allows the sauce to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Ensuring the chicken is submerged in the sauce allows it to cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
If desired, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking in the oven can result in more tender and evenly cooked chicken, and further melds the flavors. Alternatively, you can continue to simmer the chicken in the sauce on the stovetop, covered, until cooked through (increase simmering time if cooking on stovetop).
If baking in the oven, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is simmering in the sauce (or baking), cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Cooking pasta al dente ensures it has a pleasant bite and holds its shape well when combined with the sauce.
Drain the pasta well in a colander and set aside. Draining thoroughly prevents excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Garnish and Serve
Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and slice or shred them. Slicing or shredding makes the chicken easier to incorporate into the pasta and sauce mixture.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Tossing gently prevents breaking the pasta while ensuring it is thoroughly coated with the delicious sauce.
Return the sliced or shredded chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Toss to combine. Ensure the chicken is well-distributed throughout the pasta and sauce.
Stir in chopped fresh basil. Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness and aromatic flavor.
Serve immediately while hot. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (for extra heat and visual appeal), if desired. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm when the sauce is at its creamiest and the flavors are at their peak.
USEFUL TIPS:
To elevate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta to absolute perfection, consider these useful tips and tricks. These insights will help you optimize flavor, texture, and overall ease of preparation, ensuring a truly exceptional meal. Let’s explore some secrets to pasta perfection.
Don’t skip searing the chicken. Searing creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and seals in the juices, resulting in more flavorful and tender chicken. Searing adds a crucial layer of flavor to the dish.
Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil have a richer, more intense flavor and softer texture compared to dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. The oil is also flavorful and should be used in the recipe.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoother and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan contributes to a more authentic and flavorful cheese element to the sauce.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, use a pinch or omit them entirely. If you like a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. Customizing the spice level allows you to tailor the dish to your taste.
If you want a richer sauce, use heavy cream. For a slightly lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half, but heavy cream will provide the most decadent and velvety texture.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink inside. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked and juicy chicken every time.
Cook the pasta al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture when combined with the sauce. Cooking pasta al dente ensures it has a pleasant bite and holds its shape well in the creamy sauce.
DETAILS:
Let’s explore the detailed specifics of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, providing you with essential information for planning and preparation. Understanding these details will help you streamline the cooking process and ensure success every time you make this delightful dish. Here are the key specifics you need to know.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients, and searing chicken)
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (This includes making sauce, cooking chicken in sauce/oven, and cooking pasta)
Total Time: Approximately 50-55 minutes (Considering all stages including preparation and cooking)
Yield: 4-6 servings (Generous portions, perfect for family dinners or entertaining)
Category: Main Course, Pasta (Hearty and satisfying pasta dish for dinner)
Method: Stovetop and Oven (Combines stovetop searing and sauce making with optional oven baking)
Cuisine: American Italian-Inspired (American comfort food with Italian flavors)
Diet: Not specifically diet-restrictive, but can be modified. (Can be adapted to be lower in fat by using lighter cream or milk, though richness will be affected).
NOTES:
Here are some important notes and considerations to keep in mind as you prepare your Marry Me Chicken Pasta. These insights will help you customize the recipe to your preferences and ensure the best possible outcome. Let’s explore these key notes.
For a lighter cream sauce, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Using lighter dairy options will reduce the richness and calorie content of the sauce. Note that whole milk will result in a thinner sauce compared to heavy cream or half-and-half. You can also use a combination of half-and-half and a tablespoon of cream cheese to maintain some richness with fewer calories.
If you don’t have shallots, you can substitute with a small yellow onion, finely diced. Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter onion flavor, but yellow onion is a readily available and acceptable substitute.
To add vegetables to this dish, consider incorporating sautéed spinach, artichoke hearts (canned or frozen, thawed and drained), or roasted red bell peppers. Sauté vegetables separately or add them to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Adding vegetables makes the dish more nutritious and balanced.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile and added spice.
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good gluten-free pasta options available now made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Ensure all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (canned, not carton) or cashew cream. Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Note that dairy-free versions will have a slightly different flavor and texture compared to the traditional recipe.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Let’s address some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta to provide clarity and ensure your cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable. These answers cover common inquiries and offer helpful solutions. Let’s dive into these FAQs.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled or baked chicken, to save time. Simply shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the sauce in Step 3 to heat through. Searing the chicken fresh does add flavor, but pre-cooked chicken is a convenient shortcut for busy weeknights.
Q: What other pasta shapes work well with this sauce?
A: While any pasta shape can be used, shapes that hold sauce well are ideal. Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, rotini, cavatappi, and even gnocchi all work beautifully with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Choose your favorite shape or what you have on hand.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It is best to make and serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh for the best texture and flavor. However, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving and combine all components when ready to eat. Reheating assembled pasta dishes can sometimes result in a less creamy sauce and slightly softer pasta.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from separating or becoming oily?
A: To prevent the sauce from separating, avoid boiling the sauce vigorously after adding the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce gently and stir frequently. Using full-fat heavy cream also helps to create a more stable sauce. If the sauce does appear slightly oily, stirring in a tablespoon of cold butter or a splash of pasta water can help emulsify it back together.
Q: What are good side dishes to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with simple side dishes like a Caesar salad, garlic bread, roasted asparagus, sautéed broccoli, or a Caprese salad. Light and fresh side dishes complement the richness of the pasta well.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: Freezing creamy pasta dishes is generally not recommended, as the sauce may separate slightly and the pasta texture can change upon thawing, becoming mushier. Freshly made Marry Me Chicken Pasta offers the best texture and flavor. Dairy-based sauces often do not freeze and thaw perfectly.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Following these storage instructions will ensure your leftovers remain delicious and safe to enjoy for a short period. Let’s explore the best practices for storing this creamy pasta dish.
Allow the Marry Me Chicken Pasta to cool completely before storing it. Cooling the pasta to room temperature before refrigeration prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which can affect the texture and lead to quicker spoilage.
Transfer the cooled pasta to airtight containers. Ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness. Airtight containers prevent the pasta from drying out and absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth and keeps the pasta safe to eat for a limited time. Consume leftovers within this timeframe for optimal quality and safety, especially with dairy and chicken dishes.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. When reheating, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat, with a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce, is also a good option. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta or sauce.
Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not recommended for optimal texture, as the sauce may separate slightly and the pasta texture may change upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.
RELATED RECIPES
If you are utterly smitten with the creamy, sun-dried tomato deliciousness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you are sure to adore these other related pasta recipes that offer similar rich and comforting flavors. These dishes provide a variety of options to explore for your next pasta night, all guaranteed to be equally delightful and satisfying. Prepare to discover your new favorite creamy pasta dish!
Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta: A simpler version focusing on the classic combination of tomato and basil in a creamy sauce with chicken and pasta. Creamy Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta provides a similar creamy tomato base but with a brighter, fresher flavor profile from basil, offering a lighter alternative to the sun-dried tomato version.
Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken: Explore a creamy tomato-based sauce with a touch of vodka for added complexity and richness, often featuring pancetta or prosciutto and served with penne or rigatoni pasta. Vodka Sauce Pasta with Chicken offers a different creamy tomato sauce with a unique flavor depth from vodka and often includes Italian cured meats for added richness and saltiness.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Combine the best of both worlds by adding sun-dried tomatoes to a creamy pesto sauce with chicken and pasta. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes blends the herbaceous and nutty flavors of pesto with the intense tomato flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a flavorful and complex creamy pasta dish.
Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta: For a brighter and more citrusy creamy sauce, try a lemon Parmesan cream sauce with chicken and pasta. Creamy Lemon Parmesan Chicken Pasta offers a lighter and zestier creamy sauce option, highlighting lemon and Parmesan flavors, providing a refreshing alternative to tomato-based cream sauces.
These related recipes, while distinct in their specific ingredients and flavor profiles, all share that comforting, creamy, and incredibly satisfying quality that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so irresistible. Explore these pasta delights to expand your culinary repertoire and discover new family favorites that are sure to please.
CONCLUSION
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary phenomenon, a dish so delicious and captivating that it’s earned its legendary name. This recipe effortlessly combines simple techniques and readily available ingredients to create a pasta meal that is both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. From its creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce to its tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, every element works in perfect harmony to deliver a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its ability to impress without excessive effort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, you can easily master this recipe and wow your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal made right in your own home. The straightforward preparation and relatively quick cooking time make it a go-to recipe for romantic dinners, weeknight indulgences, or any time you crave a truly special and comforting pasta dish.
From intimate dinners for two to celebratory gatherings with loved ones, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is versatile enough for any occasion. Its rich and decadent flavors and crowd-pleasing nature make it a perfect dish for expressing love, sharing joy, and creating memorable meals that will be cherished for years to come.
So, gather your sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan cheese, and prepare to create some culinary magic. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of romance, flavor, and pure pasta perfection. Indulge in the creaminess, the richness, and the sheer deliciousness of this legendary dish – you and your taste buds deserve a taste of “Marry Me” magic, ready in minutes!
