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| Marry Me Chicken Pasta |
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: An Affair in a Bowl
Certain dishes are so decadently delicious they need a name as daring as the taste. Allow me to present Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish so heavenly it could very well lead to a proposal. Picture this: juicy, golden-seared chicken, smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, mixed with al dente pasta and touched by the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes. This is more than dinner—it's an event. No matter if you're preparing it for a dinner date or simply indulging in something rich and decadent, this recipe is a winner. The spices, richness, and slight heat will have you head over heels in love from the first bite.
What's Behind the Name?
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken? It's assumed that this is so ridiculously good that anyone who tries it would fall on one knee and get down to business. That's likely an exaggeration, but the fact is the rich sauce and moist, tender chicken do make this a dish not to be forgotten. But seriously—proposal or not, this pasta is again and again excellent.
The Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
To create this drool-worthy masterpiece, you'll need
For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts (or thighs for an extra juicy twist)
Salt & black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but oh-so-recommended)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for a light crust)
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Salt (for boiling water)
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How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step
1. Prep and Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for thinner cutlets (or use thighs for more flavor).
Season with Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
Coat chicken with a light coat of flour for a light batter.
Brown olive oil in a large skillet at medium-high. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and done. Take away and reserve.
2. Prepare Irresistible Sauce
In the same saucepan, melt butter and then sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
Pour in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir them in so they can release the strong, tangy flavor into the butter.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently.
3. Cook the Pasta to Perfection
As the sauce is simmering, boil a big pot of salted water.
Cook the pasta al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
4. Bring It All Together for the Final Dish
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan into the sauce, allowing it to melt into a creamy, dreamy texture.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over it.
Add the cooked, drained pasta, and all the ingredients meld together. If the sauce needs it, add a bit of reserved pasta water to dilute the sauce.
5. Serve Like a Pro
Slice the chicken and place the slices on top of the pasta.
Garnish with extra parsley or basil and Parmesan.
Serve hot and creamy while everything is hot and creamy.
Secrets to a Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
✅ Use fresh Parmesan—a GIANT difference in texture and taste. Don't even consider pre-grated cheese!
✅ Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil = More Flavor – They're intensely concentrated and add balance to the richness of the sauce.
✅ Don't Forget the Pasta Water—Adding some reserved water makes the sauce a creamy dream.
✅ Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness—they're more forgiving and more flavorful.
✅ Let the sauce simmer—don't try to hurry it, or the flavors can't fully develop.
Delicious Variations & Substitutions
Make It Spicy: Add additional red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers all do the trick.
Try a seafood twist: use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a fancy version.
Lighten It Up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce won't be as decadent.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This comforting casserole is perfectly paired with
Crisp Green Salad—A light vinaigrette balances the richness.
Garlic Bread—Because carbs are always a good thing, right?
Steamed Asparagus or Roasted Veggies—Adds freshness to the dish.
Wine Pairing—A chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store and reheat like a pro:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: Sauce will be grainy upon thawing, but if needed, refrigerate for 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Make sauce and chicken separately, then serve together when desired.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Q: What pasta is best for this recipe?
A: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work too.
Q: Can I use precooked chicken?
A: While you can, seared chicken fresh is best. If you do use precooked chicken, toss it into the sauce to give it some flavor.
Final Thoughts: A Dish Worth Falling For
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not a meal; it's a love letter. The garlicky, creamy Parmesan sauce clings to every single piece of pasta, and the chicken flavors each and every bite.
Make it for the special night in, the dinner party, or just because you're in the mood for something über delicious. One thing is certain: this is a recipe you'll be coming back to again and again.
So, will this recipe convert you? Give it a go, and tell us—is it worth its legendary reputation?
ENJOY COOKING!
"Did you enjoy this recipe?" We have plenty more delicious and easy-to-make dishes waiting for you! Explore more amazing recipes on our blog: bitellush.blogspot.com. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments!"
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