Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any occasion when you want to impress others with your cooking. This recipe is not just tasty but also simple to prepare, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced cooks. Plus, who wouldn’t want a dish so good it could lead to a marriage proposal?

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
• Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
• Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• Fresh Basil: For garnish

Directions

1. 
   

   Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

   
   
2. 
   

   Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

   
   
5. 
   

   Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.

   
   
6. 
   

   Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.

   
   
7. 
   

   Combine Everything: Add the chicken back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

   
   

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm, directly from the skillet. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice touch, and you can serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Make sure to slice the chicken thinly for even cooking.
• Feel free to adjust the level of spice by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
• For added flavor, consider adding spinach or mushrooms when you sauté the garlic and tomatoes.

Variation

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your tastes. Try adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or swap out the chicken for shrimp. You can also use whole-grain or gluten-free pasta as an alternative.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before slicing and cooking.

2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative.

3. Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just combine them with the cooked pasta right before serving.