Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a special place in my heart. Picture this: a cozy evening at home, the smell of garlic sizzling in the air, and a rich, comforting sauce bubbling away on the stove. This delightful dish has earned its moniker—rumor has it, serve it to someone you love, and you might just find yourself engaged! It’s my go-to when I want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes it so spectacular!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine twirling al dente pasta around your fork, the creamy sauce clinging to every strand, while juicy chicken adds a hearty touch. There’s a reason this dish is a crowd-pleaser—it hits all the right notes! The blend of heavy cream and chicken broth creates a velvety sauce that wraps around the pasta like a warm hug, and the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty kick that makes every bite sing.
What truly makes this recipe special, besides its irresistible flavor, is how quick and easy it is to whip up. With only a handful of ingredients and just one skillet—which means less cleanup!—you can create a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes. Plus, whether it’s a date night or a casual family dinner, this dish fits the bill perfectly. Trust me, once you’ve made this, you’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Gather These Ingredients
Let’s gather the magic makers for our pasta masterpiece:
-
2 chicken breasts: Choose plump, juicy breasts that will cook beautifully and soak up all that wonderful sauce.
-
8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne): Whether you go for long strands or tubular shapes, both work like a charm. The choice is yours!
-
1 cup heavy cream: This will take our sauce to decadent levels. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half can work too, but let’s be real—go for the cream!
-
1 cup chicken broth: A good broth amplifies flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, homemade is best, but store-bought is perfectly fine too.
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal for melting and that unmistakable cheesy goodness. You can substitute with Pecorino if you’re looking for a sharper flavor!
-
2 cloves garlic, minced: Ah, garlic—the fragrant little nugget that adds depth and buttery flavor. It’s a must!
-
1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing our chicken until it’s golden brown and delicious.
-
Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key; don’t be shy!
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A pop of color and a fresh flavor. Feel free to skip it if you’re in a hurry, but it does elevate the dish!
The Cooking Process Explained
Let’s get to cooking! Here’s how to bring this dish to life step by step:
-
Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and set aside.
-
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and let it rest.
-
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute until it’s fragrant and starting to turn golden—watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
-
Create the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything into a luscious sauce.
-
Mix it all together: Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss it all together until the pasta is coated in sauce and everything is nice and creamy.
-
Slice and serve: Slice the rested chicken and nestle it back into the skillet. Give it a gentle stir and warm it through.
-
Garnish and enjoy: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness.
Best Way to Enjoy It
Now for the fun part—how to serve this beauty! You can present the pasta in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant touch. Pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sauce. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce, and a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio will only enhance the experience. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top or add a dash of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (but honestly, I wouldn’t count on it!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, a quick splash of broth or cream will help revive that sauce’s creamy texture. Gently warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave—just be cautious not to overheat and dry it out!
If you want to save some for later, this dish can freeze well too! Just store it in a freezer-safe container, and it’ll be good for about 2-3 months. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Let’s chat about how to ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out divine:
-
Don’t rush the chicken: Golden-browning your chicken adds flavor. Patience is your friend!
-
Taste as you go: Always give your sauce a taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper to suit your palate.
-
Get creative with herbs: If fresh parsley isn’t your flavor of choice, try basil or even thyme. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish to new heights!
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? You can easily customize this dish:
-
Add veggies: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can add both color and nutrition. Sauté them along with the garlic.
-
Protein swap: Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp or even grilled veggies for a delightful twist.
-
Cheese variety: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, or goat cheese for a tangy touch.
Ingredients List
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions to Follow
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to skillet. Cook until golden, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add cooked pasta and Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Slice cooked chicken and add it back to skillet. Stir gently and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Your Questions Answered
-
What can I use instead of chicken? You can use shrimp, turkey, or vegetarian options like tofu for a protein swap.
-
How long does it take to make? This dish comes together in about 30 minutes!
-
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes! It can be prepped ahead but is best enjoyed fresh.
-
What wine pairs best? A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, complements this dish beautifully.
-
Is it possible to make this dairy-free? You could substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
There’s nothing quite like sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for that! Before you know it, you’ll have a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Dive in, enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to play around with it! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy meal that combines tender chicken, rich cream, and flavorful broth all tossed with pasta for a cozy dinner in under 30 minutes.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Steps to Cook
-
Cook the pasta
Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Sear the chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to skillet. Sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest. -
Sauté the garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.Watch closely to avoid burning. -
Create the sauce
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine into a smooth sauce. -
Mix it all together
Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing until pasta is well-coated in the sauce. -
Slice and serve
Slice the rested chicken and return it to the skillet, warming it through before serving. -
Garnish and enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40g62%
- Saturated Fat 20g100%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 150mg50%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 300 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 50 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 2 mg
- Phosphorus 400 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 30 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
