Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe for Romance

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly delicious, that it could inspire a proposal! Have you ever tasted something so comforting, so flavorful, that you instantly wanted to share it with everyone you know? This creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta is exactly that kind of dish.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Chicken” are shrouded in mystery, its modern iteration likely emerged in the early 2000s, quickly gaining viral fame across the internet. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor achieved with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a testament to the power of Italian-American cuisine, taking classic flavors and presenting them in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato goodness, and perfectly cooked pasta. The slight tang from the tomatoes, the savory chicken, and the velvety texture of the sauce create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a perfect weeknight meal that feels incredibly special. Get ready to experience a dish that lives up to its name – you might just fall in love!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pasta:
  • 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or penne work well)
  • Salt for pasta water
• Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish:
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building flavor right from the start. Don’t be shy with the spices!
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later.

Cooking the Pasta:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is important – it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon of water.
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, so the pasta should be firm but not hard. Usually, this takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
3. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold! We’ll use it to help thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy.
4. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Don’t rinse the pasta unless you’re making a cold pasta salad. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Making the “Marry Me” Sauce:

1. Now for the star of the show – the “Marry Me” sauce! In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (don’t worry about cleaning it – those browned bits add flavor!), add 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
3. Add 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to meld with the garlic. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of intense, sweet-tart flavor to the sauce.
4. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add depth to the sauce.
5. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors and thicken the sauce a bit.
6. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the sauce back to a simmer and let it thicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps to thicken the sauce.
8. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if using) to the sauce. Stir to combine. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous note, while red pepper flakes add a touch of heat.
9. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce and stir to coat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce and toss to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Start with a few tablespoons at a time and add more as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
4. Serve the “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes is always a welcome addition for those who like a little heat.

Tips and Variations:

• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Wine: For an even richer flavor, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the skillet after cooking the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
• Cream Cheese: For an extra creamy sauce, stir in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Spicy: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to this rich and creamy pasta dish.
• Pair with a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage Instructions:

• Store leftover “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, anyone who eats it will want to marry the person who made it! It’s a bold claim, but trust me, this pasta is truly irresistible. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes is a match made in culinary heaven. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might just get a proposal out of it!

Conclusion:

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to slow down, savor every bite, and share it with the people you love. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and al dente pasta create a symphony of flavors and textures that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, after one taste, you’ll understand why it’s earned its romantic name!

But why is this recipe a must-try? Beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even if you’re not a seasoned chef, you can whip up this impressive dish in under an hour. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, or for a weekend gathering when you want to impress your guests. The ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores, and the steps are straightforward and easy to follow. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s cooking is simply divine!

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
* Veggie boost: Toss in some spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor.
* Cheese lover’s delight: Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses on top before serving. A little fresh mozzarella melted on top is also fantastic!
* Creamier texture: For an even richer and creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* Pasta alternatives: While I love it with fettuccine, this sauce is also delicious with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta.
* Serve it with: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, some crusty bread for soaking up the sauce, or a glass of your favorite wine.

I truly believe that this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a comfort food, and a guaranteed way to make someone feel loved. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a gesture of affection.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get cooking! I’m confident that you’ll fall in love with this recipe just as much as I have.

I’m so excited for you to try it! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? Did your family and friends enjoy it? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lovers! Happy cooking!