Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Indulge in the rich, creamy, and irresistibly flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta – a dish so delicious that it just might inspire a proposal! This mouthwatering recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite is bursting with bold flavors, making it an ideal dish for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or simply when you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist.

A Perfectly Creamy and Flavorful Pasta Dish

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors with just the right amount of spice. The juicy pan-seared chicken, coated in a rich parmesan-infused sauce, pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta for a dish that feels restaurant-quality yet is simple to make at home.

Whether you’re making this meal to impress a special someone or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to be a new favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To create this irresistible dish, you’ll need a handful of flavorful ingredients that come together to make the perfect creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta.

• Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this dish. They are sliced and seared to golden perfection, creating a juicy and flavorful bite.
• Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work wonderfully to hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a slightly sweet, tangy flavor that balances out the rich cream sauce beautifully.
• Heavy Cream – The key to the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
• Chicken Broth – Enhances the depth of flavor in the sauce while keeping it from being too heavy.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan adds a deliciously nutty and salty kick to the creamy sauce.
• Garlic – A must-have for enhancing the rich flavors of the dish. Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and depth.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that give the dish a classic Italian touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a subtle heat that enhances the flavor without overpowering the dish.
• Olive Oil & Butter – Used to sear the chicken to golden brown perfection while adding richness to the sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Bringing this dish together is easier than you think! Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, flavorful pasta that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Then, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce thicken to a silky consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the sliced chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the rich sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until fully combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish!

How Long to Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your chicken and the type of pasta you use. Here’s a general guide to ensure everything is cooked to perfection:

• Chicken Cooking Time – Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• Pasta Cooking Time – Most pasta types take about 8-12 minutes to cook until al dente. Always follow the package instructions and taste-test for doneness.
• Simmering the Sauce – Once all ingredients are combined, let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have extra Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you can easily store it and enjoy it later! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer – While pasta dishes with cream sauce don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this meal for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Follow these helpful tips to ensure your pasta turns out absolutely delicious every time:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Freshly grated parmesan and real cream make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Season the Chicken Well – Don’t skip seasoning the chicken before cooking—it helps create a rich, flavorful base for the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to absorb the sauce after mixing.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to keep it creamy.
• Try Different Pasta Shapes – While penne or fettuccine works great, you can also use bowtie, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a bit longer to cook through.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be as rich.

Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

What other cheeses can I use?
Parmesan is classic, but you can also use pecorino romano or asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.

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