Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Is there a better combination than creamy, cheesy pasta paired with tender chicken and bold sun-dried tomatoes? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that not only tastes heavenly but might even make someone fall in love with you on the spot! The rich and flavorful sauce with a hint of spice, paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta, is comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Let’s dive into the details of how you can recreate this romantic dish at home!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

1. Penne Pasta – 12 oz (340 g)

Penne is the perfect pasta for this dish because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook it al dente for the best texture.

2. Chicken Breast – 2 large pieces

Cut into bite-sized strips, these cook quickly and soak up all the rich flavors of the sauce. For extra juiciness, pound them slightly before slicing.

3. Olive Oil – 2 tbsp

Olive oil helps to sear the chicken to golden perfection while adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.

4. Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

Fresh garlic adds depth and aromatic richness to the sauce. Make sure it doesn’t burn while sautéing!

5. Heavy Cream – 1 cup (240 ml)

The creamy base of this sauce brings all the ingredients together in a luscious, velvety consistency.

6. Chicken Broth – ½ cup (120 ml)

This adds flavor while keeping the sauce light and balanced.

7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes – ½ cup, chopped

These tangy gems add a pop of color and a delicious punch of flavor to the dish.

8. Parmesan Cheese – ¾ cup, freshly grated

For an authentic and nutty flavor, use fresh Parmesan. It also thickens the sauce!

9. Italian Seasoning – 1 tsp

A blend of herbs like oregano and basil infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.

10. Red Pepper Flakes – ¼ tsp (optional)

Add a slight kick of heat to balance the richness of the cream. Adjust to your spice preference.

11. Fresh Basil – for garnish

Bright and fragrant, basil adds a fresh finish to the dish.

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How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and then drain. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.

Step 5: Add Flavorful Ingredients

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer on low heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes to absorb the flavors. Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water, stirring until well-coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and watch your loved ones swoon!

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Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life as you warm it on the stove or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, spaghetti, or any other pasta shape you love.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce may be less rich. Add a touch of cornstarch mixed with water for thickness.

Are there vegetarian variations?

To make this vegetarian, skip the chicken and use mushrooms or tofu as a hearty substitute.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or even add a dash of cayenne pepper for a bolder kick.

Can I use store-bought sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes, just make sure to drain them well before chopping. The oil can even be used in place of olive oil for extra flavor!

Can I freeze this dish?

The sauce can be frozen, but pasta may lose its texture. If you plan to freeze, keep the pasta and sauce separate.

What pairs well with this dish?

A crisp green salad and some garlic bread make the perfect companions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

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I hope you’ve fallen head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe! It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavors that will leave everyone wanting seconds. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends on Facebook or save it to Pinterest using the buttons below. Happy cooking!

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