Every time I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it brings back memories of cozy family dinners filled with laughter and love. The enticing aroma of the garlic and herbs wafting through the kitchen reminds me of the countless evenings I spent cooking for my loved ones, especially when we would gather around the table to savor a delicious meal. As I served up this creamy, dreamy pasta dish, my family couldn’t help but rave over it, and I often joked that it was so good it might just lead to a proposal! I truly believe that food has a unique ability to connect us, and this dish is no exception.
Imagine sitting down at your dining table, surrounded by family, as this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta graces the table. You can feel the warmth and comfort radiating from the dish even before you take your first bite. If you’re searching for a meal that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring your loved ones together, then you’ve come to the right place. As I share this recipe with you, I hope you will feel the same warmth and joy that I do whenever I make it.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
Let’s gather our ingredients! For this cozy recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb pasta (fettuccine or penne): The base of this dish holds everything together. I personally love using penne because the sauce really clings to the pasta.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This healthy fat is perfect for sautéing the chicken and gives it a beautiful flavor.
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced thin: The star of the dish! Thin slices cook quickly and absorb all the delicious sauce.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning your chicken perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a heavenly aroma and flavor that make everything taste better.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: This liquid gold enhances the flavor of the sauce and keeps it moist.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that rich, creamy texture you’ll fall in love with.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because everything is better with cheese! It adds a wonderful nuttiness.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These little gems add a lovely sweetness and tang that brighten the dish.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick is perfect for those who love a bit of spice.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): Nothing beats the freshness of basil to round out this dish.
Cooking Steps
Now, let’s put this delightful meal together! Follow along, and don’t worry—you’ll make this dish like a pro in no time!
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Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to save about a cup of pasta water before draining it! This starchy water can help thicken your sauce.
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Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. As it heats up, let your mouth water in anticipation!
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Season and Cook the Chicken: While the oil heats, season your thinly sliced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Remove the Chicken: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. You want to keep those delicious juices in the pan.
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Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Reduce the heat slightly and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant. This is where the magic begins!
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Pour in the Chicken Broth and Cream: Next, pour in the chicken broth and add the heavy cream. Stir well and watch as the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Add the grated Parmesan and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine, letting the cheese melt and the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
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Return the Chicken: Once the sauce is thickened, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to soak up the creamy goodness.
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Combine with Pasta: Add the drained pasta right into the skillet, tossing it gently to coat in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
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Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in those red pepper flakes for an extra zing. Mix well.
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Garnish with Basil: Finally, top with plenty of fresh, chopped basil. This brightens the dish and makes it look so inviting.
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Serve Hot: Dish up generous portions for your family and get ready for the compliments to flow!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those recipes that can easily adapt to different seasons and special occasions. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy date night at home, or just an ordinary family dinner, this dish elevates any meal into something extraordinary. The comforting blend of cream, cheese, and chicken never fails to make everyone smile.
What You’ll Need
In addition to the ingredients, here are some tools that make the cooking process easier:
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A skillet (preferably non-stick) for cooking the chicken and sauce
- A good cutting board and knife for preparing the chicken and veggies
- Measuring cups and spoons for precision (though I often eyeball things!)
Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down those steps one more time for easier reference:
- Boil pasta—cook until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet.
- Season and cook chicken until golden.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken broth and cream; stir to combine.
- Incorporate cheese and sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet.
- Toss cooked pasta with sauce; add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Garnish with fresh basil.
- Serve and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some tips from my kitchen to yours:
- Don’t overcook the pasta! You want it to retain a bit of bite for the perfect texture.
- Choose quality ingredients! It makes a big difference, especially with chicken and cheese.
- Don’t rush the sauce! Letting it simmer ensures all the flavors blossom beautifully.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad and a slice of crusty bread to mop up that tasty sauce. I love serving this dish alongside steamed broccoli or a light vegetable medley to balance out the rich, creamy sauce. You could even enjoy it with a glass of white wine to really set the mood!
Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken? Absolutely! You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then store them separately. Just combine and heat everything up before serving.
What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes? No worries! You can omit them or use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. It will still taste delicious!
Can this be made vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the chicken with a hearty veggie option like mushrooms or even tempeh. Just cook them in the same way!
Conclusion
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become a beloved dish in my home that brings joy and satisfaction every time we make it. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic it brings to your table. I can guarantee that once you make it, your family will be asking for seconds—or maybe even thirds! So gather your loved ones and enjoy a heartwarming meal that’s full of flavor and comfort. Let me know how it turns out, and I can’t wait to hear about your family’s reaction!