Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with penne pasta, smothered in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce complemented by sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for a family dinner or a romantic meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, it is a one-pot chicken pasta dish that simplifies cleanup. The creamy marry me chicken sauce is rich and comforting, ideal for warming up those chilly evenings. Throw in some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor, and you have an Italian marry me chicken that tastes gourmet. It’s also incredibly versatile—feel free to add spinach or other vegetables for a healthier twist. Plus, this dish can easily be made gluten-free! Enjoying this hearty meal will surely create memorable moments around your dinner table.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Gather these items:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 10 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
- Step 5: Mix in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 6: Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 7: Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Stir gently to fully coat the chicken and pasta with the sauce.
- Step 8: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese on top before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh ingredients to enhance the flavor of your creamy marry me chicken.
- For a richer sauce, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to experiment with marry me chicken pasta variations by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For an exquisite dining experience, serve this chicken pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon. You can also garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil to elevate the presentation.
How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency. This makes for a quick and delicious meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What’s the secret to perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors in the creamy marry me chicken sauce. A good quality parmesan cheese and fresh garlic will elevate the taste. Also, don’t rush the simmering process; it helps the sauce thicken and develop a rich flavor.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine them with the pasta when you’re ready to serve. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure that your chicken is cooked through and not overcrowded in the skillet. Also, keep an eye on the cream sauce; it should simmer gently to thicken without curdling. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for the best flavor.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta You Can Try
There are countless ways to enjoy this dish! Consider making a one-pot marry me chicken pasta by cooking everything together for an even easier meal. You can also try marry me chicken pasta with spinach for added nutrition, or swap out the protein for shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favorite flavor combinations!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta or Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta. If you’re looking for a healthy option, try Healthy Sloppy Joes for a twist on classic flavors.
To satisfy your sweet tooth, don’t forget to check out Creamy Spinach Chickpea Curry for a delightful vegetarian option!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try It
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the rich and creamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a comforting dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked to perfection, tossed with penne pasta and enveloped in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. This delightful recipe makes a hearty meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 10 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons flour to form a paste. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form.
- Mix in 1 cup grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Stir gently to fully coat the chicken and pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese on top before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
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