Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, delicious pasta dish that’s super popular online. It’s so good, people say it’s worthy of a marriage proposal! This recipe will help you make this famous dish at home. It’s easy to follow, even for beginners.

This Marry Me Chicken recipe is special because it uses simple ingredients and techniques. We’ll focus on fresh flavors that make this dish perfect for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal. You’ll learn how to make a creamy sauce and cook the pasta perfectly. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this amazing chicken pasta recipe! It’s sure to become a new favorite. If you’re looking for other delicious pasta dishes, try our Lobster, Crab, and Salmon Alfredo.

Table of Contents

Ingredients and Equipment: Setting Up for Success

Gathering Your Ingredients

For the best Marry Me Chicken, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: One pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
Pasta: Eight ounces of penne pasta. Penne holds the creamy sauce well, but you can use other pasta shapes too.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: Half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained. These add a burst of flavor to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: One cup of heavy cream makes the sauce rich and decadent.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated is best! It adds salty, cheesy goodness.
Garlic: Two cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a savory depth to the sauce.
Spices: You’ll need dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Fresh herbs are great too!
Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and garlic.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe:

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
Pot: A large pot for boiling the pasta.
Cutting Board: For prepping the chicken and garlic.
Knife: A sharp knife for cutting the chicken and mincing the garlic.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and pasta.
Colander: For draining the cooked pasta.

A meat thermometer is helpful for checking the chicken’s temperature. For a fun twist on breakfast, check out these Mini Cinnamon Rolls.

Cooking the Chicken: The Heart of the Dish

Preparing the Chicken

First, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. You can use your fingers to rub the spices into the chicken pieces, making sure they’re coated all over. This adds flavor to the chicken.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. You should see it shimmer slightly. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the skillet, ensuring they aren’t crowded. Overcrowding lowers the pan’s temperature, preventing proper browning.

Let the chicken cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side without moving it too much. This allows a beautiful golden-brown crust to form, which adds lots of flavor. Flip the chicken only once it’s nicely browned on one side. You might also enjoy our recipe for Crispy Fried Cornbread as a side dish.

Cooking the Chicken Through

Once both sides are golden brown, reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking the chicken until it’s cooked through. The inside should no longer be pink. To ensure it’s safely cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the chicken seems to be browning too quickly, lower the heat to prevent it from drying out. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. We’ll add it back to the sauce later!

Creating the Creamy Sauce: The Magic Touch

Building the Flavor Base

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (don’t clean it!), add another tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

The garlic will infuse the oil with its flavor, creating a delicious base for the sauce. You’ll know the garlic is ready when you can smell its wonderful aroma. This aromatic base will add depth and complexity to the final dish.

Incorporating the Creamy Elements

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Then, add the drained sun-dried tomatoes. These add a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that complements the creaminess. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Save the rest for garnishing later!

Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir the sauce constantly, but gently, to prevent the cream from curdling. You want a smooth, creamy sauce. Low and slow stirring is key here. For a decadent dessert, try our Cheesecake Brownies Recipe.

Simmering to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and the sauce to thicken slightly. You want a sauce that coats the pasta nicely.

While simmering, taste the sauce and add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese if needed. Everyone’s taste is different, so adjust the seasonings to your liking. Keep a close eye on the sauce to make sure it doesn’t boil or burn. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you enjoy a hearty breakfast, our Ultimate Breakfast Casserole is a must-try.

Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the chicken and pasta! For another great chicken recipe, you might like this one from Browned Butter Blondie.

Bringing It All Together: Combining Chicken and Pasta

Cooking the Pasta Al Dente

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water – this seasons the pasta from the inside out. About a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water is a good rule of thumb.
Carefully add the penne pasta to the boiling water and stir it around a bit to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, but aim for “al dente.” This means the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Test the pasta a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.

Combining Chicken and Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta! Now, it’s time to add the cooked chicken back to the creamy sauce. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Make sure every piece is covered in that delicious creamy goodness. Let the chicken heat through in the sauce for a few minutes.

Adding the Pasta to the Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Use tongs or a large spoon to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to break the pasta. You want all the pasta to be evenly coated with the sauce and chicken. Once everything is well combined, your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to serve! For a different flavor profile, consider this recipe from Browned Butter Blondie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne and fettuccine work great with this creamy sauce, but feel free to use your favorite pasta. Rotini, farfalle (bowties), or even linguine are good choices. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions.

How do I store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Store leftovers in a container with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk or cream to make it creamy again.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta suitable for freezing?

It’s best to eat Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh. The creamy sauce might separate if you freeze it. But, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. When you’re ready to eat, cook some fresh pasta and combine everything.

Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It’s a funny name! It means the dish is so delicious, someone might propose marriage after eating it! It’s a way to say the chicken is incredibly tasty and special. It’s definitely a dish to impress someone with.

Serving and Enjoying Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready! Serve it immediately while it’s hot and the cheese is melted and gooey. For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil over the top. The green herbs add a fresh pop of color and flavor.

A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing makes a great accompaniment to this rich pasta dish. Crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. Don’t let any of that deliciousness go to waste!

Enjoy this amazing meal with your family or friends. It’s a perfect dish for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner. Cooking together and sharing a delicious meal is a wonderful way to create lasting memories. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Savor each bite and enjoy the moment!