Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that is full of flavor and comfort. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta into one delicious meal. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. The dish is simple to make and is sure to impress your family or guests. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese gives it a tasty kick. One bite of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and you will understand why it has such a fun name!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Marry Me Chicken Pasta. First, it’s easy to prepare. You don’t need to be an expert chef to make this dish. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find.

Second, it’s rich and creamy. The heavy cream and cheese create a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of pasta and chicken. It is comforting and satisfying, perfect for any night.

Third, it’s versatile. You can add your favorite vegetables or switch up the pasta type to make it your own. You can serve it for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or a casual weeknight meal.

Finally, it tastes amazing. The mix of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning gives this dish a unique flavor that you’re sure to love. It’s a recipe that you will want to make again and again.

HOW TO MAKE Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is straightforward. With simple steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Here’s how to do it.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you will need the following equipment:

A large skillet or pan
A pot for boiling pasta
A cutting board
A knife
Measuring cups and spoons
A wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients You’ll Need :

Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for searing
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
Heavy Cream: 1 cup
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated
Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional for spice)
Pasta: 8 oz, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
Fresh Basil: For garnish

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Here’s how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Cook the Pasta:
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and stir to combine.
- Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Stir the sauce until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- Finally, add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well mixed.
Serve:
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired.

HOW TO SERVE Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served hot. You can place generous portions on plates and garnish them with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A side salad or some garlic bread can be a great addition to this meal.

If you want to add more color, consider adding steamed broccoli or a mix of your favorite vegetables to the dish. This way, you can have a well-rounded meal that is not only tasty but also nutritious.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the pasta before sealing it in the container.

For freezing, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

For a full meal, consider serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta with:

A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette.
Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping in the creamy sauce.
A glass of white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which pairs nicely with the flavors.

Adding these sides can enhance the meal and make it feel even more special.

VARIATIONS

There are many ways to modify Marry Me Chicken Pasta to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini.
Pasta Variations: Change the pasta type to spaghetti, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta to fit your dietary needs.
Add Spinach: Toss in some fresh spinach at the end for extra nutrients and a pop of color.
Change the Cheese: Try using different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any pasta you like. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great options, but feel free to choose your favorite.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to serve.

4. Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta even easier, consider these make-ahead tips:

Prep the Chicken: Slice and season the chicken breasts a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
Sauce Ingredients: Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic ahead of time. This saves time on cooking day.
Cook the Pasta: If you prefer, you can cook the pasta a few hours ahead of time. Just toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.

With these tips, you can enjoy this delightful dish with minimal fuss. Happy cooking!