If you’re looking for a romantic and incredibly flavorful dinner dish, then marry me chicken pasta is the perfect choice. This delicious meal has earned its unique name because it is so good that it might just inspire someone to propose! Creamy, savory, and perfectly seasoned, this pasta dish is a sure winner whether you’re serving it to impress a significant other or simply want a comforting, decadent dinner for yourself. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best marry me chicken pasta from scratch, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a lot more.
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry me chicken pasta is an indulgent pasta dish made with tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce, then combined with cooked pasta for a perfectly cohesive dish. The sauce features heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, giving it a rich and vibrant flavor. This dish’s creamy texture, combined with the subtle acidity of tomatoes and the comforting nature of pasta, makes it an all-time favorite.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
There are so many reasons why you will love marry me chicken pasta. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like a restaurant-quality dish. You don’t need to be an expert chef to create this romantic dinner. It also combines flavors that everyone loves: creamy sauce, well-seasoned chicken, and pasta. In addition, the sun-dried tomatoes add a bit of tang that perfectly balances out the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
This recipe is versatile and can be served during any season. You can make it for a quiet dinner date, an anniversary, or even as a comforting weeknight meal. Moreover, the ingredients are easy to find, making this recipe convenient for almost any home cook. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want something special for dinner, marry me chicken pasta is a great choice. Furthermore, this dish is a fantastic crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. In addition, the balance of flavors and textures will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To make marry me chicken pasta, you will need a handful of ingredients for both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
Ingredients for the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into thin slices or fillets.
- 1 teaspoon salt: To season the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: For seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a slight smokiness to the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken and creating a light crust.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken.
Ingredients for the Creamy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a strong aromatic base.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the creamy consistency that makes this dish so indulgent.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Adds acidity and a tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme to flavor the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for a bit of spice.
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or linguine: Cooked according to package instructions.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley: Optional, for garnish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice mixture.
- Dredge in Flour: Lightly coat each piece of chicken with all-purpose flour. This will help create a nice crust on the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken.
- Add Parmesan and Tomatoes: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is smooth and creamy. In addition, be sure to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate all the flavors.
- Season the Sauce: Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Return Chicken to the Skillet: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Make sure all the pasta is well-coated for the perfect creamy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, herbs, and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the taste and aroma of the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure to sear the chicken until just cooked through. Overcooking can result in dry chicken, which will negatively impact the overall dish.
- Season to Taste: The balance of flavors is important in marry me chicken pasta. Therefore, adjust the salt, pepper, and Parmesan to your liking to make the dish perfect for you.
- Save Some Pasta Water: When draining the cooked pasta, save a cup of the pasta water. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta and provides a glossy finish.
- Cut Chicken Evenly: Make sure to slice the chicken breasts evenly so that they cook at the same rate. Uneven pieces may result in some parts being overcooked while others are undercooked.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
There are many ways to make this marry me chicken pasta recipe your own. Here are some popular variations:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach: Add a couple of cups of fresh spinach to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt and add a pop of color and added nutrition.
- Bacon Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Crisp up some bacon pieces and add them to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes for a smoky, salty addition that pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic to add an earthy flavor to the dish. Mushrooms provide a wonderful umami taste that complements the creamy sauce.
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You can also add a chopped jalapeño for extra heat. This variation is great if you prefer a little more spice to balance the creaminess.
- Seafood Marry Me Pasta: Replace the chicken with shrimp or scallops. Cook them quickly in the skillet before preparing the sauce, and return them to the skillet at the end to warm through. This variation is perfect for seafood lovers who want a special twist on the classic recipe.
- Vegetarian Marry Me Pasta: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms. You can also add chickpeas or tofu for added protein. This variation is perfect if you want a vegetarian version that still packs a ton of flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, marry me chicken pasta can be easily stored and reheated for another meal.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps retain the freshness of the ingredients and prevents spoilage.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes change texture when frozen, so the sauce may need a bit of extra cream when reheating to restore its smoothness.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through. Add a bit of cream or water if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Oven: Alternatively, you can reheat the pasta in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the texture of the sauce better than the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Marry me chicken pasta is a complete dish on its own, but you can pair it with some side dishes to round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. The garlic flavors complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta. Additionally, it adds a crunchy texture that pairs well with the soft, creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent accompaniments. The roasted flavors add depth and balance to the creamy pasta dish.
- White Wine: Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a perfect romantic dinner. The acidity of the wine helps cut through the richness of the sauce, making each bite more enjoyable.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for ways to make marry me chicken pasta a little healthier, consider these substitutions:
- Use Light Cream: Substitute heavy cream with light cream or half-and-half to reduce the fat content. This will make the dish less heavy while still maintaining its creamy texture.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber. This small change makes the dish more nutritious without compromising on taste.
- Less Cheese: Reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese, or use a lower-fat cheese to make the dish lighter. You can also sprinkle nutritional yeast as a substitute for the cheesy flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Bulk up the pasta with additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and fewer calories per serving. This helps make each serving more filling and adds a variety of textures.
- Grilled Chicken: Instead of searing the chicken in oil, you can grill it for a healthier preparation. Grilled chicken has fewer calories and adds a slightly smoky flavor to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Marry Me Chicken Pasta TikTok
The viral marry me chicken pasta trend on TikTok has brought a lot of attention to this dish. Many users share videos of themselves making this delicious recipe, showcasing its rich and creamy nature. The name comes from how irresistibly good the dish is, with many claiming it could be the key to winning someone’s heart.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Easy
Yes, marry me chicken pasta is an easy recipe that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. It involves simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced home cooks. Therefore, anyone can make this dish with great results.
Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
The best marry me chicken pasta recipe involves using fresh, high-quality ingredients and balancing the flavors properly. Seasoning is key, as is allowing enough time for the flavors to meld together as the sauce simmers. Adding a touch of fresh herbs at the end can elevate the flavor even further. In addition, being patient while the sauce thickens ensures that the consistency is just right.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients
The main ingredients for marry me chicken pasta are chicken breasts, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. Italian seasoning, garlic, and a bit of chicken broth are also essential to achieving the rich, delicious flavor of this dish. Additionally, garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds an extra layer of freshness to the dish.