Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that's sure to impress. You'll love this fusion of creamy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Start by dredging chicken breasts in seasoned flour and cooking them until golden. Then, create a rich sauce with garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Toss the cooked pasta and chicken in this heavenly mixture, and garnish with fresh basil. It's a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your taste – try adding more red pepper flakes for heat or cream cheese for extra creaminess. This crowd-pleaser might just become your new go-to meal for special occasions.

Key Takeaways

• Combine cooked pasta with chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce flavored with garlic and herbs.
• Dredge chicken in seasoned flour, cook until golden, then create sauce with broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
• Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes for a complex flavor profile.
• Simmer chicken in sauce, toss with pasta, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
• Customize by adjusting spice levels, adding cream cheese for extra creaminess, or using alternative ingredients for dietary needs.

History

The origins of Marry Me Chicken Pasta remain somewhat shrouded in mystery. However, you might be interested to know that this dish has gained popularity in recent years, especially on social media platforms.

It's believed to have evolved from the original Marry Me Chicken recipe, which didn't include pasta.

The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from the idea that it's so delicious, someone might propose marriage after tasting it! While that may be a bit of an exaggeration, it certainly speaks to how tasty this meal is.

The addition of pasta to the recipe likely came about as cooks experimented with ways to make the dish more filling and versatile.

You'll find that Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines creamy, savory flavors with a hint of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.

It's a perfect example of how home cooks often adapt and improve upon existing recipes. As you prepare this dish for your loved ones or guests, you're participating in the ongoing evolution of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Who knows? You might even spark a few marriage proposals of your own!

Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delectable fusion of two beloved dishes: the classic Marry Me Chicken and creamy pasta. This comforting meal combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all served over a bed of perfectly cooked pasta. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that's sure to impress even the most discerning palates.

This dish gets its name from the belief that it's so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While we can't guarantee any proposals, we can assure you that this recipe will become a favorite in your household. The combination of garlic, herbs, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the juicy chicken and al dente pasta.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, dredge the chicken breasts in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then return the chicken to the skillet. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken, ensuring everything is well-coated. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

For best results, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for added flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. To make the sauce even creamier, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese while simmering. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.

Remember to season the pasta water generously with salt to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Final Thoughts

Mastering this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe will elevate your culinary skills and impress your loved ones. It's a dish that combines comfort and elegance, perfect for any occasion.

Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this meal is sure to be a hit.

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making the dish your own. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or add extra vegetables for a nutritional boost.

If you're serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can easily modify the recipe. For example, use gluten-free pasta or substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the joy it brings to those you serve. As you become more comfortable with the recipe, you'll find yourself adding personal touches that make it uniquely yours.

And who knows? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just become your signature dish, requested by friends and family for years to come.

Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ahead of Time?

You can definitely make marry me chicken pasta ahead of time! It's a great option for busy days.

Just prepare the dish as usual, but stop before baking. Cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

It'll taste just as delicious as if you'd made it fresh!

What Wine Pairs Best With Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Did you know that 85% of wine enthusiasts prefer white wine with chicken dishes?

You'll love pairing your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp Chardonnay or a zesty Pinot Grigio. These whites complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

If you're serving guests, why not offer both options? It's a great way to make everyone feel special.

For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir can work too.

Is There a Vegetarian Version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes, you can definitely make a vegetarian version of this popular dish!

Instead of chicken, try using hearty vegetables like portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks. They'll soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.

You can also add plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for extra substance.

Keep the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for that classic flavor.

Don't forget to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

You'll create a delicious meat-free meal that's just as tempting as the original!

How Long Does Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Stay Fresh?

Imagine opening your fridge to find yesterday's delicious marry me chicken pasta waiting for you.

You're in luck! Your leftover pasta will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

To keep it at its best, let it cool completely before storing.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

You can definitely use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts in your recipe.

They're a great choice because they're juicier and more flavorful. Just keep in mind that thighs might take a little longer to cook through.

You'll want to adjust your cooking time accordingly. The end result will be a richer, more succulent dish that your guests will love.