Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a dish that’s sure to impress on date night or any special occasion, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This creamy, savory pasta dish features tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce, making it a delightful main course that will have your loved ones begging for the recipe. With the perfect blend of flavors and textures, this dish will have everyone at the table swooning and asking for seconds. So, let’s dive into the delicious world of Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Why This Recipe Works
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just another creamy pasta dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together beautifully. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken and pasta. The use of heavy cream ensures a luxurious texture, while the Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. This recipe is straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a special occasion, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Gather
- 2 lbs chicken breasts – Pounded or sliced thin, or you can use chicken cutlets for a quicker cooking time.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the chicken, giving it a nice crust.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil – For cooking the chicken.
- 1 tsp salt – To season the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For an extra layer of flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika – Adds a subtle smoky note.
- 1 tsp black pepper – For seasoning.
- 2 tbsp butter – For richness in the sauce.
- 2 tbsp minced garlic – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor profile.
- 1 cup chicken broth – A flavorful base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – Creates a creamy texture.
- 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes – For sweetness and tang.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese – Use shredded instead of grated for better texture.
- 1 tsp dried oregano – Adds an aromatic touch.
- 1 tsp dried thyme – For depth of flavor.
- Red pepper flakes to taste – Optional, for a little heat.
- 16 oz rotini pasta – Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 chopped fresh parsley – For garnish.
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese – For topping.
Recommended Tools
- Large skillet – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Meat mallet – To pound the chicken evenly.
- Whisk – For mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Serving spoon – For serving the pasta and chicken elegantly.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Cooking Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. If you’re using whole breasts, pound them to an even thickness or slice them into cutlets for quicker cooking.
Step 2: Dredge the Chicken
In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. This step helps create a delectable crust when sautéed.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine, letting the sauce simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked rotini pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
Step 9: Serve and Garnish
Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this delicious creation!
Seasonal Flavor Boosts
- Fresh Basil – Add fresh basil for a summery twist.
- Asparagus – Toss in some sautéed asparagus for a springtime feel.
- Mushrooms – Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Fresh cherry tomatoes can add a burst of sweetness.
Cook’s Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand; penne or fettuccine would work beautifully.
- If you want to make this dish ahead, prepare the sauce and chicken but store them separately from the pasta to avoid sogginess.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine with freshly cooked pasta. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Quick Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just ensure it is fully thawed and cooked through before proceeding with the recipe.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be different.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the tips, ingredients, and steps to create this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s time to gather your supplies and get cooking! This dish is bound to become a family favorite, and who knows, it might even lead to a proposal or two at the dinner table. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles that come with each bite. Happy cooking!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Pound to even thickness or slice into cutlets for quicker cooking.
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess for a delectable crust.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the skillet to release browned bits.
- Add heavy whipping cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet, coating in the creamy sauce. Add cooked rotini pasta, tossing everything together until well combined.
- Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional shredded Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately!
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Any pasta works; penne or fettuccine are great alternatives.
- Store sauce and chicken separately from pasta if making ahead to avoid sogginess.
