why make this recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken and creamy sauce with pasta. It gets its name because it’s so tasty that it might just win someone’s heart! This recipe is perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or any time you want to impress someone with your cooking skills. Plus, it is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you can find in your pantry.
how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ onion, finely minced
- 3 sun-dried tomato halves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian herb seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle half of the spice mix over both sides. For quicker cooking, slice the chicken breast horizontally to create thinner fillets.
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest before slicing.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta one minute less than the package instructions so it remains slightly firm. Drain and reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Use a spatula to scrape the flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute until aromatic and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the remaining spice mix and stir well. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Cut the rested chicken into slices or strips. Place them on top of the pasta and gently press them into the sauce so they absorb some of the flavor.
- Top with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.
how to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served fresh and hot. You can plate it individually or serve it in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top adds a nice touch. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
how to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, cool the pasta and chicken completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish should be eaten within 3 days for the best quality. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the pasta and sauce for up to 2 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
tips to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Fresh basil and garlic make a big difference.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing it to keep it juicy.
variation
You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the sauce. You can also substitute your pasta of choice, like fettuccine or rotini, depending on what you have on hand.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta.
- What can I use instead of heavy cream? If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative made from cashews or coconut.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A delicious dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce with pasta, perfect for impressing guests or loved ones.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly blended.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and sprinkle half of the spice mix over both sides.
- For quicker cooking, slice the chicken breast horizontally to create thinner fillets.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest before slicing.
Cooking the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta one minute less than the package instructions so it remains slightly firm.
- Drain and reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute until aromatic and slightly caramelized.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the remaining spice mix and stir well.
- Let the sauce gently simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Cut the rested chicken into slices or strips. Place them on top of the pasta and gently press them into the sauce.
- Top with fresh basil leaves and extra parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving
- Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy, optionally paired with garlic bread or a side salad.
Nutrition
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the spice levels to your taste. Don't overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the sauce. Let the chicken rest before slicing it to keep it juicy.