Marry Me Chicken Recipe With Pasta
Okay, so this Marry Me Chicken Pasta? It’s the kind of dish you make once, and suddenly people start texting you, asking if they can come over “just to hang out” (we see you).
So, can we start making the pasta now?
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Here’s your no-stress, step-by-step walkthrough to delicious pasta. Don’t worry, I got you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into halves or thirds)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, but so good)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 10 oz penne pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions)
Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted water until just al dente. Don’t overcook it, it’s going to get a cozy bath in the sauce later.
Step 2: While the pasta’s boiling, season your chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Massage those spices in like you mean it.
Step 3: Heat up a large skillet with the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside. Don’t crowd the pan!
Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (like, 30 seconds).
Step 5: Put in the chicken broth. Scrape up all those brown bits from the bottom. That’s where the magic lives.
Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, chili flakes, and Italian seasoning. Let it bubble gently for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 7: Add Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and thickens the sauce. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.
Step 8: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Let it soak up all that creamy goodness for a few minutes.
Step 9: Put in your cooked pasta (or stir it in gently, whichever way you like). Let everything come together over low heat.
Step 10: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot. Maybe light a candle. Enjoy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⒈ Using dry sun-dried tomatoes. Get the ones in oil. Trust me.
⒉ Skipping the sear. You want color on that chicken, not boiled sadness.
⒊ Adding cheese too early. It can get weirdly grainy if the sauce isn’t hot enough.
⒋ Overcooking the pasta. Mushy pasta in a creamy sauce is just… no.
5. Forgetting to taste. Salt makes the flavors pop, and taste as you go.
Recipe Best Tips
- Let the chicken rest before slicing, juicier results.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. The pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as well.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Want more depth? A splash of white wine before the broth step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a simple green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. Garlic bread?
Absolutely. Glass of chilled white wine or a lemony sparkling water? Yes, please.
Storage and Freezing
① Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
② Freezing: It can freeze, but the sauce texture may change a bit. If you freeze it, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yep! Just adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer.
Q: Is there a dairy-free version?
A: You can try coconut cream and nutritional yeast, but it won’t taste quite the same.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely. Fettuccine, rigatoni, bowties—whatever makes you happy.
Q: Is this really spicy?
A: Not unless you go heavy on the chili flakes. It’s mostly creamy and savory.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but keep the pasta and sauce separate, then mix when reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: Mix dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: 100%. Use a bigger pan and maybe more wine. (For the dish… or yourself.)
Conclusion
So that’s it, my friend. Creamy, flavorful, and made to impress without breaking a sweat.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how it went, or how many marriage proposals you got afterward.
You Might Also Want To Try
- Easy Black Pepper Chicken with Sauce
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes
- Creamy Parmesan Chicken And Orzo
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Marry Me Chicken Recipe With Pasta
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise (or use boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, but adds a nice color and flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)
- 1 cup chicken broth or white wine for extra depth of flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated melts best
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (oil-packed is best for flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work best
- Salt for boiling water
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Substitutions & Tips:
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you like extra tender meat.
- Use Greek yogurt or cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a slight twist.
- Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Try cherry tomatoes but cook them down a bit for flavor.
- Want a gluten-free version? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta!
Instructions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so they cook evenly. (Think of it as giving them a little spa treatment before their big moment.)
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let them sit while you heat the pan.
Step 2: Sizzle That Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. (No pink in the middle, please!)
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3: Make That Creamy, Dreamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. (You know that smell—heaven.)
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine if you're feeling fancy) and scrape up those flavorful brown bits from the pan. Let it simmer for a minute.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce is doing its thing, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some of that creamy sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix everything together. (This is where the magic happens.)
Step 6: Serve & Impress
- Plate it up, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, and add extra Parmesan because, well… cheese.
- Now enjoy! Bonus points if someone at the table looks at you and says, “Wow, did you really make this?”
