Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that holds a special place in my heart. It was one of those magical evenings when I decided to cook something extra special for my partner. A creamy blend of flavors, this pasta dish blends succulent pieces of chicken with a rich sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. From the moment the aroma filled the kitchen, I knew I had created something extraordinary. My partner walked in, and you could see the excitement on their face as the heavenly scent enveloped them. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes with garlic and a splash of heavy cream made it impossible to resist. What followed was a delightful dinner filled with laughter, love, and, of course, a plate piled high with this delicious pasta. We both agreed that it was a recipe worth sharing, hence the name, as I felt it was ‘marriage material’. With every bite, you’ll understand why this dish has become a go-to in our home, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic yourself!

Ingredients to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta are not only simple but also work harmoniously to create a rich and creamy dish. The combination of chicken, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes provides a delicious foundation that is further enhanced by garlic and Italian seasoning. Each ingredient plays its part, ensuring that you get a well-rounded flavor profile that will leave you craving more.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, I used rotisserie
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon flour
• 3 garlic cloves, minced (1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
• ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, thinly sliced, for serving

The Process for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Making the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful experience that promises to fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas. The steps are simple, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to savor. Let’s dive into the process and see how to bring this wonderful dish to life.

1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions in salted water. This step is crucial because the pasta will absorb some salt, enhancing its flavor. Once al dente, drain it and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later use.
2. In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, it will create a rich base for your sauce. Once melted, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of flour over the top and stir well. This will help thicken your sauce, making it creamy and luscious.
3. Next, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the 3 garlic cloves and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen fills with the delightful aroma of sautéing garlic. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
4. Stir in the 1 cup of chicken broth, scraping up any loose browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer gently for a moment, allowing the broth to mix beautifully with the other ingredients.
5. Now, transfer the pan to a cold burner and let it cool slightly. This step helps avoid curdling when you whisk in the ¾ cup of heavy cream. Add it gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy. The sauce should become luscious and inviting.
6. Return the skillet to medium-low heat and whisk the sauce for about 1 minute until heated through. Once heated, sprinkle in the ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese and gently stir until melted. This cheese adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
7. Now, stir in the ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Season with Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. The combination of flavors will create a wonderful sauce that’s both creamy and satisfying.
8. Bring the mixture to a slow simmer, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich sauce that will coat the chicken and pasta perfectly.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring it is well coated in the sauce. This is where the magic happens as the chicken absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce while keeping it moist and tender.
10. Add in the cooked penne pasta and any additional vegetables, like spinach if desired. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes, or until everything is heated through and perfectly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
11. Finally, spoon any remaining sauce over the top and garnish with fresh basil for that extra touch of flavor. Serve immediately and watch as everyone digs in!

Making Adjustments

Cooking the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is flexible, allowing for personal twists and adjustments that suit your taste. Here are some tips to help you make this dish truly your own.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s richness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled dish for later use. Just ensure to leave out the basil until serving for the best flavor.
• Pairing: Serve this pasta with a crisp salad or garlic bread to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
• Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick or use different herbs that you love.

What to Pair With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving the Marry Me Chicken Pasta, there are plenty of delicious options to enhance your meal. Consider these pairings for a complete dining experience:

• Garlic Bread: The buttery, crunchy texture of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a light white wine can complement the flavors beautifully.
• Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition, enhancing the overall meal.
• Festive Occasions: This dish is great for romantic dinners, anniversaries, or cozy family gatherings, making every meal feel special.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, place them in a sealed container and refrigerate for tasty next-day meals!

FAQ

Conclusion

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines flavors and comfort in every bite. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a standout recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself, whether for a special dinner or just a cozy night at home. You won’t regret it – this may just become your new favorite!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a dish that's an easy weeknight dinner and sure to impress. Dig in tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 5 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Grater
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked chicken I used rotisserie
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ tablespoon flour
• 3 cloves garlic minced (1 Tablespoon)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup heavy cream at room temperature
• ½ cup grated fresh parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil thinly sliced, for serving

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water.
• In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sprinkle flour over the top.
• In the same pan, reduce heat to medium low. Add 3 garlic cloves and cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any loose browned bits.
• Transfer pan to a cold burner and let cool slightly. Whisk in ¾ cup heavy cream until smooth. Sprinkle in ½ cup parmesan and gently stir until cheese has melted.
• Return skillet to medium-low heat and whisk sauce 1 minute until heated. Stir in ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Season with Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
• Bring to a slow simmer, stirring occasionally. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, ensuring it is well coated in the sauce. Add in cooked pasta and spinach if desired. Simmer 2 more minutes, or until chicken and pasta warmed through. Season to taste.
• Spoon remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with fresh basil.

Notes

• Crusted chicken: I like to keep this recipe gluten free, but if you’d like to create a crispy crusted chicken, simply dredge the chicken in a shallow bowl flour after step 1 before you add to the pan. It will create a nice crusted chicken fillet.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I like to use the tomatoes packed in oil, but you can use the dried tomatoes, if you prefer. If you do go with dried, I recommend adding a little extra oil to the skillet with tomatoes to give the sauce an extra boost of flavor.

Keyword comfort food, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.