Picture this: a creamy, dreamy dish so irresistible it might just spark a proposal! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich sauce, and comforting pasta that’s won hearts everywhere.
It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s date night or a family dinner, this recipe is your ticket to a memorable evening. Ready in under an hour, it’s as easy as it is irresistible. Let’s get cooking and see if it lives up to its romantic name!
Why People Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. Its creamy tomato sauce clings to every bite of pasta. The chicken stays juicy, and the flavors feel like a warm hug.
It’s versatile, too. You can tweak it to your taste or diet. Plus, it’s ready in under an hour, making it a go-to for busy evenings.
The name adds a fun twist. Legend says it’s so good it inspires love! Whether that’s true, it’s definitely a recipe to keep handy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients first makes cooking a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need for this dish. Feel free to adjust spices to your liking.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Pro tip: Use fresh Parmesan for the best flavor. Pre-grated can work, but it’s less creamy.
Kitchen Tools Required
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Basic kitchen tools will do the trick. Here’s a quick list to prepare.
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Tongs
Having everything ready saves time. It keeps the cooking process smooth and fun.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This recipe comes together in simple steps. Follow along for a foolproof dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This makes them easier to eat, too.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chopped onion for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Spinach
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color.
Step 8: Mix in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot, straight from the skillet. It’s ready to impress!
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A few tricks can elevate your dish. These tips ensure great results every time.
- Use room-temperature cream. Cold cream can curdle in the hot skillet.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds up better in the sauce.
- Adjust the heat. Skip red pepper flakes for a milder flavor or add more for spice.
- Fresh herbs matter. Basil or parsley brightens the dish at the end.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning is key to a balanced sauce.
Experiment with these to make the recipe your own. Cooking is all about having fun!
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a star on its own, but sides can make it a feast. Here are some ideas to round out your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Asparagus or zucchini add color and crunch.
- Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir complements the flavors.
Serve on warm plates for a cozy vibe. It makes the meal feel extra special.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the dish’s nutrition per serving. It’s based on 6 servings and includes the pasta, chicken, and sauce.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
These values are estimates. They can vary based on ingredient brands or portion sizes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is great for planning ahead. It stores well and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it.
Prepare the sauce and chicken up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
Leftovers last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth. This keeps the sauce silky.
Freezing is an option, too. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations to Try
This recipe is super adaptable. Switch things up to suit your taste or pantry. Here are some fun twists.
- Swap the Protein: Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Change the Pasta: Try fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Add Veggies: Mushrooms or bell peppers work great in the sauce.
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Get creative with what you have. The core flavors are forgiving and versatile.
Why It’s Called Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The name comes from its reputation for being unforgettable. It’s said to be so delicious it could inspire a proposal. Whether or not that happens, it’s a dish people rave about.
The combo of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes is magical. It feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for sharing with someone special.
Summary
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its romantic name. It’s a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and hard to resist. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a sauce that’s pure comfort, it’s ideal for date nights or family dinners.
You can whip it up in under an hour with pantry staples. Plus, it’s adaptable for different diets or tastes. Try it, and it might just become your new favorite!
FAQ
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Swap them with fresh cherry tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste. It’ll still give that tangy kick.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it when combining the sauce and pasta. Warm it through to blend the flavors.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely, kids love the creamy pasta. Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder taste.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat medium-low when adding cream. Stir constantly to blend it smoothly.
This recipe is all about love and flavor. Enjoy making it, and savor every bite!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta or any short pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This makes them easier to eat, too.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Cook the chopped onion for 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Combine Chicken and Spinach
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they wilt, about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a pop of color.
Step 8: Mix in the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. Heat through for 2 minutes.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch. Serve hot, straight from the skillet. It’s ready to impress!
