Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name one flavorful bite at a time This creamy pasta dish has everything I crave on a cozy night rich savory sauce golden chicken and a tangle of pasta wrapped in just enough heat from red pepper flakes

I first made this for a date night at home not realizing it would become my go to for both quick dinners and dinners meant to impress I was amazed by how fast this comes together and how many compliments I get every time I serve it My sister now always requests it for her birthday

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced horizontally for even quick cooking and tender bites
• Salt and black pepper: to season the chicken and bring out its flavors use fresh cracked pepper if you can
• Italian seasoning: for herby brightness check your blend for plenty of oregano and basil
• Olive oil: to give the chicken a golden crust and add heart healthy fats go for extra virgin for best flavor
• Fresh garlic cloves: for punchy aroma mince just before using for maximum flavor
• Sun dried tomatoes: for tang and a pop of color look for ones packed in oil for extra lusciousness
• Heavy cream: for that signature silky sauce use full fat for the richest result
• Chicken broth: to thin the sauce and bump up savory notes low sodium lets you control saltiness
• Grated Parmesan cheese: for salty nutty finish always grate fresh if possible for smoother melting
• Red pepper flakes: to give gentle warmth adjust to your taste level
• Penne pasta: cooked al dente so it soaks up sauce without turning mushy choose a bronze cut if you spot it for better sauce cling
• Fresh basil: for a fragrant peppery finish snip leaves just before serving for best aroma

Instructions

Slicing and seasoning chicken:

Cut chicken breasts in half horizontally so they cook evenly Sprinkle both sides with salt black pepper and Italian seasoning Pat seasoning in so it sticks well

Searing the chicken:

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium high heat When hot add chicken pieces Cook each side four to five minutes until golden and cooked through Set chicken aside on a plate to rest helping keep its juices

Building the sauce base:

With chicken set aside lower the heat to medium Add minced garlic into the same skillet Let it cook about one minute to infuse oil with garlic flavor Watch so the garlic does not brown

Simmering creamy sauce:

Add sun dried tomatoes to skillet and give a quick stir Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth Scrape up browned bits on pan bottom Bring to a gentle simmer Then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes Stir and simmer for another few minutes so the sauce thickens and cheese melts smoothly

Bringing everything together:

Slice rested chicken into strips or bite size pieces Slide it back into skillet Then add cooked penne pasta Toss gently in sauce until everything is well coated Let heat together two to three minutes to meld flavors

Finishing touches and serving:

Turn off heat Scatter over chopped fresh basil for color and bright flavor Serve straightaway while sauce is hot and silky I love to top each plate with an extra shower of Parmesan

Works with almost any pasta shape you like Sun dried tomatoes are my secret weapon adding zing and beautiful color to every bite They remind me of Sunday lunches growing up when my mom sprinkled them on everything because she knew they made any meal a bit more special Now I always keep a jar on hand for this very recipe

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers let them cool before storing in the fridge in an airtight container The pasta and chicken stay fresh up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of extra broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silkiness The basil is best added fresh after reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap heavy cream for half and half if you prefer a lighter dish You can try boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite If penne is not your favorite any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli will work Parmesan can be traded for pecorino for sharper flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus I sometimes add toasted pine nuts or extra sun dried tomatoes for crunch This is one dish that always wins over both kids and adults

Cultural and Historical Context

This recipe roots itself in the tradition of creamy chicken pasta dishes which gained popularity in Italian American kitchens Marry Me Chicken as a term hints at how irresistibly craveable it is a dish so good it inspires marriage proposals It is perfect for cozy date nights or big family gatherings

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer add a handful of cherry tomatoes or swap some sun dried for fresh In winter swap basil for sage or thyme for a deeper herb flavor In spring try a handful of baby spinach stirred into the hot sauce at the end

Success Stories

A friend brought this to a potluck and it disappeared before anything else One cook shared it won over even picky kids My own family now calls it the engagement pasta because it turns any meal into a celebration

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze let everything cool then portion into airtight containers Freeze up to two months Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly on the stove Add extra cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite for both special occasions and busy weeknights Serve it hot for the best creamy texture and vibrant flavors

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and remain tender in the creamy sauce.

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Penne is traditional, but rigatoni, fettuccine, or linguine also pair well with the creamy sauce.

→ How do I achieve a thick, creamy sauce?

Simmer the cream, broth, and cheese together until slightly reduced, allowing the sauce to cling to the pasta and chicken.

→ Are there substitutions for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms can provide a similar depth of flavor if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable.

→ Is the dish spicy?

It has mild heat from red pepper flakes; adjust quantity to taste for a spicier or milder flavor.