marry me chicken pasta sweeps you off your feet with tender chicken breast, sun-dried, sun-kissed tomatoes, and a dreamy garlic-cream sauce simmered with savory chicken broth, a splash of balsamic vinegar, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a gentle zing. Each forkful swirls al dente pasta around bites of juicy chicken, melted Parmesan, and a kiss of fresh basil. It’s a cozy, romance-on-a-plate meal that feels like a warm embrace, perfect for date night or any night you want to feel special. Simple, yet indulgent, this playful dish will have everyone whispering “I do!” before the last bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This marry me chicken pasta
- It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich flavors that impress without the fuss.
- Comfort food that’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
marry me chicken pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken, slice into strips, and set aside.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Step 6: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 7: Add Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 8: Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Step 9: Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Step 10: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Step 11: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 |
| Fat | 30g |
| Protein | 40g |
| Carbs | 50g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create the mouthwatering Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) – your choice of pasta for a hearty dish
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – the star of the recipe
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for cooking the chicken
- 1 cup heavy cream – adds creaminess to the sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth – for extra flavor
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for that cheesy goodness
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped) – adds a sweet, tangy element
- 2 cups baby spinach – for a fresh touch
- 3 cloves garlic (minced) – to enhance the flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – brings everything together
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
- salt and pepper to taste – seasoning to your preference
- fresh basil for garnish – a beautiful finishing touch
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken, slice into strips, and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Tomatoes
Add Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 8: Add Spinach
Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
Step 9: Combine Everything
Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
Step 10: Adjust Seasoning
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains dairy |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Warm with fresh basil |
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Finish with fresh basil for a vibrant touch.
- Let the dish rest before serving for better flavor melding.
How to Serve this marry me chicken pasta
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Enjoy with a refreshing sparkling water or a fruity mocktail.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store Marry Me Chicken Pasta for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the pasta completely before freezing.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw frozen pasta in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth.
- Stir occasionally until heated through.
- For microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What pasta goes with Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of pasta types. Fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti can complement the creamy sauce beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce, allowing every bite to be flavorful and satisfying!
2. Why is it called ‘marry me chicken pasta’?
The name ‘Marry Me Chicken’ comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal! The rich flavors and comforting ingredients create a romantic meal that many believe could win over anyone’s heart. It’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home!
3. Is Marry Me Chicken better with rice or pasta?
While both rice and pasta can be delicious with Marry Me Chicken, pasta is often preferred due to its ability to soak up the creamy sauce. The combination of tender chicken and pasta creates a delightful texture and flavor experience. However, if you love rice, it can also be a great option!
4. What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken typically consists of chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The dish is often finished with cheese for added richness. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to impress your loved ones with this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. As you savor each bite, you’ll feel the warmth of home-cooked goodness. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the magic of this dish. Trust me, it’s a recipe worth falling in love with!