Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Looking for a dish so delicious it might just inspire a proposal? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and penne in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian herbs—all ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal, this recipe’s rich flavors and silky texture make it a standout. With its quick prep and swoon-worthy taste, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to steal hearts at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Bliss: Heavy cream and Parmesan make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta irresistible.
• Quick Cooking: Done in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Bold Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic add a punch.
• Romantic Appeal: A dish that lives up to its name.
• One-Pan Ease: Chicken, pasta, and sauce come together seamlessly.

Tools Needed

To whip up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need a few essentials. Want to upgrade your kitchen gear? Visit Our Shop for top-quality tools! Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Large Skillet: Cooks chicken and sauce evenly for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Pot: Boils pasta to al dente perfection.
• Whisk: Blends the creamy sauce smoothly.
• Tongs: Tosses pasta and chicken with ease.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Directions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil 10 ounces of penne pasta per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prep Chicken: Cut 1 ½ pounds of chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Remove to a plate.
3. Start Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Sauté 2 teaspoons minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour to form a paste.
4. Build Sauce: Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup Parmesan until smooth. Add 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Simmer a few minutes to thicken, seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
5. Combine: Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.

Expert Tips For Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Cook just until done for juicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Thicken Sauce: Simmer until it coats the spoon—don’t rush it.
• Fresh Garnish: Basil adds a bright finish—don’t skip it.
• Grate Your Own: Fresh Parmesan melts better than pre-grated.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Pasta: Aim for al dente—it’ll soak up sauce in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Burnt Garlic: Sauté briefly to keep it sweet, not bitter.
• Thin Sauce: Simmer long enough to thicken properly.

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Herb Swap: Use oregano instead of Italian seasoning.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach or mushrooms with the tomatoes.
• Lighten Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half (sauce may be thinner).

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream—microwaving works but may separate the sauce. Freeze for up to 1 month; thaw overnight and reheat gently.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes, they’ll be juicier—cook 8-10 minutes until done.

2. What pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Penne holds sauce well, but rigatoni or fettuccine are great too.

3. Can I skip sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, try cherry tomatoes or omit for a simpler flavor.

4. How do I know the chicken’s cooked?
No pink inside, or 165°F (74°C) internally.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Cook chicken and sauce ahead, but cook pasta fresh for best Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

6. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—mild and creamy, perfect for all ages.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish—tender chicken and pasta in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s quick to make and impossible to resist. Perfect for date night or a family feast, it’s love at first bite. Grab your skillet, cook that pasta, and savor this Marry Me Chicken Pasta tonight—it’s a recipe worth proposing for!