If you’re looking for a dish that can impress even the pickiest eaters, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my partner practically begged for seconds. It’s a simple yet delicious combination that elevates weeknight dinners to something special.
This recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in one delightful dish. Not only is it satisfying, but it's also quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal together.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplified Cooking: With all the steps laid out clearly, you can focus on cooking without feeling overwhelmed.
- Timing-Friendly: This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Comfort Food Goodness: The creamy sauce combined with juicy chicken and pasta makes for a comforting meal that warms the soul.
- Endless Customization: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences while still achieving delicious results.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it great for dinner parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Short Pasta – 8 ounces. You can use casarecce, penne, or farfalle for a tender bite.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons. It adds rich flavor to the chicken.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – 1 lb, cut into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Salt – ½ teaspoon. Essential for enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – A few turns. Adds a subtle kick.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons. It enriches the sauce, making it creamy and flavorful.
- Diced Yellow Onion – 1 cup. It provides sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced. This ingredient brings aromatic flavors to the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour – 2 tablespoons. It helps thicken the sauce for a creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth – 2 cups. This adds moisture and flavor to the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – ½ cup, roughly chopped. They bring a tangy and sweet flavor.
- Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon. Adds classic herb flavors to the dish.
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon. Gives a subtle warmth and color to the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – ½ cup. Makes the sauce rich and indulgent.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup. Enhances the flavor and adds creaminess.
- Fresh Basil – ¼ cup, thinly sliced. A fresh touch that brightens up the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a half cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta, then set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Then, remove the chicken and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until it becomes fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until the mixture turns smooth and thickens up nicely.
Step 5: Add Flavorings
Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Lower the heat and then incorporate the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to blend all the flavors together.
Step 6: Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, gently tossing everything to coat well. If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
✓ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh ingredients can significantly enhance the flavors. Opt for fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter taste.
✓ Watch the Cooking Time – Make sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente since it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
✓ Adjust Creaminess – If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half of it with milk for a less rich option.
✓ Spice It Up – If you enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for some extra kick.
✓ Leftover Magic – This dish is perfect for leftovers. Store any unused portions in the fridge, and it tastes just as good the next day after reheating.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Pair with Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
- Vegetable Additions: Toss in spinach or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein to cater to dietary preferences.
- Add a Crunch: Top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch and added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat pasta. It may require a slightly different cooking time, so check the package instructions for perfect results.
If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
To avoid dry chicken, ensure it is not overcooked. If it does happen, adding it back to the sauce can help rehydrate the chicken and enhance its flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables that can complement the rich flavors of the pasta without overwhelming it.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Short Pasta You can use casarecce, penne, or farfalle for a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- a few turns Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Diced Yellow Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ cup Heavy Cream
- ½ cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a half cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta, then set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth and thickened.
- Mix in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Lower the heat, then incorporate the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Using fresh ingredients can significantly enhance flavors.
- Watch the cooking time of the pasta to keep it al dente.
- Adjust creaminess as preferred, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.
Leave a Reply