Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Imagine a pasta dish so delicious that it could make someone fall head over heels in love with you. That’s the promise of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a creamy, flavorful meal that has taken social media and home kitchens by storm. But what makes this recipe so special? Let’s break down everything you need to know about this romantic and mouthwatering dish.

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What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal. It’s a culinary experience that combines tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.

The name comes from the idea that the dish is so good, that it might just prompt a marriage proposal. While that might sound like a stretch, one bite and you’ll understand the hype.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

10 ounces penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or a blend of oregano and basil)
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Why This Dish Is So Popular

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. The creamy sauce, the perfectly cooked chicken, and the herbs create a harmony that’s hard to resist. It’s comfort food with a romantic twist.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor
Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be juicy
Let the sauce simmer to develop deeper flavors
Use good-quality Parmesan cheese
Adjust spices to your taste

Variations to Try

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms
Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with:

A simple green salad
Garlic bread
Roasted vegetables
A glass of white wine

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent the sauce from breaking.

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