Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breast, al dente penne, and a velvety sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce. Perfect for date night or impressing guests, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table. Its combination of creamy textures and bold flavors makes it an irresistible choice that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan creates a rich taste that elevates any meal.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish in just 30 minutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a gathering with friends, this pasta dish fits right in.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute ingredients based on your preferences while keeping the flavor intact.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having everything you need at hand makes preparation easier and faster.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Stirring spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for cooking pasta evenly while allowing enough space for the sauce to develop flavor.
• Stirring spoon: Ensures all ingredients are well combined without damaging the pasta.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements guarantee perfect seasoning and texture every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless (skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black 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

For Serving

• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt, then cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Add butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in minced garlic until fragrant. Then add flour to create a roux; cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth, followed by heavy cream.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir in grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Return cooked chicken to the pot along with drained pasta. Mix well until everything is coated in sauce. Heat through for another 2-3 minutes.

Serve garnished with fresh basil for an extra touch! Enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all about enhancing its rich and comforting flavors. Pairing it with the right sides and garnishes can elevate the dish further, making it even more enjoyable for your guests or loved ones.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh Basil: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil adds a fragrant touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Parmesan Shavings: Adding some fresh parmesan shavings on top enhances the cheesy flavor while providing a nice visual appeal.

Pair with a Crisp Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide freshness and texture, making for a perfect contrast.

Complement with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delicious way to soak up any extra sauce.
• Focaccia: Soft focaccia bread can be an inviting option that adds additional flavor to your meal.

How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To achieve the best results with your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Quality chicken broth and fresh parmesan cheese make a significant difference in taste.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the penne pasta is cooked al dente. This helps it hold its shape and texture when combined with the sauce.
• Sauté Garlic Until Fragrant: Don’t rush this step; sautéing garlic until fragrant brings out its natural flavors, which infuses into the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for a perfectly seasoned dish.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully before serving.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To round out your meal featuring Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider these delightful side dishes. Each complements the main course while adding variety to your table.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil provides color and healthy crunch.
2. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Buttery mashed potatoes are always a hit and pair wonderfully with creamy sauces.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green touch along with essential nutrients.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing side.
5. Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb option, spiralized zucchini noodles can be tossed lightly in olive oil as a fresh alternative.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and herbs offers a flavorful starter that complements the pasta nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can affect the dish’s overall flavor and texture. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Using low-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and tenderness. Frozen or low-quality chicken can result in a tough texture.

• Not seasoning properly: Ensure you season the chicken and sauce adequately with salt and pepper. Taste as you go!

• Overcooking the pasta: Cook the penne until just al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. This helps maintain a perfect texture.

• Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the dish. Don’t leave them out or substitute with something bland.

• Using cold cream: For a smooth sauce, make sure your cream is at room temperature before adding it to the hot mixture. This prevents curdling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container.
• item It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute increments until warm, stirring occasionally.

• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking. Stir frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish made with tender chicken breast, penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for special occasions or date nights!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and cook them just before serving. Alternatively, you can make it fully and store it in the fridge or freezer as described above.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, consider using roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish appealing to kids while still being delicious for adults.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or swapping out proteins based on preference. Give this comforting recipe a try—it’s sure to impress your loved ones!