Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is easy to follow, and the results are restaurant-worthy. Follow these steps for a perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. Prepare the Chicken

  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

  • In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of salt.
  • Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.

3. Make the Sauce

  • In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it, releasing all those flavorful bits.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce

  • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
  • Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

5. Add the Pasta

  • Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, ensuring it’s well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

6. Garnish and Serve

  • Sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta and chicken.
  • Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side for those who want a little extra indulgence.

Pro Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, quality Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken breasts make a huge difference in flavor.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Always aim for al dente. Overcooked pasta can make the dish feel heavy.
  • Adjust Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Deglaze the Pan Well: Scraping up the browned bits after searing the chicken adds incredible depth to the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes, creaminess of the sauce, and savory chicken create a harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
  2. Easy Yet Elegant: This dish looks and tastes fancy but is simple enough for weeknight dinners.
  3. Versatile: You can customize this dish by adding spinach, mushrooms, or swapping the chicken for shrimp.

Pairing Suggestions

For a complete dining experience, serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with:

  • Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
  • Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

A Dish Worth Falling For

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. From its creamy, flavorful sauce to its tender, juicy chicken, every bite is a reminder of why cooking is an art form. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or simply want a comforting meal for yourself, this recipe is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.

So, grab your apron and get cooking. Who knows? This dish might just bring a little romance to your table—or at the very least, some seriously happy tummies.