Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Made Easy in just 15 minutes

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Imagine a dish so captivating, it’s been dubbed “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” This recipe combines tender pasta and juicy chicken in a creamy, garlicky sundried tomato sauce. It’s ready in just 30 minutes. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress your loved ones.

The secret to this 30-minute meal is its rich, flavorful sauce. It features a blend of Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. With just 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 10 ounces of penne pasta, you can create a satisfying dish. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a mix of “Marry Me Chicken” and pasta. It’s so tasty, it might make your guests want to propose. This dish has tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs.

Origins and Inspiration

The “Marry Me Chicken” recipe is a favorite for its rich flavors. Marry Me Chicken Pasta adds pasta to make it even better. It was created to turn a loved chicken dish into a pasta meal for everyone to enjoy.

Key Ingredients

The ingredients that make Marry Me Chicken Pasta special are:

Tender and juicy chicken breasts or thighs
Creamy and rich heavy cream or half-and-half
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory, umami-packed flavor
Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy burst of flavor
A blend of aromatic herbs and spices, such as garlic, oregano, and basil
Al dente pasta, such as ziti or penne, to soak up the delectable sauce

These ingredients come together to make a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Essential Ingredients for the Recipe

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe needs a special mix of ingredients for its unique taste. At its core are chicken breasts, which can be swapped with chicken thighs for a different flavor. The pasta used is usually penne, but ziti or rigatoni work well too.

Chicken Choices

The recipe suggests using 2 large chicken breasts for 8 servings. But, chicken thighs can make the dish richer and more tender.

Pasta Varieties

The recipe asks for 14 oz of penne pasta. But, you can try ziti or rigatoni for a different taste.
Make sure the pasta is al dente. This keeps it firm and great with the creamy sauce.

Creamy Sauce Components

The sauce is a blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, butter, olive oil, chicken broth, and spices. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or dairy-free cream.

Sun-dried tomatoes give a sweet and tangy flavor. But, fresh diced tomatoes can add a different texture and taste. Parmesan cheese adds a salty taste, but Pecorino Romano can also be used.

To thicken the sauce, all-purpose flour is used. Fresh basil is suggested as a garnish for a fresh, herbal taste.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Get ready to make a tasty one-pot chicken pasta and chicken fettuccine pasta dish! Follow these simple steps to mix tender chicken, al dente pasta, and creamy sauce.

Preparing the Chicken

Cut the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until it’s done, about 5-7 minutes.

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, boil a pot of salted water. Add the 12 oz of penne pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes, until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Sauce

In the same skillet or pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced shallot and garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk for 1 minute. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, whisking constantly.

Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cooked chicken and pasta, tossing until well combined.

Serve the one-pot chicken pasta or chicken fettuccine pasta hot. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if you like. This dish is easy to make and will impress everyone.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Dish

Take your chicken penne pasta to the next level with these expert tips. Whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting, these tips will make your dish a hit every time.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure your easy chicken pasta recipe is perfect by using a meat thermometer. Check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is juicy, tender, and safe to eat.

Flavor Enhancements

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a creamier, more flavorful sauce.
Incorporate fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to brighten the dish.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Reserve some of the starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.

Follow these expert tips to create a chicken penne pasta dish that’s not only tasty but also looks great. You’ll get lots of compliments!

Recommended Sides to Complement the Meal

Make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta even better with tasty sides. Choose from fresh salads, crispy bread, or roasted veggies. These options will make your meal even more enjoyable.

Salad Pairings

Garden Salad with a Balsamic Vinaigrette
Caprese Salad with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil
Arugula Salad with Shaved Parmesan and Lemon Dressing

Bread Options

Crusty Garlic Bread or Baguette
Parmesan Herb Focaccia
Warm Homemade Dinner Rolls

Salads and warm bread are great with the creamy marry me chicken pasta recipe and creamy chicken pasta. They add a nice balance to your meal.

Side Dish	Main Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Difficulty	Prep Time
Mashed Potatoes	Potatoes, Butter, Milk, Garlic	Creamy, Savory	Easy	30 mins
Roasted Broccoli	Broccoli, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper	Crispy, Nutty	Easy	20 mins
Garlic Parmesan Zucchini	Zucchini, Parmesan, Garlic, Herbs	Cheesy, Savory	Moderate	45 mins

These sides offer different tastes, textures, and prep times. They’re perfect with your marry me chicken pasta recipe and creamy chicken pasta. Try out different combos to find your favorite!

Possible Variations of the Recipe

The chicken pasta dish known as “Marry Me Chicken” is loved by many. But, you can still try new things and make it your own. This is great for those with special diets or just for fun.

Vegetarian Adaptations

For a meatless version, swap the chicken with other ingredients. Try sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or plant-based chicken. These can make tasty vegetarian dishes.

Gluten-Free Substitutes

Need a gluten-free meal? Use gluten-free pasta instead. Brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or zucchini noodles work well. They pair great with the creamy sauce and chicken.

Try different cheeses like Asiago or Romano for more flavor. Adding veggies like bell peppers or asparagus can also make it healthier and prettier.

“The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. With a few simple tweaks, you can make it your own and cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.”

Looking to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or just want to try new flavors? The marry me pasta recipe is full of possibilities. Get creative and find your own special version of this classic.

How to Serve Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Make your chicken alfredo pasta or chicken penne pasta look great by serving it nicely. Use big, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look. Twirl the pasta with tongs to make it look swirly and inviting.

Plating Ideas

Put the chicken alfredo pasta or chicken penne pasta in the bowl’s center. Leave space around it.
Add fresh basil leaves on top for color and freshness.
Put a lot of Parmesan cheese on the pasta for texture.
Drizzle olive oil over it for flavor and look.

Garnishes and Additions

For a special touch, try these garnishes and additions:

Give a lemon wedge on the side for a tangy taste.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.

With these plating tips and garnishes, your chicken alfredo pasta or chicken penne pasta will look amazing. It will impress everyone at your table.

Storing Leftovers: Tips and Tricks

Enjoying your homemade marry me chicken pasta doesn’t have to stop after one meal. With the right storage and reheating, you can enjoy it for days. Here’s how to keep your chicken pasta bake fresh and tasty.

Proper Storage Techniques

For the best taste, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the moisture in and prevents drying. When reheating, add a bit of cream, broth, or water to keep it moist and right.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating your chicken pasta bake gently is crucial. The microwave is best, adding extra liquid as needed. Heat in short bursts, stirring often, until it’s warm. Or, use the stovetop over low heat, adding liquid and stirring often for even heating.

By following these tips, your marry me chicken pasta leftovers will taste just as good as the first time. Enjoy every bite!

Meal Prep Considerations

Meal prep is a game-changer for the tasty one-pot chicken pasta dish, Marry Me Chicken. A few simple steps ahead of time can make cooking easier. This way, you can have this easy chicken pasta recipe ready in no time.

Preparing Ingredients in Advance

For Marry Me Chicken Pasta, start by preparing each part separately. Cook the chicken and pasta early and store them in the fridge. Then, just mix the creamy sauce and combine everything when it’s time to eat.

Cook the chicken, either chicken thighs or breasts, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions, then rinse and store it separately from the chicken.
Chop and measure out the ingredients for the sauce, such as garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan, so they’re ready to go when you need them.

Freezing Tips

Freezing parts of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe can save you time. Just remember to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when reheated.

Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Prepare the sauce, let it cool completely, then freeze it in a separate container for up to 2 months.
When ready to serve, thaw the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Prepping and freezing the parts ahead of time means you can enjoy a delicious one-pot chicken pasta with little effort on the day you want to eat it.

Ingredient	Quantity
Penne Pasta	8 ounces
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts	2 (about 1.5 pounds)
Chicken Broth	1 cup
Heavy Cream	1 cup
Yellow Onion	1 small
Garlic Cloves	2
Flour	2 tablespoons
Butter	2 tablespoons
Parmesan Cheese	1/2 cup, grated
Sun-dried Tomatoes	1/2 cup

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is quick, taking about 20 minutes to make. It’s perfect for busy nights. Plus, it’s easy to clean up and only needs two pans.

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe yields approximately 744 calories, 60g of carbohydrates, 40g of protein, and 39g of fat per serving, along with 1230mg of sodium, 5g of fiber, and 10g of sugar.

Final Thoughts on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, flavorful, and delicious. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich, creamy sauce make it a hit with family and friends.

This recipe is irresistible because of its flavor balance. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic spices. Sun-dried tomatoes and Dijon mustard add a tangy, savory touch. Fresh spinach adds a nutritious boost.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser. It’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s sure to become a family favorite, pleasing even the pickiest eaters. It’s perfect for any occasion or when you just want a delicious, homemade meal.