Why Make This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta in a way that is sure to impress anyone. The mix of flavors makes it special for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip it up without spending hours in the kitchen. If you enjoy chicken recipes, you might also like another favorite, chicken piccata meatballs.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To start making this delicious dish, follow these easy steps listed below. You may also find 5 Easy Steps Delicious Char Siu Chicken Home useful.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, cut into dices
- 1/2 tsp each Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves to garnish
Directions
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. You may also find Baked Garlic Chicken Meatloaf useful.
Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Add onions and cook until translucent. Then, add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Mix in chicken and sprinkle with spices; cook until golden.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Add heavy cream and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes; simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy chicken dinner ideas, caramelised soy chicken with garlic is another great option.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
You can serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta garnished with fresh basil for a fresh touch. It’s perfect on its own or with a side salad for a bit of crunch. You might also consider pairing it with garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce’s texture.
Tips to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- For more depth of flavor, try marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to add veggies such as spinach or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and color.
- For a twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
If you enjoy pasta dishes, consider trying out chicken pesto pasta for a different flavor profile.
Variation
You can make this dish lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or by replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.What type of pasta works best in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Any type of pasta works well, but penne or fettuccine are popular choices because they hold the sauce beautifully.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce earlier in the day and just cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
In summary, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for impressing guests. Whether you are planning a special dinner or a casual family meal, this recipe is sure to delight. For additional inspiration, check out this recipe at The Recipe Critic or explore another version at Running to the Kitchen®. Enjoy your cooking!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta, perfect for impressing guests on any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, cut into dices
- 1/2 tsp each Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, and pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Sauté aromatics and chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Add onions and cook until translucent. Then, add butter and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant. Mix in chicken and sprinkle with spices; cook until golden.
- Create the creamy sauce: Add heavy cream and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir in Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate chicken in spices before cooking or substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Written by Chef Anna
I'm Anna - a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and the voice behind Chef Johns Gourmet. After a decade in professional kitchens, I now spend my mornings testing recipes and my afternoons writing them down so you can make them perfectly in your own kitchen. Every one of the 1,100+ recipes on this site has been personally cooked, tasted, and refined. I write like I'm standing next to you, walking you through every step. Simple recipes. Bold flavors. Made for real kitchens.
