Picture this, you pull a plate of creamy cheesy pasta topped with tender chicken up to the table and everyone’s eyes go wide. It’s so good people say they’d marry the cook just for it. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that kind of meal, it looks fancy but real easy to make. You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to nail this and wow whoever you’re serving it to.
In this guide we’ll walk you through everything needed to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta. We’ll talk about where it came from, what you need, step by step cooking, and how to serve it. You’ll find tips to stop things from going wrong, plus info on nutrition and what drinks go best with it. By the end you’ll be ready to cook it up and get plenty of praise, maybe even a marriage proposal if you’re lucky.
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a random name, it’s kinda a promise that the cook is really good. Folks started posting it on social media and food blogs, saying a good dinner can bring people together and maybe even a proposal.
The dish usually have juicy chicken breasts cooked until they get a golden crust, then it’s tossed with pasta that’s still a little firm, and drenched in a smooth sauce. The sauce is heavy cream mixed with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and herbs, then finished with parmesan cheese. It’s creamy, savory, and the right mix of zing and comfort.
You see it all over social media and blogs, so people keep making new versions. Some swap fusilli for penne, some add spinach or mushrooms. You can tweak it any way you want to match your taste. That’s why it’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you just wanna feel like a kitchen superstar.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you need for the basic recipe:
- Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
- Pasta (fusilli or penne works good)
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Heavy cream
- Garlic (minced)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil (for on top)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
If you wanna get fancy, add:
- Herbs: thyme, oregano, or rosemary
- Other cheese: mozzarella or feta
- Veggies: spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini
These ingredients work together to make a meal that’s as pretty to look at as it is tasty to eat.
Cooking Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or frying pan for chicken
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
Step-by-Step Directions
Prep Work
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
Cook the Chicken
Heat some olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 6 minutes each side, until it’s golden and cooked through. Take it out and set aside.
Make the Sauce
If the pan is dry, add a bit more oil. Sauté the garlic until you can smell it, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the cream and let it bubble gently. Add parmesan and stir until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Cook the pasta till it’s al dente, drain it, and dump it into the sauce. Slice the chicken and toss it in too. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mix for another minute.
Serving Suggestions & Tips
Plate the pasta and chicken, then sprinkle fresh basil and extra parmesan on top. Serve it hot so the sauce stay creamy.
Tip: To save time, cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and just reheat. Add freshly cooked pasta right before serving so it dont get soggy.
Pairing Suggestions
Wine
A cold Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio goes great with the creaminess. If you like red, try a Merlot or even a light Chianti.
Sides
A simple green salad with lemon dressing, garlic bread to scoop up all that sauce, or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: around 600-700 per serving
- Protein: lots from the chicken
- Fats: from cream and olive oil (they’re healthy fats though!)
- Carbs: from pasta, so you’ll feel full and energized
FAQs
Why is it called 'Marry Me' Chicken Pasta?
The joke is it’s so good you’d wanna marry the chef after you eat it.
Can I make it ahead?
Sure, cook chicken and sauce, store in fridge, then reheat and add pasta when you’re ready.
What pasta is best?
Fusilli or penne is my fave because it holds onto the sauce, but you can use any pasta.
What if I’m vegan or don’t eat dairy?
Try non-dairy cream and vegan cheese, or swap chicken for tofu or veggies.
How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and add more veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a special dinner. Give it a try and watch everyone’s face light up when they take a bite.
marry me chicken pasta
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 pot for boiling pasta
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1 lb or 450 g.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional.
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Stir in the oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until it is melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut the chicken into thin slices and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
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