Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Dish That Will Melt Hearts!

Growing up, family dinners were a cherished tradition where laughter filled the air, and the aroma of delicious home-cooked meals wafted through the kitchen. One of my personal favorites that consistently made it to the table was the famed Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish isn’t just about feeding the body — it’s a celebration of love, warmth, and connection. With its rich, creamy sauce, delectable chicken, and al dente pasta, it holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of the times spent together with loved ones. There’s something truly magical about this recipe; it’s no wonder it’s said to inspire proposals!

Who Is This Recipe For?

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for busy parents looking to whip up a delicious meal for their family, couples wanting to impress one another, or even beginners in the kitchen aiming to elevate their cooking skills. The core ingredients are simple yet flavorful: 8 oz of dried pasta of your choice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil for a healthy fat base, ½ cup of finely chopped onion, 3-4 cloves of minced garlic for that aromatic touch, 1 tablespoon of butter for richness, 1 pound of chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, a blend of herbs and spices including ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, 1 cup of heavy cream for a luscious sauce, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for added depth, ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tart kick, and basil leaves for garnish. This dish combines classic Italian flavor profiles with an approachable cooking method that anyone can master.

Tools & Ingredients

Cooking Tools Needed:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for sautéing
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Strainer or colander

Ingredients:

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice – Provides the base for the dish and keeps you satisfied.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – A heart-healthy fat that enhances flavor.
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced – Boosts flavor and supports immunity.
• 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness to the sauce.
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces – A lean protein that keeps the dish hearty.
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning – Infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a warm smokiness that elevates the taste.
• Red pepper flakes – Offers a touch of heat for a balanced flavor profile.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the overall garlic flavor in the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a luxurious and creamy sauce for the pasta.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Adds depth and a nutty flavor to the dish.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Provides a sweet and tart contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Basil leaves for garnish – Adds freshness and a pop of color.

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of water and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside.

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Cook the Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of butter and the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the skillet. Season with ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, roughly 6-8 minutes.

4. Create the Sauce: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the mixture to simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.

5. Combine: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the creamy sauce.

6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately, savoring each bite!

Always add

tag after Directions.

FAQs

• Can I freeze this recipe?
  Yes, you can freeze the Marry Me Chicken Pasta after it has cooled completely. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.

• What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
  If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes can be used as an alternative, though the flavor will vary slightly.

• Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
  Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

Tips & Tricks

1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.

2. Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a stronger flavor than pre-minced garlic, which enhances the dish’s overall taste.

3. Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor!

4. Adjust the Spiciness: Customize the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste, ensuring it meets your spice preference.

So there you have it! Whip up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for someone special and enjoy a meal that’s sure to bring smiles and full bellies. Share your experience in the comments below!