Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s as rich in flavor as it is in love, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish is not only creamy and dreamy but also packed with savory goodness that will make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something special. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to impress everyone at your table!
A Personal Story Behind My Marry Me Chicken Pasta Journey
I first stumbled upon the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe during a cozy dinner with friends. The rich aroma wafting through the kitchen was simply irresistible. After one bite, I was hooked! The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes was a match made in heaven. Ever since that night, this dish has become a staple in my home, often requested by family and friends. It’s a recipe that brings people together, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Special?
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is special for several reasons. First, it combines simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. The creamy sauce, enriched with parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, creates a luxurious texture that elevates the chicken and pasta. Plus, it’s a dish that’s visually stunning when garnished with fresh basil, making it perfect for impressing guests. Each bite is a celebration of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more!
The Full Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking!
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning.
- Add flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, stirring until combined.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until thickened. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the cooked pasta, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to enhance it! Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a twist, consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream without compromising too much on creaminess. The options are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand, such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze this dish? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Tip: Make sure to reserve a bit of pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking!
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent burning.
- Add flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, stirring until combined.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until thickened. Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Return the chicken to the skillet with the cooked pasta, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.