The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a dish, it’s an experience. This deliciously creamy and savory pasta features tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. The dish is famous for being so irresistible that it’s believed to be worthy of a marriage proposal—hence its name! It’s a go-to meal for special occasions, weeknight dinners, or when you want to impress someone with your cooking skills.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the complete recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, providing all the details you need to recreate this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen. Get ready to learn the origins of this recipe, its ingredients, preparation steps, variations, and some helpful tips and FAQs to ensure the perfect result every time!

Origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The origins of the name “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” are not entirely clear, but it’s said that the dish became popular on social media after being shared by food enthusiasts and bloggers. The recipe’s name suggests that the dish is so delectable that it could lead to a proposal, and many have shared their experiences of preparing it for their significant others. The creaminess, the tender chicken, and the burst of flavors have made this dish a favorite in households around the world.

While it is difficult to pinpoint an exact location where Marry Me Chicken Pasta originated, the combination of Italian-inspired ingredients like Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning points to Mediterranean roots, though the dish itself is likely a modern creation designed to appeal to the masses.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Serves 4-6)

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful dish. The quantities provided are designed to serve approximately 4 to 6 people.

Main Ingredients:

• 8-12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 lb chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow this detailed step-by-step guide to make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
2. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This is key for adjusting the consistency of the sauce later on.
3. Once the pasta is ready, set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the 1/3 cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

1. Add 1 cup of chicken broth to the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
2. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring as you go to create a smooth sauce.
3. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
5. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
3. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish the dish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve immediately while hot.

Recipe Variations

While the traditional Marry Me Chicken Pasta is already packed with flavor, here are a few variations you can try to make the dish your own:

1. Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
2. Spicy Option: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño pepper to give the dish a little extra heat.
3. Low-Carb Version: Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lower-carb alternative.
4. Cheese Lovers: For an extra cheesy version, sprinkle additional mozzarella or gouda cheese on top before serving.
5. One-Pot Recipe: For a simpler version, try cooking everything in one pot to save on cleanup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish. They will require a slightly longer cooking time, but they are a great alternative.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add the cooked pasta and chicken.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, fettuccine, and spaghetti are all great options that will work well with the creamy sauce.

4. Can I make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free by using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute and omitting the Parmesan cheese.

5. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, adding a bit of cornstarch mixed with water can help thicken the sauce quickly.

Conclusion: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a delightful culinary experience that can make any occasion special. With its creamy, savory sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s easy to see why this dish has earned its name. Whether you’re preparing it for a romantic evening, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress.

By following the detailed steps in this guide, you’ll create a dish that’s both restaurant-quality and easy to make in the comfort of your own kitchen. So go ahead, whip up a batch of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and enjoy the compliments that will surely follow!

 The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

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• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

The origins of the name “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” are not entirely clear, but it’s said that the dish became popular on social media after being shared by food enthusiasts and bloggers. The recipe’s name suggests that the dish is so delectable that it could lead to a proposal, and many have shared their experiences of preparing it for their significant others. The creaminess, the tender chicken, and the burst of flavors have made this dish a favorite in households around the world.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8–12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 lb chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/3 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente
2. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
3. Set pasta aside

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
3. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through
4. Remove chicken and set aside

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

1. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt
2. Add minced onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant
3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute
4. Pour in white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits

 

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

1. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer
2. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes
4. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet
2. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine
3. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan
2. Serve immediately while hot

Notes

This creamy and flavorful chicken dish pairs perfectly with pasta, but you can also serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or even a side of roasted vegetables for variety. For an extra touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: High

Keywords: Marry Me Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes