Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Romantic Dinner Classic

Looking for a meal to impress someone special? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner recipe. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is as irresistible as its name suggests. Whether it’s date night or a cozy dinner for two, this pasta dish will leave everyone asking for more.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy chicken, a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all enhanced with the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic Italian seasoning. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because its irresistible flavor is said to inspire proposals—one bite, and you’ll understand why!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Romantic vibe: Perfect for a date night or special occasion.
• Customizable: Works with various pasta shapes and additional veggies.
• Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (75 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
• ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
2. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Making the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
2. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
3. Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combining Everything

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
3. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness (optional).
2. Serve immediately while warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp white wine or a light red like Pinot Noir.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• Add garlic bread for an indulgent, restaurant-style meal.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce’s consistency.

Freezing Instructions

• Freeze the sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and combining with freshly cooked pasta.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rigatoni work wonderfully in this recipe.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, but cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that’s sure to win hearts with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic occasion or treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with ease. Give it a try and let us know if it lived up to its name—did it inspire a proposal or rave reviews?

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