Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Description:
“Marry Me Chicken” is a creamy, savory dish made with seared chicken breasts in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. When tossed with tender pasta, it becomes a deeply comforting and flavorful meal that has earned its name for supposedly being so good, it’ll elicit a marriage proposal! Perfect for date nights or a cozy dinner at home. Time Breakdown:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make cutlets)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
1 tbsp olive oi
1 tbsp
Sauce:
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¾ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions:
Prepare Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season and Cook Chicken:
Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Parmesan cheese, stir until melted and smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken.
Combine:
Return chicken to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for 3–4 minutes.
Add cooked pasta and toss to coat well.
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, more grated Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~650 kcal
Protein ~38g
Carbohydrates ~40g
Fat ~38g
Saturated Fat ~18g
Fiber ~3g
Sugars ~5g
Sodium ~650mg
Note: These are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients or pasta type.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and are often more tender and flavorful.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead. For best results, cook pasta fresh and reheat everything gently in a pan with a splash of cream or broth.
Q3: What pasta works best?
A: Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti works well. Choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce nicely.
Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The flavor will be different but still rich.
Q5: Is it freezer-friendly?
A: Cream-based sauces don’t freeze very well. It’s better stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q6: What can I serve with it?
A: Garlic bread, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad make great
side dishe