Marry Me Chicken Pasta – This creamy, flavorful dish is called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” because it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal! It combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich cream sauce for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients List for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook the pasta:
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Tips
- For extra flavor, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to cook the chicken.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for a veggie boost.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Enjoy this indulgent and romantic dish!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easier than you think! This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process to create a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Let’s get started:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Make sure you have everything you need:
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs).
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper.
- Sauce ingredients: Butter, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (optional), dried oregano, dried basil.
- Pasta: 8 oz of your favorite pasta (penne, fettuccine, etc.).
- Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 tsp dried basil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Add the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are well-coated and heated through.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates or a large bowl.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes to cook the chicken for extra flavor.
- Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for a veggie boost.
- If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. Bon appétit!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of creating such a delicious dish. However, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:
1. Overcooking the Chicken
- Mistake: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough.
- Solution: Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check, and remove it from the skillet as soon as it’s done. Let it rest before slicing.
2. Underseasoning the Dish
- Mistake: Not seasoning the chicken or sauce enough can result in a bland dish.
- Solution: Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.
3. Burning the Garlic
- Mistake: Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter if overcooked.
- Solution: Sauté the garlic over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Keep an eye on it and stir constantly to prevent burning.
4. Using Low-Quality Parmesan
- Mistake: Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- Solution: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. Avoid the powdered or pre-grated kind.
5. Overcrowding the Skillet
- Mistake: Adding too much pasta or chicken to the skillet at once can make it hard to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Solution: Use a large skillet to ensure there’s enough space to toss the pasta and chicken with the sauce. If your skillet is too small, combine everything in a large pot instead.
6. Skipping the Pasta Water
- Mistake: Not reserving pasta water can make it harder to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Solution: Before draining the pasta, save 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Overcooking the Pasta
- Mistake: Cooking the pasta until it’s too soft can make the dish mushy.
- Solution: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). It will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce.
8. Not Balancing the Flavors
- Mistake: Relying only on cream and cheese can make the dish overly rich.
- Solution: Balance the richness with the tangy flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust as you go.
9. Adding Cold Cream to the Sauce
- Mistake: Adding cold cream directly to the hot skillet can cause it to curdle.
- Solution: Let the cream come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce, or warm it slightly in the microwave.
10. Skipping the Garnish
- Mistake: Forgetting to garnish can make the dish look plain.
- Solution: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy every time!
FAQ: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Here are some frequently asked questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta, including variations and tips to make this dish a hit:
1. What is the easy Marry Me chicken pasta recipe?
The easy Marry Me chicken pasta recipe involves cooking seasoned chicken, making a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, and tossing it all with pasta. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
2. What makes the best Marry Me chicken pasta recipe?
The best Marry Me chicken pasta recipe balances rich flavors with a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta. Using high-quality ingredients like fresh garlic, real Parmesan, and oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes elevates the dish.
3. Can I make a Marry Me chicken recipe without pasta?
Yes! You can make a Marry Me chicken recipe without pasta by serving the creamy chicken and sauce over mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
4. Why is Marry Me Chicken Pasta TikTok so popular?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta TikTok went viral because it’s visually appealing, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for sharing in short, engaging videos.
5. Is the Marry Me chicken pasta recipe tasty?
Absolutely! The Marry Me chicken pasta recipe tasty combines creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with tender chicken and pasta. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
6. Can I make a Marry Me pasta recipe without chicken?
Yes, you can make a Marry Me pasta recipe no chicken by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a vegetarian version.
7. How do I make Marry Me chicken pasta with spinach?
To make Marry Me chicken pasta with spinach, simply add 2-3 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce after it simmers. Stir until the spinach wilts, then toss with the cooked pasta and chicken.
8. What’s the secret to a creamy sauce in Marry Me pasta recipe?
The secret to a creamy sauce in the Marry Me pasta recipe is using a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and starchy pasta water. The cheese melts into the cream, creating a rich, velvety texture.
9. Can I use other proteins in the Marry Me chicken pasta recipe?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even tofu for a different twist on the Marry Me chicken pasta recipe.
10. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Whether you’re making the classic version or trying a variation like Marry Me chicken pasta with spinach or a Marry Me pasta recipe no chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite!