Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken, a luscious Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Its name comes from its irresistible flavor, said to be “so good it could inspire a marriage proposal.” Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving comfort food, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta
- Water and salt for boiling
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Slice the chicken into thin cutlets for faster cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and fully cooked (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping the browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with flavor.
Make the Sauce: 5 minutes
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, coating it with the sauce.
Assemble the Dish: 5 minutes
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the sauce coats every bite.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick or omit them for a milder dish.
- Pasta Substitutes: Use gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or whole wheat pasta to fit your diet.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce.
- Customizable Protein: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes