Marry Me Chicken with Pasta

Indulge in the creamy, flavorful delight of Marry Me Chicken with Pasta, a dish so irresistible that it might just lead to a proposal! This recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 tbsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Season the chicken evenly on both sides with the spice mixture.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
3. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water.
2. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
2. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce, mixing well to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Cooking Tips

• For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Pasta Choices: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well in this dish.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Sauté mushrooms with the garlic for extra depth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and provide even more juiciness.

How can I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Yes, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken with Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner or weeknight indulgence. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds—maybe even proposing! Try it for your next special meal and fall in love with every bite.

Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken, and happy cooking! 🍽️