Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, romance, and a hint of indulgence, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, dreamy, and utterly delicious dish is perfect for date night or a special family dinner. The tender chicken breasts are enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, all perfectly paired with rotini pasta. With every bite, you might just find yourself falling in love all over again!

Why This Recipe Works

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has all the elements of a winning dish: it’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and offers a beautiful presentation. The secret lies in the balance of rich and savory ingredients. The chicken, seasoned to perfection, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce that’s both comforting and elevated. Plus, the addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy sweetness that brings the entire dish to life. You’ll find that this recipe not only pleases the palate but also warms the heart.

What to Buy

To make this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breasts (pounded or sliced thin, or chicken cutlets)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (not grated)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Red pepper flakes (to taste, optional)
• 16 oz rotini pasta (cooked)
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley (for topping)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Gear Up: What to Grab

Before you get started with your culinary adventure, make sure you have the following kitchen gear ready:

• Large skillet: You’ll need this for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot to cook your rotini until al dente.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: For pounding your chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for prepping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient ratios.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: From Prep to Plate

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this romantic dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by pounding or slicing the chicken breasts to an even thickness if you haven’t already. This ensures even cooking. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Step 2: Dredge the Chicken

In a shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. Dredge each seasoned chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. This will help create a lovely crust when cooked.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Next, pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Flavors

Stir in the heavy whipping cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes to taste.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked rotini pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Serve the pasta on plates, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese for that extra touch.

Make It Fit Your Plan

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to fit different dietary needs or preferences:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
• Protein Variations: Swap chicken for turkey or shrimp for a different protein option.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini slices for a hearty vegetarian meal.
• Lower Fat: Use reduced-fat cream or substitute half of the cream with chicken broth for a lighter version.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

While making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Searing for too long can lead to dry chicken. Keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
• Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce isn’t thickening, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
• Pasta Overcooked: Always cook your rotini until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
• Uneven Seasoning: Make sure to season all components (chicken, sauce) well for balanced flavor throughout the dish.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

If you happen to have leftovers of this delectable dish, here’s how to store them:

Allow the Marry Me Chicken Pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve. Combine everything just before serving for the best results.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! You can add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

While it’s not recommended to freeze the pasta, you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

You Might Also Like

If you enjoyed Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you may also love:

• Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Spinach and Ricotta Pasta
• Easy Chicken Alfredo
• Vegetable Pasta Bake

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have everything you need to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This dish is sure to impress your loved ones and create a delightful dining experience. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare for a culinary love affair that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy your meal!