Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become an internet sensation, renowned for its creamy, flavorful sauce and juicy chicken, making it a delightful dinner for special occasions or a comforting meal for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and cream creates a rich, luxurious dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Its name is said to come from its ability to “make someone propose” because it’s just that good! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, with detailed instructions, tips, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why It’s Called Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The “Marry Me” aspect of this dish speaks to how irresistible it is. Legend has it that after just one bite, your partner might drop down on one knee! While this may be a bit of fun lore, there’s no denying that the blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta will leave anyone who tastes it completely smitten.
Ingredients and Their Quantities
For this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into thin strips): Chicken is the star protein of this dish. Its tender texture pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken, giving it a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
- 1 small onion (chopped): The onion adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Garlic gives the dish a rich, aromatic base.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to the creamy texture of the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and thins out the cream for a perfectly balanced sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Sun-dried tomatoes offer a burst of umami and a slightly tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Oregano gives a classic Italian herb flavor.
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little bit of heat, adjust to your spice preference.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): This adds a salty, cheesy element that binds the sauce.
- 10 oz pasta (your choice): Traditional choices include fettuccine or penne, but feel free to use whatever you prefer.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for the chicken and sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): This adds a fresh, herbaceous note to finish the dish.
Directions and Preparation Method
1. Cook the Pasta
- Step 1: Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to season the water with salt to enhance the flavor of the pasta. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it, and set it aside.
- Tip: Reserve about a half cup of the pasta water. This can be used later if you need to thin out the sauce slightly.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, season your chicken strips generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken strips. Cook them for 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Tip: Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this can prevent the chicken from getting a good sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
3. Make the Sauce
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.
- Step 5: Add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute. Then pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together until combined.
- Step 7: Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using), then let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. As it simmers, it will thicken slightly.
4. Combine Everything
- Step 8: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. This will give the sauce a rich, creamy consistency.
- Step 9: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated with the sauce. Let the chicken simmer for another 2-3 minutes in the sauce.
- Step 10: Finally, toss in the cooked pasta, stirring everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can use a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
5. Serve
- Step 11: Transfer the pasta and chicken to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Tip: Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its best. Pair it with garlic bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken is traditional for this recipe, you can substitute it with other proteins like turkey, shrimp, or even a meat-free option like tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead if needed. If you plan to make it in advance, store the chicken, sauce, and pasta separately to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much of the sauce. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
3. What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are great choices for this dish. These pastas have the ability to hold onto the creamy sauce well, ensuring that each bite is flavorful. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand.
4. Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Certainly! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether. On the other hand, if you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or even add some hot sauce for an extra kick.
5. How Can I Thicken or Thin the Sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water or more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or you can add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
6. Can I Use Light Cream Instead of Heavy Cream?
Yes, you can use light cream if you want a lighter version of the dish. Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich or thick, but it will still be delicious.
7. What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This dish is quite rich, so it pairs well with lighter sides like a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice to soak up any extra sauce.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that combines simplicity with elegance. The tender chicken, rich and creamy sauce, and burst of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes create a meal that’s bound to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with the flexibility to customize the ingredients and adjust the recipe to your liking, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can easily become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.