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This creamy, indulgent Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its romantic name for good reason. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that might just inspire marriage proposals at your dinner table.
I first made this dish when trying to impress my in-laws during their first visit to our home. The silence that fell over the table as everyone took their first bites told me everything I needed to know this recipe would become a regular in our home.
Ingredients
- Pasta of choice: 8 oz. I prefer penne or fettuccine which grip the sauce beautifully
- Olive oil: 1 Tablespoon. Use good quality extra virgin for best flavor
- Onion: ½ cup finely chopped. Sweet onions work particularly well here
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves minced. Fresh is non-negotiable for authentic flavor
- Butter: 1 Tablespoon. Adds richness and helps brown the chicken
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound. Look for plump pieces without visible freezer burn
- Italian seasoning: ½ teaspoon. A blend with oregano and thyme works best
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon. This adds subtle smokiness that elevates the dish
- Red pepper flakes: ½ teaspoon. Adjust if you prefer more or less heat
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon. Yes more garlic this dish thrives on it
- Salt and pepper: ½ teaspoon each. Sea salt has the best flavor profile
- Heavy cream: 1 cup. Full fat creates the silkiest texture
- Parmesan cheese: ½ cup freshly grated plus more for serving
- Sun-dried tomatoes: ½ cup chopped. Oil-packed varieties have the most intense flavor
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish. Their aromatic quality cuts through the richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Remember to generously salt your pasta water it should taste like the sea. Drain but do not rinse to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Create the Flavor Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and minced garlic sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant but not browned. This aromatic foundation will infuse the entire dish.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with Italian seasoning smoked paprika red pepper flakes garlic powder salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes stirring occasionally until chicken is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink in the center. The fond developing on the bottom of the pan is pure flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to incorporate all the seasonings from the pan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools so dont overreduce.
- Combine and Finish:
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together ensuring each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the luscious sauce. Allow the flavors to meld together for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer to warmed plates and finish with fresh torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
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The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power quite by accident when I ran out of fresh tomatoes one evening. Their concentrated sweet-tart flavor creates little bursts of intensity throughout the dish that perfectly balance the rich cream sauce.
Storing and Reheating
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen and meld together overnight making it possibly even better the next day. When reheating add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce which will have thickened considerably in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second increments stirring between each until heated through.
Perfect Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. Boneless skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute for chicken breasts offering even more flavor and tenderness. For a vegetarian version try replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms which provide similar texture and umami depth. If heavy cream seems too indulgent half-and-half or even whole milk with a tablespoon of flour will create a lighter but still satisfying sauce. Just be sure to whisk well to avoid lumps.
Serving Suggestions
This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with light sides that provide contrast. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil offers peppery freshness that cuts through the cream. Roasted asparagus or broccolini makes another excellent accompaniment providing color and nutritional balance. For a complete dinner party menu consider starting with a light antipasto platter and finishing with a tart lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate after this indulgent main course.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Reheat gently on the stovetop and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat or omit them entirely for a milder version.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can be excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking times accordingly.