Before we dive into the enticing realm of the “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe,” let’s talk about what to serve alongside this delightful dish. Pairing can elevate your dining experience, and there are plenty of options to consider.
1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread offers a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pasta.
2. Caesar Salad: Its crisp romaine and savory dressing balance out the rich flavors of the pasta. You can also add grilled chicken for protein.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil and your favorite herbs, these vibrant veggies add a pop of color to your plate and a healthy crunch.
4. White Wine: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can enhance the meal with its refreshing tones.
5. Italian Antipasto Platter: Include olives, cheese, and cured meats on a charcuterie board. It makes for a delightful starter before the main event.
Now, let’s embark on the journey of creating this mouthwatering dish.
Introduction to Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
I still remember the first time I heard about the “Marry Me Chicken” dish. I was at a friend’s house for dinner, and she promised it would make me rethink my dating choices.
Lo and behold, she delivered chicken that was so flavorful, I almost fell off my chair. The dish combines just the right amount of creaminess with delicious Italian herbs, creating an experience that feels quite romantic—hence the name. Now, the good news is that we’ve taken this wonderful flavor and paired it with pasta, because why not?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an event. Perfect for impressing a special someone, family, or even for a cozy night in. Let’s unpack this extraordinary recipe step-by-step together.
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What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
You might be wondering what exactly is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Imagine velvety pasta brought to life by succulent chicken pieces coated in a rich, creamy sauce. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes offers a delightful sweetness, while garlic and seasonings create a delightful balance.
The recipe stems from the idea that food can create lasting memories and strong connections. The vibrant flavors of the sauce intertwine with the flavors of the chicken, resulting in a dish that’s fulfilling and comforting.
How Does It Taste Like?
Let me tell you—it’s an explosion of flavors! The creaminess of the sauce wraps around each noodle and piece of chicken beautifully. Just think of indulging in a warm hug on a chilly evening.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tanginess, while the garlic gives it that fragrant kick. Each bite is layered with tender chicken, making it a dish that can satiate even the most discerning palates.
Why You’ll Love This?
You might be asking, “Why should I invest my time in making Marry Me Chicken Pasta?” Here are a few compelling reasons:
1. Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
2. Minimal Ingredients: If your pantry is stocked with basics, you’re mostly there!
3. Customization: You can tweak the recipe to your liking. Swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a plant-based protein.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a recipe that showcases flavor, presenting like a fine-dining experience without the hefty price tag.
5. Leftover Friendly: If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they taste amazing the next day!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to kick off your culinary adventure:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Any shape works, but fusilli captures the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For that rich flavor and sautéing the garlic.
- ½ tablespoon flour: To thicken the sauce just enough.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: For depth and richness.
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The magic component that makes the sauce luscious.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Burst of flavor in every bite!
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: For that Italian herb aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat, adjust to your taste!
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded: To make life simpler.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving: Adds nutty flavor.
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn/chopped: A fragrant finish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: The basics to balance everything.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an art in itself. Let’s break it down into digestible steps.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Salt it generously; it should taste like the sea. Add in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, but don’t rinse. You want that starchy goodness to cling to the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This will take about a minute. Don’t let it burn! Add the shredded chicken next. Coat it well with that buttery garlic mixture, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Stir in flour to absorb any fat and help thicken the sauce. Then, add the tomato paste and mix it until it’s well distributed. Follow this with the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Let this simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
Step 4: The Creamy Part
Next, pour in that heavy cream. Lower the heat and stir gently, allowing it to come together smoothly. Add in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until everything is combined and heated through. It should look creamy and inviting.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Gently fold them together, ensuring every noodle gets that rich, creamy cloak.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the basil. If it seems thick, a splash of reserved pasta cooking water can loosen it up. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top!
Tips On Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your dish turns out fabulous:
- Pasta Choice: Use short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They hold onto sauces beautifully.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and cheese. Good ingredients make all the difference.
- Watch the Garlic: Don’t let it burn. It can turn bitter very quickly.
- Feel Free to Experiment: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu if you want variety.
- Leftovers Storage: If you’re storing leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separate to avoid mushiness.
Nutrition Information
Let’s break down what you’re putting on your plate. This dish is rich and hearty, but here’s a snapshot of the nutritional info per serving (approximately 1 cup):
- Calories: 550
- Total fat: 30g
- Saturated fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 750mg
- Total carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Please adjust according to your personal dietary needs!
How Do You Store This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Storing your leftovers carefully ensures safety and taste preservation:
- Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Contain It: Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat Gently: When it’s time to eat again, reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to bring back moisture.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Sometimes you have to work with what’s in your kitchen. Here are some substitutions:
- Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or firm tofu to cater to different tastes.
- Pasta Type: Opt for gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option. This works well and holds flavors beautifully.
- Cream Alternatives: Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free version. It provides a similar creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.
- Broth Options: Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth when preparing a vegetarian version.
- Herbs: Chop fresh parsley or thyme as a replacement for basil. They each bring their unique flair.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Skillet
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Any shape works but fusilli captures the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For that rich flavor and sautéing the garlic.
- ½ tablespoon flour: To thicken the sauce just enough.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: For depth and richness.
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: The magic component that makes the sauce luscious.
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced: Because who doesn’t love garlic?
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes: Burst of flavor in every bite!
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: For that Italian herb aroma.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A touch of heat adjust to your taste!
- 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken shredded: To make life simpler.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving: Adds nutty flavor.
- 1 small handful fresh basil torn/chopped: A fragrant finish.
- Salt & pepper to taste: The basics to balance everything.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling water in a large pot. Salt it generously; it should taste like the sea. Add in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, but don’t rinse. You want that starchy goodness to cling to the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This will take about a minute. Don’t let it burn! Add the shredded chicken next. Coat it well with that buttery garlic mixture, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
- Stir in flour to absorb any fat and help thicken the sauce. Then, add the tomato paste and mix it until it’s well distributed. Follow this with the white wine or chicken broth, scraping any brown bits off the bottom of the pan to enhance flavor. Let this simmer for a few minutes until it reduces slightly.
Step 4: The Creamy Part
- Next, pour in that heavy cream. Lower the heat and stir gently, allowing it to come together smoothly. Add in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until everything is combined and heated through. It should look creamy and inviting.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Gently fold them together, ensuring every noodle gets that rich, creamy cloak.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Remove from heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the basil. If it seems thick, a splash of reserved pasta cooking water can loosen it up. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra parmesan on top!
Notes
- Pasta Choice: Use short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. They hold onto sauces beautifully.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Don’t skimp on the olive oil and cheese. Good ingredients make all the difference.
- Watch the Garlic: Don’t let it burn. It can turn bitter very quickly.
- Feel Free to Experiment: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu if you want variety.
- Leftovers Storage: If you’re storing leftovers, keep the pasta and sauce separate to avoid mushiness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! Just ensure to cook it thoroughly first. Season and sauté the chicken before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and warm it up when ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream, you can freeze an uncooked version. Just prepare but stop before adding the cream, then add it later post-thawing for the best results.
4. What can I serve on the side?
Consider serving the pasta with a crisp side salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
5. How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference. Omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
6. How do I ensure my pasta is perfectly cooked?
Follow package instructions closely, and taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time to check for doneness.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a dinner dish; it’s an experience bursting with flavors, stories, and serendipity. Whether you want to impress someone special or simply treat yourself after a long day, this dish is your ticket to a culinary adventure. The creamy goodness combined with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes makes for a comforting meal that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again.
So why not give it a whirl? You might just find yourself planning more dinner dates in the process. Happy cooking!
