Description
Looking for a dish that can steal the show at any dinner party and might just inspire a marriage proposal? Enter Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a luxurious blend of tender, juicy chicken, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes all tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish has earned its charming name because, as the story goes, it’s so delicious that it might just prompt someone to pop the question.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, a family meal, or just craving something special, this recipe is easy to make yet indulgent enough to feel like a gourmet experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the origins of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, offer step-by-step instructions, suggest delicious variations, and provide pairing ideas to complete your meal. We’ll also incorporate internal links to additional recipe ideas and culinary tips from Ollie Recipes that will elevate your
Ingredients
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- 400g pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 6-8 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board.
Pro Tip: For a juicier chicken, you can use a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. Check out our Ultimate Chicken Brine Recipe for more tips on keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, which ensures it’s firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water to help thin the sauce if necessary. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
Pro Tip: To make sure your pasta comes out perfectly, follow our Guide to Boiling Pasta Al Dente for expert advice.
In the same skillet you used for the chicken (to retain all the delicious flavor from the chicken drippings), add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are slightly softened. If you like a little heat, this is the time to add crushed red pepper flakes.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping the bottom of the skillet to incorporate any browned bits, which will add depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly over medium heat.
Once the sauce is thickened to your liking, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated, making the sauce creamy and rich.
Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is coated. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water, adding it gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: per serving, based on 4 servings
- Calories: 700-800 kcal
- Sugar: 5-7 grams
- Sodium: 1000-1200 mg
- Fat: 40-45 grams
- Saturated Fat: 18-22 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
- Fiber: 3-4 grams
- Protein: 40-45 grams
- Cholesterol: 150-170 mg