Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Imagine a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. A weeknight dinner that’s creamy, tangy, and full of tender chicken, penne pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a meal so delicious, it’s like a love note to your taste buds. That’s the marry me chicken pasta, a recipe loved by many for its mix of comfort and elegance.

This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for one or celebrating a big event. It’s quick to make but rich enough to impress. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce sticks well to the penne pasta, and the chicken adds a satisfying bite. It’s a meal that makes you want to ditch takeout and enjoy cooking at home.

Key Takeaways

• Marry me chicken pasta combines speed and flavor for busy nights or special occasions.
• The recipe’s star is its velvety sauce, blending sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream for a tangy-creamy balance.
• It’s adaptable—swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or penne for rotini to suit preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep, leftovers taste just as delicious the next day.
• Follow precise pasta cook times to avoid mushy textures and ensure ideal doneness.

Introduction to Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Experience

Looking for top dinner recipes that impress without taking hours? This dish is a mix of easy and indulgent. It turns simple ingredients into a meal you’ll remember. Let’s explore why this pasta is a hit and why it’s great for any event.

What Makes This Recipe Special

• Signature Sauce: A velvety mix of garlic, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that feels gourmet.
• Quick Prep: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy nights yet sophisticated enough for date nights or dinner parties.
• Universal Appeal: Balances savory, tangy, and creamy notes to satisfy diverse tastes.

An Overview of the Key Ingredients

Every part of this dish works together to make something special. It’s perfect for anyone looking for top dinner recipes that impress. Ready to see how these simple ingredients become something amazing? Let’s begin with the ingredients.

Gathering Your Ingredients for a Flavorful Meal

Quality ingredients make every bite of your resep pasta unforgettable. Start by checking your pantry and fridge for these essentials:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Penne pasta (dried or fresh)
• Garlic (3-4 cloves)
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream (full-fat)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes)

Prep ahead by grating cheese and mincing garlic before you start. Keep extra parsley or lemon wedges on hand to garnish your resep pasta. Double-check quantities—like pasta—to match your portion size. This ensures everything is ready when you begin cooking, making your meal prep smooth and stress-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Turn raw ingredients into a tasty dish with these easy steps. Follow this guide to make homemade pastas without stress.

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

Begin by seasoning chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and let it rest.

In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Mix in 2 tablespoons of flour to make a roux. Slowly add 1 cup of chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add heavy cream and herbs like thyme or basil. Simmer for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Timing and Temperature Tips

Use a timer to keep track. Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.

Combining Pasta with the Sauce

Cook pasta al dente as the package says. Save ½ cup of pasta water. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.

If it’s too thick, add reserved water a tablespoon at a time. Serve hot with Parmesan and parsley.

Mastering the Pasta Technique

Perfect pasta is key for any easy pasta dinner. Start by boiling water with lots of salt—it should taste saltier than seawater. Use penne pasta because its ridges hold onto sauce well. Cook it until it’s al dente, which means it’s firm but still tender.

1. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining—it’s essential for mixing sauce and pasta.
2. Don’t overcook. Check the pasta at the shortest cooking time on the package. It’s better to be slightly undercooked than mushy.
3. Put the pasta into the sauce pan while both are hot. Toss well, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time for creaminess.

Timing is important: pasta will cook a bit more after draining. So, take it out when it still has a bit of firmness. For an easy pasta dinner, skip the fancy techniques. Penne’s shape is perfect for trapping sauce, so choose it over long strands.

Feel free to adjust the sauce amount as needed. Even small changes, like using saved pasta water, can make a big difference. With these tips, your easy pasta dinner will impress everyone without any stress.

Tips for Enhancing Your Dinner Experience

Want to make your marry me chicken pasta unforgettable? Follow these tips to make every bite and presentation stand out. Start with these easy upgrades to make your dinner special.

Simple Hacks for an Easy Pasta Dinner

• Check chicken’s internal temperature (165°F) for safety and tenderness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Grate Parmesan fresh before tossing with pasta for maximum creaminess.

Fast Dinner Ideas for Busy Evenings

Save time with these shortcuts:

1. Cook pasta and chicken in advance; reheat sauce separately.
2. Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut prep time by half.
3. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to simplify sauce prep.

Elevating Your Presentation

Troubleshooting Common Challenges in Your Recipe

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly in the kitchen, even when making a fast dinner. Here’s how to fix common issues:

• Overcooked chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. Slice meat thinly to cook faster next time.
• Sauce too thick: Stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency. Add a splash of broth if needed.
• Pasta clumping: Rinse with cold water to separate strands. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

If the sauce separates, whisk in a pat of butter. Always taste as you go—small adjustments make a big difference. With these tips, you’ll turn almost any hiccup into a perfect fast dinner. Happy cooking!

Creative Twists on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Make your dinner special with these easy changes. Each update keeps it quick but adds flavor or meets dietary needs. Mix, match, or keep it simple—your perfect fast dinner recipes start here.

Innovative Variations with Extra Flavor

• Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for bold texture
• Top with parmesan crisps or avocado slices for contrast
• Simmer with garlic and red pepper flakes for heat

Swapping Ingredients for Dietary Needs

Use the table above as your guide. For a fast dinner recipes shortcut, try pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. Explore Teri Ann Carty’s guide for more ingredient hacks. Dairy-free? Swap butter with coconut milk for creaminess.

Incorporating Additional Dinner Recipes

Pair this pasta with a side salad for a light meal or bake garlic bread to bulk up your plate. Turn leftovers into a pasta salad for tomorrow’s lunch—creativity keeps meals fresh!

Pairing Your Meal with Perfect Sides

Make your favorite recipes dinner even better by adding sides that match its rich flavors. Simple choices can elevate a dish into a memorable meal.

• Green Salad: A crisp spinach or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette lightens the meal.
• Garlic Bread Sticks: Warm, toasted bread complements creamy sauces without overpowering.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try asparagus or zucchini for a pop of color and texture.

Here’s how to match sides to your favorite recipes dinner:

Try out these ideas to make your favorite recipes dinner complete and fulfilling. Whether you pick light or hearty sides, the right choices enhance every bite.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve explored every step of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s time to savor the results. From the simple ingredients to the flexible cooking methods, this dish proves that homemade pasta dishes don’t need complexity to shine. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this recipe adapts to your needs.

Remember the tips for adjusting seasoning or swapping ingredients? These details let you turn this classic into something uniquely yours. Try pairing it with garlic bread or a side salad to enhance the flavors further. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a top choice for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.

Now it’s your turn to experiment. Share your version with friends or mix in new toppings like Parmesan or herbs. Every bite of this easy pasta dinner is a chance to create memories. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—the perfect plate of Marry Me Chicken Pasta awaits!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. A comforting dish that’s perfect for dinner and sure to impress everyone!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course / Pasta Dish

Cuisine American / Italian-inspired

Servings 4

Calories 700 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 –3 chicken breasts sliced
• 8 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
• Add chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
• Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let it thicken slightly.
• Return chicken to the pan, coat with sauce, then add cooked pasta. Toss to combine.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Keyword creamy chicken pasta, romantic dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, quick meal, weeknight dinner, marry me chicken