Easy marry me chicken pasta recipe – Easy Kitchen Guide

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about what pairs wonderfully with this delightful dish. A crisp Caesar salad, some garlic bread, and a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay make excellent companions. A tangy vinaigrette salad would cut through the richness of the pasta. For something a bit different, try roasted asparagus or a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad.

Friends, I want to share a recipe that’s not only delightful but has a whimsical name: Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s rumored to be so delicious that it could entice someone to propose marriage! Whether the legend is true or not, the taste is undeniably tantalizing.

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What is Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

At its core, this recipe features succulent chicken chunks nestled in a creamy, savory sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed together with al dente pasta. Easy and superbly flavorful, it’s a winner for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is a hit thanks to its simplicity and rich flavors. The key ingredients blend harmoniously: chicken stock and heavy cream deliver a luscious mouthfeel, while garlic and sun-dried tomatoes add depth. The tender chicken chunks absorb the aromatic spices, rendering the dish irresistibly delicious.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Chicken Pasta

• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

Sauce

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves

How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ready to jump in? Here’s a quick overview before we delve into the step-by-step process. You’ll start by cooking the pasta and sautéing the chicken, then prepare the creamy, flavorful sauce before bringing everything together.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken chunks with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the roux is light brown, ensuring no lumps.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquids

Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Add Flavor and Chicken

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, Italian herb blend, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet and let the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. They make a huge difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Aim for a slight golden-brown color.
• Consistent Stirring: While making the sauce, continuous stirring prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
• Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water to maintain the creamy consistency.

Nutrition Information

How Would I Recommend Serving Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

1. Crisp Caesar Salad: The crispiness and tangy flavors of a Caesar salad balance the rich pasta dish perfectly.
2. Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
3. Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus or bell peppers add a healthy and tasty side.
4. A Light White Wine: Pair with a light, fruity white wine like Pinot Grigio to enhance the meal.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?

1. Chicken: Substitute chicken with turkey breast for a leaner option.
2. Heavy Cream: If heavy cream isn’t available, use half-and-half or evaporated milk.
3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different flavor yet similar texture.
4. Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is an excellent alternative.

Easy marry me chicken pasta recipe

Friends, I want to share a recipe that’s not only delightful but has a whimsical name: Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

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Author: Lori Walker, MS, RD

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 646kcal

Equipment

• large pot
• large skillet

Ingredients

Chicken Pasta

• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch chunks

Sauce

• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

• Ready to jump in? Here’s a quick overview before we delve into the step-by-step process. You’ll start by cooking the pasta and sautéing the chicken, then prepare the creamy, flavorful sauce before bringing everything together.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken chunks with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 7-8 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

• Sprinkle the flour into the skillet and stir continuously to form a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the roux is light brown, ensuring no lumps.

Step 5: Incorporate Liquids

• Gradually whisk in the chicken stock, followed by the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Add Flavor and Chicken

• Stir in the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, Italian herb blend, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the sautéed chicken back into the skillet and let the flavors meld together for about 5 minutes.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

• Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. They make a huge difference in flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Aim for a slight golden-brown color.
• Consistent Stirring: While making the sauce, continuous stirring prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
• Pasta Water: Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. If the sauce is too thick, you can add some pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.

Keyword: Easy marry me chicken pasta recipe

Six Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

There you have it, folks. Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and undeniably loveable—not to mention a breeze to prepare. With these comprehensive steps, tips, and serving suggestions, you’re all set to create a dish that might just become a household favorite. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

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Author Profile

Lori Walker, MS, RD

My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more