Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delight

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that's so delicious it might just prompt a proposal. The name comes from its reputation for being so good that it could convince someone to pop the question after just one bite.

I first made this dish for my partner on our anniversary when I wanted something special but was short on time. It was such a hit that it's now our celebration meal whenever we have something worth commemorating.

Ingredients

• Pasta: any shape works but I prefer penne or fettuccine to hold that decadent sauce
• Chicken breasts: cut into bite sized pieces for quick cooking and perfect sauce coating
• Heavy cream: creates the luxuriously rich base for our sauce
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce beautifully
• Sun dried tomatoes: provide sweet tangy bursts of flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Italian seasoning: a convenient blend that adds herbaceous notes throughout
• Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
• Red pepper flakes: for a gentle heat that balances the creaminess
• Fresh basil: brightens everything with its aromatic finish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Pasta:

Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Be sure to generously salt your pasta water for proper flavor. Drain but do not rinse to help the sauce cling better to the pasta.

Sauté The Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onions and cook for about 3 minutes until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned as burned garlic will bitter the dish.

Cook The Chicken:

Add butter to the pan allowing it to melt completely then add your bite sized chicken pieces. Season with Italian seasoning smoked paprika red pepper flakes garlic powder salt and pepper. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until chicken is golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature.

Create The Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer not a rolling boil which could cause separation. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir constantly until cheese melts completely and sauce begins to thicken. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes of gentle simmering.

Bring Everything Together:

Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together ensuring each piece of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce. Allow to cook together for 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce flavor.

Final Touches:

Remove from heat and let stand for a minute to allow the sauce to set slightly. Tear fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving to release their aromatic oils and provide a fresh contrast to the rich dish.

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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when trying to recreate a dish from my honeymoon in Italy. Their concentrated sweet acidity cuts through the richness of the cream making each bite perfectly balanced.

Making It Lighter

While the traditional recipe calls for heavy cream you can create a lighter version using half and half or even whole milk thickened with a tablespoon of flour. The sauce won't be quite as rich but still delivers amazing flavor with fewer calories. I often make this substitution during weeknights and save the full cream version for special occasions.

Perfect Pairings

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta partners beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. The peppery greens and bright acidity cut through the richness of the dish creating a well balanced meal. For wine lovers a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Vegetarian Adaptation

You can easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by replacing the chicken with sautéed mushrooms particularly portobello or cremini varieties. Their meaty texture and umami flavor create a surprisingly satisfying alternative that even dedicated carnivores enjoy. I discovered this variation when hosting a dinner with mixed dietary preferences and it's become a regular in our meal rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.

→ How can I make the sauce lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and cream blend for a lighter alternative.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use a plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to adapt the dish.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's consistency.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can cook the sauce and pasta separately in advance. Combine and reheat just before serving for the best texture.