Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry me Chicken pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce over your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of meal that could make someone fall in love with your cooking — hence the name, Marry Me Chicken! Perfect for date night, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for comfort food, this pasta is guaranteed to be a hit.
Love this easy recipe? You’re in the right place! Check out my Louisiana Chicken Pasta and Bourbon Chicken
Moreover, Marry Me Chicken is a popular dish known for its creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so good that one bite could inspire a marriage proposal! While the origin of the name is more of a playful exaggeration, there’s no denying that this dish is irresistibly good. Paired with pasta, this recipe elevates the classic dish into a restaurant-quality meal that’s still quick and easy enough for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken recipe:
Furthermore, this recipe is so easy to make and packed full of flavor. There are so many reasons to love this recipe.
- Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of cayenne brings a bold, delicious flavor to every bite.
- Creamy and Comforting: The rich, velvety sauce coats the chicken and pasta beautifully, offering a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Customizable: Easily swap the chicken for other proteins or add your favorite vegetables for a dish that suits your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: Provides a tender, protein-rich base that absorbs the creamy sauce flavors perfectly.
- Garlic Pepper Seasoning, All-Purpose Seasoning, Paprika, Salt, Cayenne, Italian Seasoning: These seasonings give the chicken and sauce a well-rounded, robust flavor with just a hint of heat from the cayenne.
- Olive Oil from Sun-Dried Tomato Jar: Adds an extra layer of flavor by using the infused oil, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce, balancing the richness of the cream.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic, savory notes that elevate the dish.
- Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that ties all the flavors together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth, helping to thicken the sauce and make it extra creamy.
- Spinach: Incorporates a fresh, slightly earthy taste while adding a pop of color and nutrients to the dish.
- Pasta: Serves as the perfect vessel for soaking up the delicious sauce, making every bite satisfying and hearty.
- Seasonings (Bayou City, Paprika, Salt, Cayenne, Italian Seasoning): These seasonings give the chicken and sauce a well-rounded, robust flavor with just a hint of heat from the cayenne.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Here’s how:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: Coat chicken breasts with seasonings, then cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté onion, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet. Add heavy cream and Parmesan, then let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add spinach and let it wilt. Return the chicken to the skillet and coat with sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
- Serve: Slice the chicken if desired, then serve over pasta garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Versatility
While chicken is the most common, don’t be afraid to experiment with proteins. Here are a few ideas to inspire your marry me chicken recipe:
- Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp, cooking them just until pink and opaque.
- Salmon: Use salmon fillets, searing them first before making the sauce.
- Tofu or Chickpeas: For a vegetarian option, substitute with tofu cubes or chickpeas for a protein-packed meal.
- Pork or Turkey Cutlets: Thinly sliced pork or turkey cutlets also work well with the creamy sauce.
Tips for the best Marry Me Chicken
Additionally, by following these tips you’ll be able to make the best pizza bagels.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley not only adds a lovely garnish but also brightens up the dish with fresh flavor.
- Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any pasta shape works well with this dish. Penne, fettuccine, and bowties are all great options.
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it gently when ready to serve. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though the texture will be slightly thinner.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The heat level is mild with the cayenne pepper, but you can adjust it to your preference by adding more or less.
More Dinner recipes:
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- tongs
- Wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- 1 tsp Bayou City All Purpose
- 1 tsp italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne optional
- 2 tbs olive oil from the sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 small onion diced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan grated
- 2 cups spinach
- 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- fresh basil or parsley garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic pepper seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, paprika, salt, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil (from the sun-dried tomato jar) over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- taste sauce and add salt if desired
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Slice the chicken, if desired, and serve over the pasta, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Video
Notes
- Adjusting Spice: Cayenne pepper is optional and can be adjusted to your preferred level of heat.
- Substitutions: You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version or add a splash of white wine for extra depth.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms or bell peppers can be added for extra vegetables.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
This dish looks so good! I’m totally making it!
so Glad you are trying it out! let me know how it turns out