As I entered the kitchen, the smell of sizzling chicken and herbs hit me. It was the famous “marry me chicken” recipe, now with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite took me to Italy, where the creamy sauce and chicken blended in a flavor mix.
Marry me chicken pasta has won over many home cooks. It’s a quick 30-minute meal that mixes the “marry me chicken” recipe with pasta. This Italian dish has tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a creamy sauce, all tossed with pasta and Parmesan cheese.
Key Takeaways
- Marry me chicken pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed Italian dish
- It combines the popular “marry me chicken” recipe with pasta for a complete one-pot meal
- The dish features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce
- It can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The recipe has received rave reviews and is a family-favorite
The Story Behind This Irresistible Italian Dish
The name “Marry Me Chicken” has a sweet story. In 2016, Lindsay Fulton made a chicken dish that wowed everyone. A producer joked he’d marry her for it. The recipe became a hit, loved by many as a family favorite.
Today, Marry Me Chicken is famous for its creamy sauce. It’s made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, cream, garlic, and Italian seasonings. This turns a simple chicken dish into a top-notch meal.
From Viral Recipe to Family Favorite
The Marry Me Chicken recipe hit TikTok and became a big hit. The New York Times named it their most popular recipe of 2023. Since 2016, it has won the hearts of many, with people calling it one of the best chicken dishes ever.
“The Marry Me Chicken recipe is a game-changer. The combination of flavors is simply out of this world!”
– Satisfied Home Cook
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Thyme | 1 tsp, dried |
| Crushed Red Pepper Flakes | 1/4 tsp |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To make the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you need the right ingredients. This dish is all about mixing tender chicken, creamy sauce, and other tasty elements. Let’s look at what makes this recipe a true Italian classic.
The dish starts with chicken, whether it’s thighs or breasts. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet flavor that goes well with the creamy sauce.
The sauce is key, and heavy cream makes it creamy. Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty taste. Chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning mix to create the sauce base. Smoked paprika and red pepper flakes add extra flavor.
Spinach and fresh basil bring freshness to the dish. Short pasta, like penne or farfalle, holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a creamy chicken pasta that everyone will love. Now, let’s follow a step-by-step guide to making this one-pot chicken pasta recipe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Get prepared to drop in cherish with Wed Me Chicken Pasta. It’s a creamy Italian dish that’s great for any event. This recipe mixes tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a smooth sauce for a memorable meal.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices. Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Cook the chicken until it’s golden and done, about 6-8 minutes each side. Next, scoop out the nduja and let it melt into the sauce.
Creating the Signature Sauce
In the same skillet, liquefy butter over medium heat. Mix in flour to make a roux, stirring for 1-2 minutes. Slowly add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Let it simmer and thicken for 5-10 minutes.
Combining the Elements
When the sauce is right, add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings. Slice or shred the chicken and mix it with the sauce and pasta. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Finish by serving the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot. Top it with Parmesan cheese and basil. This simple formula will rapidly ended up a family favorite!
The Secret to the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
The secret to the creamy chicken pasta is the rich sauce. It coats the chicken and pasta perfectly. The sauce is made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
Sun-dried tomatoes make the sauce special. They add a tangy flavor and a hint of sweetness. Garlic and Italian seasoning enhance the taste, creating a perfect balance.
A mixture of butter and flour forms a roux to thicken the sauce. It becomes creamy and coats the garlic chicken pasta beautifully. This sauce is rich and indulgent, making the dish a true masterpiece.
“”The sun-dried tomato sauce is the mystery weapon that makes this velvety chicken pasta so crave-worthy. The blend of flavors and textures is simply out of this world.”
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results
To make your chicken pasta prepare or lemon chicken pasta taste like it’s from a eatery, take after these tips. Start by picking the right pasta shape. Penne, farfalle, or rigatoni are great because they hold onto the sauce well.
For the perfect sauce, save some pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce’s thickness and keeps it smooth. Also, keep the heat low when making the sauce to avoid it breaking.
To get juicy chicken, use a meat thermometer. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures your chicken pasta bake or lemon chicken pasta has tender, flavorful chicken that goes well with the sauce.
| Pasta Shape | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Penne | The ridges and tubular shape hold the sauce beautifully. |
| Farfalle (Bow Tie) | The ruffled edges and unique shape create pockets for the sauce to cling to. |
| Rigatoni | The large, hollow tubes and ridges provide ample surface area for the sauce to adhere to. |
“The mystery to a restaurant-quality chicken pasta prepare or lemon chicken pasta is all in the details. From choosing the right pasta to perfecting the sauce consistency, these tips will help you achieve the ultimate in-home dining experience.”
Customization Options and Variations
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s a classic Italian dish that you can easily customize to fit your taste. This makes it perfect for experimenting with different flavors and ingredients.
Want a lighter version? Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream in the sauce. This change makes the sauce creamy but less rich, ideal for those watching their diet.
- Swap out the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option.
- Incorporate spicy elements by adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce, delivering a delightful kick of heat.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes, such as penne or fusilli, to change up the texture and visual appeal of the dish.
- Boost the cheesiness by stirring in shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta cheese towards the end of cooking.
- Load up on extra veggies by tossing in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms.
Whether you prefer a classic chicken pasta primavera or a creative chicken pasta salad, this recipe is a great starting point. It invites you to get creative and make it your own!
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 1/2 lbs |
| Low-Fat Cottage Cheese | 2 cups |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 3/4 cup |
| Shredded Parmesan Cheese | 56g |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 85g |
| Fresh Spinach | 1 1/2 cups |
“The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe has become a family favorite in our household. The rich, creamy sauce paired with the tender chicken and al dente pasta is simply irresistible.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Keeping your chicken pasta bake tasty and fresh is important. It’s not just about enjoying it the first time. Proper storage and reheating are crucial for a great taste every time.
Proper Storage Methods
Best Reheating Practices
- For stovetop reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. Heat it gently over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s warm.
- Microwave reheating is also good. Put the chicken pasta bake in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s hot.
- Don’t freeze this dish. The cream-based sauce might separate and become grainy when thawed.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your chicken pasta bake again and again. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
Indulge in the creamy chicken pasta without feeling guilty. A serving has about 697 calories. It’s packed with protein from chicken (51g) and carbs from pasta (66g). Plus, it’s full of calcium and vitamin A from sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream.
Want a lighter version? Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Adding more veggies can also cut calories and fat. Make sure to cook chicken to the right temperature: 175°F to 185°F for dark meat and 165°F for white meat.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 697 |
| Carbohydrates | 66g |
| Protein | 51g |
| Fat | 26g |
Whether you stick to the classic creamy chicken pasta or try chicken pasta primavera variations, think about your diet. A few changes can make this Italian dish both tasty and healthy.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish. It has won the hearts and palates of many. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta make it a crowd-pleaser. You can appreciate it any night of the week.
This dish is versatile, allowing for customization to suit different tastes. It’s great for families, gatherings, and special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this guide will help you make a restaurant-quality dish at home.
The dish’s rich, savory flavors and satisfying texture are a delight. Pair it with a medium-bodied white wine or a light red for a balanced and indulgent meal. It’s sure to impress.
So, why not attempt making this scrumptious Wed Me Chicken Pasta? It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Bon appétit!