Looking for a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a viral sensation that lives up to its name. This 30-minute, one-pot dish combines juicy chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, and a dreamy, creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.
Infused with garlic and Italian seasoning, and finished with fresh basil, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce, and enjoy restaurant-quality flavors with minimal cleanup.
This dish has taken the internet by storm for its irresistible taste, some say it’s so good it could spark a proposal. The penne pasta soaks up the rich heavy cream and chicken broth sauce, creating a comforting meal that’s easy to whip up in a single skillet. Let’s dive into how to make this crowd-pleaser that’s bound to win hearts.
See also: 20 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner:
- Fast and Simple: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
- One-Pot Wonder: Cooks in one skillet, keeping dishes to a minimum.
- Creamy and Flavorful: Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich, indulgent sauce.
- Bold Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes and basil add tangy and fresh notes.
- Versatile: Great for casual dinners or special occasions.
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Ingredients
For 4 servings of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
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Kitchen Equipment/Appliances Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
- Large skillet (12-inch or larger)
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
See also: Creamy Chicken Orzo
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain using a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta cooks, mince the garlic, chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breast and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and remaining Italian seasoning. If using red pepper flakes, add them now for a spicy kick.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne pasta and seared chicken breast to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of sauce.
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Tips for Success
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Undercook the penne pasta slightly to prevent it from becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and adds richer flavor.
- Adjust the Heat: Increase or omit red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the sauce.
- Make it Quick: Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking.
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See also: Spaghetti Aglio e Olio Recipe
Variations and Substitutions
Customize this recipe to fit your needs:
- Protein Options: Swap chicken breast for shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Pasta Choices: Use rigatoni, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta instead of penne.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Include spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream instead of heavy cream.
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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
For one serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 680 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 38g (Saturated: 20g)
- Carbohydrates: 50g (Sugars: 4g)
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 10% of DV
- Calcium: 25% of DV
- Iron: 12% of DV
Note: Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands. Use a nutrition calculator for precise tracking.
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See also: Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to restore the creamy texture.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While the dish can be frozen, the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and reheat slowly.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1 cup of thawed and drained frozen spinach in place of fresh spinach. Squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery sauce.
4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. Ensure the chicken broth is dairy-free as well.
5. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Pair it with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a complete meal.
See also: Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal, it’s a love letter to comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken breast, and vibrant spinach, this one-pot dish is sure to win hearts at your dinner table.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Plus, the single skillet cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time at the sink.
For those looking to balance indulgence with wellness, supplements like Keto Actives can support weight loss and appetite control, while Collagen Select promotes healthy skin, hair, and nails to keep you glowing. Try this recipe, share it with someone special, and see if it lives up to its romantic name.
Looking for more chicken recipes? Here are a few of my faves:
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Easy Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
- Easy Orange Chicken Recipe
- Easy Indian Butter Chicken Recipe
- The Best Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
