Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Imagine you’re preparing a meal so delicious that it could convince someone to pop the question—this is the essence of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. In about 30 minutes, you can create a delightful dinner that’s perfect for any occasion. Curious about how to make this culinary masterpiece? Let’s explore the details together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When you’re looking for a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe hits the mark perfectly.
You’ll love how versatile this dish is; you can choose any pasta you like. If you’re aiming for a leaner option, chicken breast works well. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and can be made with different proteins or pasta types to suit your preferences.
The recipe is customizable, allowing you to adjust milk and other ingredients for dietary needs, including gluten-free options. Each serving packs a protein punch with 28 grams and is balanced with carbohydrates and healthy fats.
The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a delightful mix of flavors, making it ideal for family meals or special occasions.
History
Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a fascinating history that reflects its blend of culinary creativity and cultural significance. The dish’s name comes from a legend where a home chef impresses a partner during a romantic dinner, leading to a marriage proposal.
While its exact origins are unclear, it gained popularity in the United States through home cooks and food bloggers. Inspired by Italian cuisine, especially Chicken Alfredo, the recipe has evolved from just chicken and vegetables to include pasta. This dish is known for taking no longer than 30 minutes to make, making it a quick yet impressive meal.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have further amplified its reach, showcasing various adaptations. Despite some critiques of its name reinforcing gender stereotypes, the dish remains a beloved symbol of love and connection through food.
Recipe
Ingredients
– 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8-12 oz short pasta shapes (penne, fusilli, or spirali)
– 1/4 to 1 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes from oil-filled jars
– 1-1.5 cups heavy cream or half and half
– 1/2 to 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– Olive oil
– Garlic (to taste)
– Herbs (oregano, thyme, paprika, to taste)
– Spinach or other garnishes (optional)
Cooking Instructions
1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken and fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
-
In the same pan, add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and your choice of herbs. Sauté for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
-
Add the short pasta and chicken stock to the pan, stirring to combine. Cover the pan and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
-
Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pan and pour in the heavy cream or half and half. Stir well and allow the sauce to thicken slightly over low heat, about 3-5 minutes. This dish is best enjoyed for its amazing flavors which are sure to impress your family.
-
Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. If desired, add spinach or any other garnishes before serving.
For the best results, make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
You can also customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or swap out the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special occasion, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to impress.
The dish combines simple ingredients like chicken, pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes, making it easy to create in about 30 minutes. With a calorie count ranging from 480 to 680 per serving, it’s both hearty and satisfying.
You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary needs by swapping out ingredients or using leaner options. Plus, the versatility of pasta types allows you to customize the texture and flavor. Remember, this meal isn’t only delicious but also packed with 28 grams of protein, making it a balanced choice for any dinner table.
Enjoy your cooking!
FAQ
Have you got questions about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta? This dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook, serving 4-6 people.
You’ll need chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, parmesan cheese, and spices. A sturdy pasta like penne or fusilli works best. Best pasta for Marry Me Chicken is penne; short pasta like Fusilli, rigatoni, or Cavatappi also works well.
To make it, start by frying chicken until golden, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. After that, pour in the pasta and chicken stock, cooking until absorbed.
Reduce heat, add spinach and cream, and stir until the spinach wilts. Finally, mix in parmesan and season to taste.
For variations, consider gluten-free pasta or adjust spice levels. Remember, this recipe contains dairy, so keep that in mind if you have dietary restrictions.
Enjoy cooking!
