Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Cozy Culinary Love Story

There’s something truly magical about creamy pasta dishes that instantly transport us back to our favorite family gatherings or romantic dinners. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a dish that’s not only delicious but enveloped in the warmth of cherished memories. I remember the first time I whipped up this delightful meal; the aroma wafting through the kitchen as tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made my heart flutter. It’s a dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or an intimate evening, and I promise it will make your loved ones swoon!

This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy sauce combined with sun-dried tomatoes makes each bite a delight, delivering a burst of rich flavors.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights when you want something special without a lot of fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone from the kids to the adults will love this dish, making it a great addition to your family meals.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Hosting a dinner? This dish will be the star of the show, sure to impress your guests!
• Flexible and Versatile: You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• 1 lb chicken breast (cubed into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 10 oz rigatoni (uncooked)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp salt (more or less to taste)
• Red chili flakes (to taste)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season 1 lb of cubed chicken with 1 tsp of salt and ½ tsp of black pepper.

2. Prepare the Flour Coating: In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ tsp of Italian seasoning, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and ½ tsp of paprika. Shake to mix.

3. Coat the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in the flour mixture in the bag. Shake to coat the chicken evenly, then remove and shake off any excess flour. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the flour mixture for later.

4. Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip and cook until browned on the other side and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

5. Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, cook 10 oz of rigatoni according to the box instructions. Drain and set aside.

6. Create the Sauce: Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then stir in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes, 2 tbsp of tomato paste, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Mix well.

7. Season the Sauce: Add 1 tsp of Italian seasoning, ½ tsp of dried parsley, ½ tsp of salt, and red chili flakes to taste. Stir to ensure all ingredients are blended.

8. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the reserved tablespoon of the flour mixture with 3 tablespoons of the sauce mixture from the pan to create a paste. Stir this back into the saucepan along with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.

9. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked rigatoni to the sauce and stir for about a minute until everything is heated through. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, topping with the remaining ½ cup of Parmesan. Mix well and let it cook uncovered for a few minutes until thickened.

10. Serve and Enjoy! Dish out your Marry Me Chicken Pasta onto plates, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for added color and nutrition, making the dish even more wholesome.
• Zesty Twist: For a bit of a kick, add some lemon zest and juice before serving, brightening the entire flavor profile.
• Different Proteins: If you want to switch things up, try shrimp or even turkey bacon instead of chicken for a different flavor.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist that adds an extra layer of flavor.

Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken and the sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine when ready to cook.
• Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative to keep this creamy delight accessible for everyone.
• Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to absorb some sauce during the mixing process.

What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 620
• Total Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Sodium: 800mg

Reader FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Can I make this ahead? Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve.

• Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms.

• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• How long does it last? Typically, leftovers are safe in the fridge for 3 days.

A Cozy Closing Note

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is truly special, capturing the essence of comfort food and heartfelt moments spent together. It’s one of those dishes that brings people closer and warms the soul. So next time you’re looking for a cozy meal that everyone will adore, remember to pull out this recipe! Save this Marry Me Chicken Pasta to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!