Ever heard of the “Marry Me Chicken” phenomenon? It’s the kind of dish that’s so good, it might just convince someone to propose on the spot!
If you’re looking to whip up something romantic, delicious, and downright irresistible, this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your ticket to impress.
Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just want to treat yourself, this dish hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, and full of flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- 8 oz. pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti works great)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Rub the spices in well so the chicken is nicely coated with flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—this is where all that flavor lives!
- Creamy Goodness: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, and thyme. Let this simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens up a bit.
- Pasta Time: While your sauce is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your pasta water—this adds flavor to the pasta itself. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.
- Combine Everything: Slice your cooked chicken into strips and add them back into the skillet with the sauce. Let the chicken warm up and soak in all that creamy goodness. Toss in your cooked pasta, making sure everything is nicely coated in the sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Top your pasta with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. And just like that, your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to serve!
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this dish with a simple green salad and a glass of white wine, and you’ve got yourself a dinner that’s perfect for date night—or any night, really! The creamy sauce clings to the pasta and chicken in the most delicious way, making every bite pure comfort.
Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The story goes that this dish is so incredibly tasty, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While there’s no guarantee it’ll lead to a ring on your finger, it’s definitely a recipe that’s bound to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Tips & Variations:
- Add some greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale at the end for a bit of color and nutrition.
- Switch up the protein: You can easily swap the chicken for shrimp or even make it vegetarian by using mushrooms.
- Cheese it up: Feel free to add extra Parmesan or even a bit of mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s simple, delicious, and has that wow factor that makes it a keeper in your recipe box. Enjoy!
