Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Dreamy Comfort Food Delight

When you think of comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a plate of marry me chicken pasta. Picture this: creamy, dreamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, teasing taste buds and promising an unforgettable dining experience. You might even find yourself daydreaming about the first bite, imagining how it could charm your loved ones into spontaneous declarations of love.

I remember the first time I made marry me chicken pasta for a dinner party. My friends practically swooned, and someone even joked that they were ready to propose! It was that good. Whether you’re hosting a romantic dinner or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy cravings like no other.

My friend once declared this dish “life-changing,” especially after he polished off two generous servings in record time.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts for an ideal serving size; adjust according to your crew’s appetite.
• Pasta: Any variety works wonders here; I usually go for penne or fettuccine for that classic feel.
• Heavy Cream: This ingredient brings decadence; look for fresh cream to elevate the flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it adds a nutty richness that’s simply irresistible.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves will provide a robust flavor; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem!
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
• Dried Italian Herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme adds depth; dried herbs pack a punch when combined.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavors; use it generously when cooking your chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together; season liberally but taste as you go!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make marry me chicken pasta

Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through; they should be juicy and fragrant.

Add Garlic and Spinach: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted—breathe in that aromatic goodness!

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add grated Parmesan cheese while stirring until melted; it should thicken beautifully.

Toss in Pasta: Add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently so every noodle gets coated in that dreamy mixture.

Serve It Up!: Plate your marry me chicken pasta warm with extra Parmesan on top if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs to make it pop visually—your loved ones won’t know what hit them!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta al dente while making your sauce. This ensures everything finishes at the same time for optimal flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add in seasonal veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring in extra heat if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream to revive that luscious sauce.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that time I cooked it for my best friend’s birthday. The look on her face when she took the first bite was priceless; it was pure joy.

FAQ

What is marry me chicken pasta?

Marry me chicken pasta features tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce served over pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken beforehand; just assemble before serving.

Is there a vegetarian version of marry me chicken pasta?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a hearty, plant-based alternative.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that promises to impress. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this delectable recipe is perfect for romantic dinners or hosting friends. Each bite is a delightful experience that may even inspire spontaneous declarations of love!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh spinach; cook until spinach wilts.
4. Pour in heavy cream, scraping up browned bits. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce.
6. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs as garnish.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use fresh herbs instead of dried. Substitute chicken with shrimp or add seasonal vegetables like sun-dried tomatoes for variety. To store leftovers, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.