January 27, 2025

marry me chicken pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Did you know that Marry Me Chicken Pasta is inspired by a dish called Engagement Chicken, which is said to spark marriage proposals? This creamy pasta dish combines tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. If you’re looking for a quick recipe for a special dinner or a busy weeknight, you’ll find this dish fits the bill perfectly. Let’s explore how to make it and uncover its rich history.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice. It only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. You’ll need simple ingredients you probably already have, like chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream. If you’re gluten-free, you can easily swap regular pasta for gluten-free options. This recipe is also flexible; you can use chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference. With straightforward steps, you’ll cook the pasta, prepare the chicken, and make a rich, creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor from basil, oregano, and lemon. This dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor, making it a versatile meal the whole family will enjoy!

History

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has an interesting history that connects food with romance. It started as Engagement Chicken, created by a fashion editor at Glamour Magazine after a trip to Italy. This dish became famous when it reportedly led to 70 couples getting engaged after serving it.

Over time, the recipe evolved into Marry Me Chicken Pasta, adding pasta for a more versatile meal that appeals to many. Engagement Chicken became a phenomenon with romantic success stories, showcasing the powerful link between food and love. Social media played a big role in its rise, with platforms like TikTok showcasing its creamy and cheesy goodness.

The name suggests that this dish might inspire a marriage proposal, fitting into a long tradition where meals are linked to love and special occasions, making it perfect for romantic dinners or casual meals alike.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 8 ounces penne pasta
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– Italian seasoning
– Butter (optional)
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
– Additional parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions:
1. Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add a tablespoon of butter or more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the heavy cream. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, allowing the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. This will create a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the pasta.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained penne pasta. Gently stir to combine, confirming the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.

Extra Tips:
For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and verify that the chicken broth is also gluten-free.

If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, consider using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a different yet equally delicious flavor.

Don’t forget to freshly grate your parmesan cheese for the best melting texture and flavor, and feel free to adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’s important to reflect on its delightful qualities and practical benefits.

This dish packs a nutritious punch, offering 480 calories, 28 grams of protein, and a rich flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. You can whip it up in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Additionally, this meal is a great source of total carbohydrates, providing 40 grams per serving, which helps to keep you energized throughout the day.

With its creamy sauce and vibrant veggies, it’s both indulgent and appealing. Plus, you can easily customize it by using different pasta types or adding your favorite spices.

Whether you’re serving six people or just yourself, this dish is versatile and satisfying, ensuring you’ll want to make it time and again.

FAQ

What should you know about making Marry Me Chicken Pasta? First, you can use gluten-free pasta if you prefer. You can substitute heavy cream with half and half or full-fat coconut milk, and both chicken breasts and thighs work well.

Sun-dried tomatoes are essential for achieving that classic flavor, while Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal touch. Don’t forget the Parmesan cheese for richness. Additionally, the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

When cooking, reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency and feel free to tweak the seasoning if needed. Let the sauce simmer to thicken before mixing in the chicken and pasta.

Finally, store leftovers in the fridge for up to five days, and reheat with broth or additional pasta water to keep it moist.