Introduction:
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce, often flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of Parmesan. The dish gets its fun name because it’s so delicious that it’s said to be “worthy” of a proposal—hence, “Marry Me!” It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that can be prepared for a cozy dinner, special occasion, or even as a romantic gesture.
The History of Ingredients:
- Chicken: Chicken is a staple protein in global cuisine, known for its versatility and ability to adapt to various seasonings and cooking methods. It pairs particularly well with creamy, savory, or herb-infused dishes like this one.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is used in many rich and comforting sauces. It adds a luxurious texture to dishes, creating smooth and velvety sauces, like the one in Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Garlic: Garlic has been used for centuries, both in cooking and in medicine. Its pungent, savory flavor forms the backbone of many savory dishes, including this one.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes have been around for centuries as a method of preserving tomatoes. The drying process intensifies their flavor, giving them a sweet, tangy, and slightly savory taste that complements the richness of the sauce.
- Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is a hard, aged cheese originating from Italy. It adds saltiness and depth of flavor to dishes and is widely used in Italian cooking.
Breakdown of Ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used. They’re easy to cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce. Alternatively, chicken thighs can be used for a more flavorful, juicy result.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce, making it creamy and indulgent. It’s a key component in achieving that “wow” factor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is sautéed in the pan to bring out its flavor and make the sauce aromatic and savory.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a burst of flavor and a hint of sweetness, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: A finishing touch that enhances the sauce’s flavor and adds some salty, nutty depth.
- Pasta: Typically, pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti is used, but any pasta will work. It serves as the base to soak up the creamy sauce.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Slice the chicken into strips once it has rested.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, oregano, and basil. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in the sliced chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic adds the best flavor to this dish, so avoid pre-minced garlic for the best result.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken breasts can become dry. Make sure the chicken is just cooked through to maintain its juiciness.
- Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to loosen it. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Be sure to use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for added flavor, and chop them up well to spread their flavor throughout the sauce.
Variations and Customizations:
- Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce to give the dish a bit of heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version. You could also add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free.
- Pasta Substitutes: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, like spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich dish due to the heavy cream and cheese, so it’s on the higher side in calories. You can reduce the calorie content by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opting for a lighter cheese.
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, making this dish a good choice for building and repairing muscle.
- Carbs: Pasta contributes to the carbohydrate content. For a lower-carb option, consider using a vegetable-based pasta like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Fat: The dish contains fat from the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. You can make it a bit lighter by using lower-fat dairy options.
- Sodium: The cheese and sun-dried tomatoes add some sodium to the dish, so be mindful if you’re watching your salt intake.
FAQ:
1. Can I make this dish in advance? Yes, you can make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can use other cheeses like Asiago, Romano, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile, but Parmesan is traditional for the best depth.
3. Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy? The dish is not spicy unless you add red pepper flakes or chili powder. If you enjoy spice, feel free to adjust the seasoning.
4. Can I make this dish without sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes, though they add a lot of flavor. You could substitute with roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes for a different taste.
5. Can I make it dairy-free? To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a creamy, garlicky sauce, often flavored with sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of Parmesan. The dish gets its fun name because it’s so delicious that it’s said to be “worthy” of a proposal—hence, "Marry Me!" It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that can be prepared for a cozy dinner, special occasion, or even as a romantic gesture.
Instructions
- Chicken Pasta
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- fresh basil for garnish
- Chicken Pasta
- Cook the 10 ounces penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Cut 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken, into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside while you make the sauce.
- Sauce
- Return to the same skillet, then add 3 tablespoons butter. Once it is melted, sauté the minced 2 teaspoons garlic, for 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Add in 3 tablespoons flour and stir to make a paste.
- Whisk in 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the drained 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes for it to thicken.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat the chicken and pasta in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.