Oh, where do I begin with The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta? This little gem has become a staple in my kitchen, delivered straight from the heart, surrounded by the aromas of garlic and creamy goodness that make you just want to hug every person who enters your home. I first discovered this recipe during a cozy dinner at a dear friend’s house, where laughter mingled with the delicious perfume of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs wafting through the air. As soon as I took that first comforting bite, I could practically hear wedding bells ringing! It’s no secret that this dish has a way of making hearts flutter; the creamy sauce enveloping the tender chicken and pasta is pure culinary magic. Cozy kitchen vibes? Check. Rich flavors? Double check. Ready to fall head over heels? Let’s dive in together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Whip Up: Perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing your date without the fuss.
• Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices creates a taste that dances on your palate.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s just for you or a gathering of friends, this dish is always a hit!
• Comfort Food Vibes: Satisfying, hearty, and wrapped in a creamy hug.
• Customizable: Dress it up to your preference with various ingredients.

Recipe Snapshot

| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|—————|—————-|———–|———–|————|——-|————-|
| Main Course | Italian-American | 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings | Easy |

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
  Tender and juicy, it’s the star of our show!
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  Essential for bringing out all those wonderful flavors!
• 1 tbsp olive oil
  Perfect for that beautiful sear and a little healthy fat.
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  Ahh, the foundation of our creamy sauce—rich and delicious!
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Because everything’s better with garlic!
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  To help thicken that luscious sauce.
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  A flavorful base for our sauce without excess salt!
• 1 cup heavy cream
  Creamy goodness that makes the sauce velvety and rich.
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  For that nutty, cheesy flavor—don’t skimp!
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
  A punch of tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
  Introducing a lovely smoky depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  Classic Italian flavors to round out the dish.
• ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
  Perfect for catching all that creamy sauce!
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
  A vibrant touch that adds freshness!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place that chicken in the hot skillet and let it sizzle, creating a beautiful golden crust, for about 5–7 minutes. Can you smell that mouthwatering aroma? Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside, letting it bask in its deliciousness.

Make the Roux

In the same skillet, let’s melt the butter over medium heat. Oh, the sound of butter bubbling is music to my ears! Add the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds—this is where the magic begins! Now, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until it’s well combined and slightly golden. This roux is going to give our sauce the perfect thickness!

Create the Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid any lumps—smooth and silky is our goal! Then, add in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens beautifully. Oh, the smell should make your heart sing! Now, toss in the parmesan cheese and mix until melted and oozy.

Add Flavor

Stir in those lovely sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning, letting it all simmer for a few minutes. The colors and scents here are just delightful—feels like a warm hug!

Combine Everything

Return the chicken to the skillet to soak in all those wonderful flavors. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and toss the pasta into the sauce mixture until it’s perfectly coated. Oh, this is where we get to bring it all together!

Garnish and Serve

Top the pasta with chopped fresh basil to add a pop of freshness and serve immediately while it’s hot, creamy, and oh-so-irresistible! Gather your loved ones and enjoy every glorious bite.

Pro Tips for Success

• Proper seasoning: Make sure to season each component; it layers the flavors beautifully!
• Pasta al dente: Under-cook your pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook when mixed into the hot sauce.
• Fresh ingredients: Using fresh herbs and good quality parmesan really lifts the dish!
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning and flavors to suit your taste—cooking should feel good!

Flavor Variations

• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
• Instead of penne pasta, try swapping it for fettuccine or your favorite pasta shape.
• Mix in some spinach or kale for a pop of green and added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious pasta with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette. For beverages, a lovely crisp white wine complements the flavors wonderfully. Serve it all on a beautiful plate, maybe with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a garnish of basil on top, and you have yourself a meal fit for any occasion!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance and just toss it all together before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating it gently will keep it creamy and delightful!

Leftovers

Mix leftover chicken pasta into a fresh salad for a quick lunch, or fold it into a wrap with some crunchy veggies for a delicious twist!

Freezing

While the pasta can be frozen, I recommend only freezing the chicken and sauce together, without the pasta. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, or you can microwave it gently. Just add a splash of cream or broth to restore that luscious texture!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you love. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy!

Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep things creamy without the dairy.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be delightful additions. Just sauté them before adding to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Cooking is truly a love language, and The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta speaks volumes! Every bite tells a story of comfort, love, and joy, creating the perfect atmosphere for connecting with those you cherish. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your home and joy to your plate. From my cozy kitchen to yours, happy cooking, my friends! 💕

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