Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that combines the rich flavors of a creamy, parmesan-based sauce with succulent chicken breasts and al dente pasta. The name suggests that this dish is so good, it might just lead to a marriage proposal!
The origin of the name is a bit of a mystery, but one thing is clear: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a winner in the kitchen. The sauce is the star of the show, made with heavy cream, garlic, and a touch of chicken broth, all simmered together with sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients blend beautifully to create a sauce that is creamy and flavorful, yet not too heavy. The chicken, seasoned and seared to perfection, absorbs all the rich flavors, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you will need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. First, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are the best choice for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy when properly prepared. Next, you will need sun-dried tomatoes. These little gems add a sweet, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the sauce.
For the sauce, you will need heavy cream, which gives the dish its luxurious texture. Parmesan cheese is also essential, adding a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. Garlic and chicken broth round out the sauce, adding layers of flavor that make this dish unforgettable.
Finally, you will need pasta – preferably a shape that holds the sauce well, like fettuccine or penne. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is more than the sum of its parts.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is straightforward, even for newbies. Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little bit of Italian seasoning. This step is crucial because it ensures that the chicken is flavorful throughout. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides.
This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these add extra flavor to the sauce.
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Finally, add the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to soften.
Bring It All Together
With your sauce prepared, it is time to bring everything together. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the sauce, making it incredibly tender and flavorful.
While the chicken is simmering, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once it is al dente, drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. This step is crucial because it ensures that every bite of pasta is infused with the creamy, savory flavors of the sauce.