Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is my favorite way to bring everyone together around the table on a chilly weeknight The tender chicken and parmesan sauce cling to every bite of pasta while sunny bursts of tomato brighten each forkful This is the kind of dinner that always disappears fast and feels a bit special but comes together in just half an hour

I first tried this pasta when hosting a family dinner and could not believe how quickly everyone asked for seconds The blend of velvety sauce and bold flavors turned ordinary chicken and pasta into a meal we still talk about

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: for a lean protein with great flavor Look for fresh highquality cuts with no added solution for the juiciest results
• Penne pasta: holds sauce perfectly and its ridges give extra texture Choose a bronzecut or highprotein brand for more bite
• Butter: adds silkiness and richness to the sauce Europeanstyle butter brings even more flavor depth
• Heavy cream: creates that ultra creamy base You want fullfat cream for the best mouthfeel not halfandhalf
• Grated parmesan cheese: builds savory notes and thickens the sauce Taste before buying to find parmesan with a slightly nutty aroma
• Sundried tomatoes: bring sweet tang and vibrant color Go for ones packed in oil for extra richness
• Minced garlic: infuses aromatic warmth Use fresh cloves for strongest flavor
• Olive oil: helps brown the chicken and round out all the other tastes Choose extra virgin for fruity undertones
• Allpurpose flour: is key for thickening the sauce Sift it if possible for the smoothest texture
• Chicken broth: provides body and depth Homemade or low sodium boxed broth keeps things from getting too salty
• Paprika: gives the sauce a gentle smoky kick Use Spanish paprika if it is available
• Dried Italian seasoning: layers in herbal notes Look for one with oregano and basil as main herbs
• Salt: amplifies all the other flavors Taste as you go for a perfectly balanced meal
• Black pepper: for gentle heat and complexity Freshly cracked makes a big difference

StepbyStep Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Fill a medium saucepan with water then add a generous pinch of salt Bring to a rolling boil Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until just shy of fully tender You want it al dente so it holds up in the sauce Drain thoroughly and set aside so it does not continue to cook

Sear the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry on both sides then season well with salt and black pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh until shimmering Place chicken in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for six to eight minutes until deep golden brown on the first side Flip and finish on the other side until cooked through Remove chicken to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing into bite sized strips for moisture and even flavor coating

Make the Roux and Sauté:

Lower the heat under the skillet to medium Add the butter and let it melt completely before stirring in the minced garlic Sauté just until the garlic is fragrant about thirty seconds then sprinkle in the flour Stir constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon to cook off the raw taste for about one minute forming a smooth blond paste

Build the Cream Sauce:

Slowly pour in the chicken broth whisking constantly to avoid lumps Once smooth stir in the heavy cream followed by the grated parmesan cheese Let the sauce come up to a simmer and keep stirring so nothing sticks As the cheese melts the sauce will become thick and creamy

Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:

Stir in the sundried tomatoes along with paprika dried Italian seasoning salt and black pepper Turn the heat to low and let everything mingle for a few minutes so the sauce takes on all those bold flavors

Finish with Chicken and Pasta:

Return the sliced chicken along with the cooked penne to the skillet Use tongs to toss everything so each piece is coated in the rich sauce If the sauce gets too thick add a splash of reserved pasta water for just the right consistency

Garnish and Serve:

Take the skillet off the heat Top with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of ribboned fresh basil if you want Bring straight to the table and serve piping hot for the creamiest texture

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One thing I always look forward to is the vibrant sundried tomatoes The way they pop in the creamy sauce instantly reminds me of the summers we spent in Tuscany We all have our favorite bites but the tomatoes are the ingredient I never skip

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers fully then store in airtight containers Refrigerate up to three days The pasta stays saucy when reheated slowly over low heat on the stove If sauce thickens add a splash of milk to return its creamy consistency

Ingredient Substitutions

Try boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness or swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli If you want a lighter sauce consider using half the amount of cream and bump up the chicken broth For a nutfree dish use pecorino romano instead of parmesan

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal A side of roasted vegetables or garlicky sautéed spinach works perfectly too For special occasions I sometimes finish with a drizzle of truffle oil

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Cultural and Historical Context

Creamy chicken pasta dishes are loved in both American and Italian kitchens This recipe borrows the richness of Alfredo sauce along with the tang of tomatoes and herbs common in many Italian comfort foods The name Marry Me Chicken hints at how the dish wins over anyone who tries it

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I ensure my chicken stays tender?

For the juiciest result, sear chicken over medium-high heat without overcooking, then slice before tossing it back in the warm sauce to soak up flavor while retaining moisture.

→ Can I substitute the penne pasta?

Absolutely! Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle all work well and hold the creamy sauce, allowing flexibility with what's on hand.

→ What makes the sauce creamy?

A blend of butter, heavy cream, grated parmesan, and a light roux with flour gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture.

→ How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve a bit of the pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed. Add it gradually until your preferred consistency is reached.

→ Are there ways to add extra vegetables?

Spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred in alongside the sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.