Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Restaurant-Quality Italian-American Delight

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta earned its charming name from its reputation of being so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal. This elevated comfort dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that creates an unforgettable dining experience. As a modern interpretation of classic Italian-American cuisine, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

The Story Behind the Name

The “Marry Me” phenomenon began in the 1980s with the famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, which featured chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. I’ve transformed this beloved dish by incorporating pasta, creating an even more sumptuous meal that maintains all the proposal-worthy qualities of the original while adding new depths of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 8 oz (225g) dried pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
• ½ cup (75g) onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup (85g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Detailed Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes)
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining
4. Drain pasta and set aside, tossing with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking

2. Chicken and Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant
4. Add butter and let it melt completely
5. Add chicken pieces to the skillet
6. Season with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
7. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through

3. Creating the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium-low
2. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to incorporate all the seasonings
3. Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted
4. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken
5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes
6. If sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water tablespoon by tablespoon

4. Finishing the Dish

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet
2. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the sauce
3. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some sauce
4. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan if desired

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Choose high-quality Parmesan: Fresh-grated Parmigiano-Reggiano provides the best flavor
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce
• Sun-dried tomato options: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes provide extra flavor, but dried ones rehydrated in hot water work well too
• Chicken thickness: Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
• Fresh herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works in the sauce, fresh basil for garnish is essential for the final touch

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container:

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
• Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s consistency

Nutrition Information (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 645
• Total Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Cholesterol: 155mg
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines the best elements of comfort food with elegant Italian-American cuisine. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that make every bite memorable. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or elevating your weeknight dinner, this dish promises to impress with its restaurant-quality taste and presentation.