Hello! Chef Gabriela Cardenas created this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I have loved this dish since I made it the night my husband proposed! From my kitchen to yours, it’s more than pasta—it’s love.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, though cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A combination of milk and butter can be used, though the sauce may be less rich.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Swap the chicken for a hearty vegetable like portobello mushrooms.
overview of ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts, are lean and tender. They’re sliced into cutlets for even cooking and maximum flavour absorption.
- Pasta: Typically, a long, flat pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle is used to best capture the creamy sauce. However, penne or rigatoni can also work well for a different texture.
- Sundried Tomatoes: These bring a sweet-tartness to the dish, adding a layer of complexity to the flavours. They’re also packed with umami, enhancing the overall taste.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, luxurious base of the sauce. Its thickness is ideal for coating the pasta and chicken, providing a velvety texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and incorporates more smoothly into the sauce.
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as fettuccine, tagliatelle, or penne. The choice of pasta can significantly impact the dish’s final texture and flavour profile.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked to al dente perfection. It should have a slight bite to it, which not only enhances the texture but also ensures it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the sauce to simmer on a low heat after adding the cream and cheese. This slow simmering process helps the flavours meld together and the sauce thicken to the perfect consistency without separating.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to thin it with a bit of pasta water. The starchy water adds silkiness and helps adjust the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Serve Immediately: Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the pasta is perfectly al dente.
- Pair with Wine: A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements the creamy sauce and enriches the overall dining experience.
What to Serve with Married me chicken pasta
Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness of roasted asparagus contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta, adding a fresh and slightly crunchy element to the meal.
- Garlicky Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with a hint of garlic add a vibrant colour and a crisp texture that pairs well with the softness of the pasta.
- Caprese Salad: A simple salad with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty pasta.
Breads
- Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or ciabatta, is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, ensuring not a drop of the deliciousness goes to waste.
- Garlic Bread: For a more flavorful option, garlic bread, with its buttery, garlicky crust, makes an excellent companion to Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Starches
- Parmesan Risotto: For an ultra-indulgent meal, serve alongside a creamy Parmesan risotto. Its rich texture and flavour complement the pasta without overpowering it.
- Polenta: A creamy polenta can be a comforting alternative to pasta, especially if you’re serving the Marry Me Chicken as the main course without the pasta.
Lighter Options
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb alternative, zucchini noodles (zoodles) offer a fresh, crisp base that pairs well with the creamy chicken.
- Cauliflower Mash: A creamy cauliflower mash provides a comforting, low-carb side that mimics the texture of mashed potatoes but with a lighter feel.
Wines
- Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce of the pasta, enhancing its richness.
- Pinot Noir: If you prefer red wine, a light Pinot Noir with its fruity notes can balance the dish’s creaminess without overwhelming the flavours.
Nutritional Highlights of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Protein-Rich: Chicken breasts provide a lean source of protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Sundried tomatoes add vitamin C and antioxidants, enhancing overall health.
- Calcium and Vitamin D: Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute to calcium and vitamin D intake, which are important for bone health.
- Carbohydrates for Energy: Pasta offers carbohydrates, the body’s primary energy source, with the option to use whole-grain pasta for added fibre and nutrients.
- Healthy Fats: Almonds and sunflower seeds provide healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, boosting the nutritional value of the meal.
- Moderation Tips: While flavorful, Parmesan cheese and heavy cream also add sodium and fats, which should be consumed in moderation to maintain a balanced diet.
Share Your Story
Did this dish add a spark to your dinner table? I’d love to hear about it! Share your stories, photos, or any modifications you made to the recipe. Connect with us on social media or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the love one recipe at a time!
Enjoy cooking, and may your meals be as filled with love as mine.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the perfect dish for a romantic dinner. Creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta, cooked al dente
Instructions
- Season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sundried tomatoes, chili flakes, and oregano. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet, covering with sauce. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked fettuccine, garnished with fresh basi
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer and reduce before adding the chicken back into the skillet.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up when reheating.
Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, romantic dinner recipes, sundried tomato pasta
