Prepare to be swept off your feet by this deliciously creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This enchanting dish combines tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a decadent sun-dried tomato sauce that just might inspire a proposal. A culinary love story in every bite, it’s sure to be a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Creaminess: The sauce is lusciously creamy, marrying flavors in a harmony that feels utterly indulgent.
- Easy yet Elegant: Simple ingredients combine into a dish that’s worthy of any special occasion.
- Flavor Explosion: With the punch of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, every mouthful is a burst of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe focuses on a few quality ingredients that work together to create magic. Each component is chosen for its ability to enhance the taste, texture, and appearance of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, these soak up flavors beautifully when seasoned and seared.
- Smoked sweet paprika: Adds smokiness and a subtle heat, enriching the overall taste profile.
- Pasta: Farfalle is not only playful and pretty but perfect for holding onto the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream and parmesan: Together, they form a luxurious sauce that clings lovingly to each piece of pasta.
- Spinach: Adds a pop of color and a fresh note, balancing the richness gently.
Variations
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its flexibility. Feel free to play around with the recipe, making it your own based on what you have in the pantry or what suits your dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta and maintain the same great taste using gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick that elevates the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear
Begin by washing and patting dry the chicken thighs. Generously coat them with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet, and sear your chicken until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through. This step ensures the chicken locks in all those aromatic flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and prepare the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This will give the perfect bite when combined with your rich, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté dried shallots, minced garlic, and onion until aromatic. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour, stirring until combined. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and cream, allowing the sauce to thicken. Finish by adding parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a kiss of Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Bring it Together
Add the diced, cooked chicken back to the skillet, and then gently fold in your pasta, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. Let it simmer briefly until heated through, then garnish with fresh basil for a lovely finish.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Golden Searing: Always heat your skillet well before adding the chicken to ensure a good crust.
- Even Pasta Cooking: Stir occasionally while boiling to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Sauce Mastery: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer, not a boil, to maintain its creamy texture without curdling.
- Fresh Finishing: Add basil just before serving to retain its vibrant color and fresh flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil not only adds a dash of color but also brings a fragrant herbal note that lifts the dish. For an extra special touch, add some grated parmesan right before serving.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal that pleases the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in a rustic dish to emphasize its homely charm, or opt for elegant white plates with the basil garnish adding a striking contrast for formal dining occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be a delight. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, savoring this delicious dish for days with proper care.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce, which can separate. Instead, plan to enjoy it within the refrigerated time frame for optimal taste.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, though they may be less juicy. Consider marinating them beforehand to enhance tenderness and flavor.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the heavy cream and parmesan for your favorite non-dairy equivalents, such as coconut cream and nutritional yeast.
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What pasta shapes work best if farfalle is unavailable?
Penne or fusilli make great substitutes, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully, ensuring you get all the creamy goodness in every bite.
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Can I add extra vegetables?
Sure! Feel free to toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for additional texture and nutrition, enhancing both flavor and appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as heartwarming as it is heart-melting, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the recipe to try. It’s a meal that speaks of love and warmth, making it perfect for sharing with family or that special someone. Happy cooking!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, served over al dente gluten-free farfalle pasta. It’s an indulgent yet comforting dish perfect for special occasions or family dinners that will impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sun dried tomato oil from the jar of sun dried tomatoes
Pasta
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoon dried shallots
- 2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 3 tablespoon Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup diced sun dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Wash and pat dry the chicken thighs, then coat them with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add sun-dried tomato oil, and sear the chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add farfalle pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add butter. Once melted, sauté dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Stir in gluten-free flour, cooking for 1 minute. Gradually add chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add heavy cream, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and salt. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add greens and cheese: Stir in diced spinach and shredded parmesan, cooking until spinach wilts and cheese melts, about 2 minutes.
- Combine everything: Slice rested chicken thighs and add to the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss gently to coat well. Heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat.
- Tips: Cook pasta al dente, preheat pan before searing chicken, keep sauce at a light simmer to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 598 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 984 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 147 mg
