This Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a showstopper that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy pasta sauce that will wow your taste buds. The marriage of spices, parmesan, and fresh parsley creates a dish so irresistible it might just be worthy of a proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just craving something comfortingly elegant, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of rich flavors and easy preparation that makes it a beloved classic in any kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to crafting the delicious layers of flavor and texture that define the Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Each component plays a key role, from the juicy chicken breasts to the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite bursts with satisfaction.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that absorbs the wonderful spices beautifully and stays juicy when cooked right.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve that lovely golden crust on the chicken while adding subtle fruitiness.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These add a foundational depth of savory flavor enhancing the chicken’s taste.
- Dried thyme and paprika: Bring aromatic earthiness and mild smokiness, making the seasoning pop.
- Salt and black pepper: The simplest seasoning combo that universally elevates all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps create silky, smooth texture.
- Fresh garlic: Mincing fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bright, warm notes that cut through the creaminess.
- Chicken broth: Builds a savory base for the sauce while keeping it light enough to coat pasta perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luscious creaminess and indulgent mouthfeel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nuttiness and umami that takes the sauce from delicious to unforgettable.
- Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to catch the sauce in every bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herbaceous splash of vibrant green and brightness at the finish.
How to Make Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to finish cooking the chicken evenly if needed. Lay your chicken breasts on a clean board and slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and ensures they stay juicy. Pat these cutlets dry with paper towels, which is a little trick to help the spices stick better and promote golden browning.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl for a bold spice blend. Sprinkle it evenly on both sides of each chicken cutlet, pressing gently so all that flavor locks into the meat. Trust me, this step packs in a lot of taste that you will notice with every bite.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Pour olive oil into a large ovenproof skillet and heat over medium-high until shimmering. Carefully add the chicken and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This sear is crucial for developing flavor — it’s the delicious crust everyone loves.
Step 4: Finish Chicken in the Oven
If the chicken isn’t cooked through after searing, slide the skillet into your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C). This ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken that melts in your mouth.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 11 minutes depending on your package. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick and drain once ready, setting it aside while you make the sauce.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet used for the chicken (don’t worry about those flavorful brown bits left behind), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Next, pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly, stirring to scrape up every tasty bit from the pan. Then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken into a silky, luscious coating for the pasta.
Step 7: Combine and Serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and toss it into the creamy sauce along with the drained pasta. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Your Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready for the table!
How to Serve Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or even basil give this dish a beautiful fresh pop and light aroma. A little extra Parmesan shaved on top adds a nice finishing touch of nuttiness. For those who love a little heat, try a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads tossed in tangy vinaigrette to balance richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color and nutrition without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or date night, serve the chicken slices fanned out neatly on top of the pasta swirled right in the sauce. Use bright white plates to make the colors pop. Garnish with delicate herb sprigs for an elegant but approachable presentation that feels special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because of the creamy sauce, it’s best eaten within this timeframe to enjoy the fresh texture and flavors.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, store portions without the parsley garnish and reheat gently to help emulsify the sauce again.
Reheating
Warm leftovers over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps bring back the sauce’s silky consistency. Stir frequently for even heating, so the pasta and chicken stay tender and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle would work beautifully in the Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep the indulgent flavor without dairy.
How can I make the chicken more tender?
Pounding the chicken breasts thin helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Also, make sure not to overcook the chicken by monitoring the internal temperature closely.
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and pasta separately, then assemble and heat everything just before serving to keep the dish fresh and flavorful.
What wine pairs well with Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly, balancing richness with bright acidity.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, with easy-to-follow steps and ingredients that come together to make magic on your plate. Next time you want to impress yourself, family, or that special someone, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts cooked to perfection and served with a luscious creamy sauce and penne pasta. The dish combines a blend of aromatic spices, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken evenly after searing.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board.
- Slice Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally into thinner cutlets for quicker, more even cooking.
- Dry Chicken: Pat the chicken slices dry with paper towels to remove moisture for better browning.
- Make Spice Mix: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of each chicken cutlet, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat Oil: Pour olive oil into a large ovenproof skillet and heat over medium-high.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cutlets in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken: If not fully cooked, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Boil Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Cook Pasta: Add penne pasta to boiling water, stir occasionally, and cook according to package instructions (about 11 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Liquids: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pasta, top with the cooked chicken cutlets, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish, and serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee it is fully cooked.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright finish; alternatively, use basil or oregano.
- You can substitute penne pasta with rigatoni or fusilli for variety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
