When it comes to dinner recipes that promise a delightful dining experience, Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out as a favorite. This dish blends tender chicken thighs, creamy sauce, and flavorful pasta, creating a sumptuous meal that’s perfect for impressing your loved ones or simply indulging in a cozy evening at home. The name itself hints at the culinary magic this dish holds; it’s said that the flavors are so enchanting your partner might just fall head over heels.
Why We Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a catchy name; it’s a dish that combines various textures and flavors in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting. The tender chicken thighs cooked with a medley of spices deliver robust flavors, while the creamy sauce ties everything together beautifully. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pop of color that makes the dish visually appealing.
Moreover, this recipe is relatively simple to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. This means you can dedicate more time to enjoying the meal with loved ones rather than stressing in the kitchen. It’s an excellent choice for gatherings, date nights, or even a special treat for yourself after a long day.
Ingredients about Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To create this delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp dried shallots
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced onion
- 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup diced spinach
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant, perfect for virtually any occasion.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Directions
Creating the magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta begins with the chicken. Start by seasoning your chicken thighs generously with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This will infuse the meat with flavor right from the start. In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken, browning each side for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden crust. Ensure the chicken is cooked through, which typically takes around 10-12 minutes in total. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
While the chicken is resting, it’s time to boil the pasta. In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and then add the farfalle pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later use if needed.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion, stirring until fragrant. This typically takes 2-3 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the gluten-free flour, mixing well to create a roux that will thicken your sauce.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to cook for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream, shredded parmesan, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and spinach. Mix everything until well combined and the cheese has melted. Add an additional punch of flavor with Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt.
Finally, slice the cooked chicken thighs and add them back to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, letting the flavors meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Once done, take a moment to admire your beautiful creation. The pasta should be visually stunning, speckled with vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil for an added burst of flavor and a professional touch.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
When it comes to serving your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, presentation matters! Consider using wide, shallow bowls or elegant plates to showcase the dish. Serve immediately while it is hot and the sauce is creamy. You might want to sprinkle additional parmesan on top, allowing guests to add as much as they like.
For a complete meal, pair this pasta with a simple salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. This contrast will balance the richness of the pasta. You could also serve fresh, artisan bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the dining experience further.
If you’re hosting a romantic dinner, light some candles, play soft music, and set the table nicely. This will elevate the atmosphere, making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta taste even better!
Expert Tips: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: While dried herbs can be convenient, using fresh garlic, herbs, and quality chicken will elevate the dish’s flavors.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure that your chicken is not overcooked for the best texture. Cooking it until just done will keep it tender and juicy.
- Gluten-Free Options: If you’re looking for gluten-free varieties, Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour works wonders in this recipe, allowing everyone to enjoy a comforting meal.
- Adjust Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of heavy cream used. For a lighter option, reduce the cream or replace it with half-and-half for a similar texture.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an exciting twist.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Storing any remaining Marry Me Chicken Pasta is simple. Start by allowing the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.
When ready to reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the pan to help restore moisture as you warm it up on the stovetop. Avoid using the microwave, as it can cause the pasta to become rubbery if reheated too quickly.
Variation of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
While the classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta is delicious as is, you can certainly get creative with this dish! Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. The dish will offer a delightful mix of flavors without sacrificing the creamy goodness.
- Shrimp Version: Swap chicken for shrimp to create a seafood twist. Just sauté the shrimp until pink and tender, then follow the recipe as usual.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as broccoli, peas, or asparagus for added nutrition and texture. You can add these during the sauce-making stage.
- Different Pasta Styles: Farfalle is a fantastic choice, but feel free to experiment with other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options to suit your taste preferences.
- Spicy Variation: If you love a kick, try adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for an exciting flavor boost.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special?
This dish is special due to its combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta work together to create a rich, satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Simply cook everything up a few hours before serving and warm it gently before serving.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta and Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour in your cooking, this dish can suit gluten-free diets.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using less heavy cream or substituting it with a lighter dairy option. Adding more vegetables can also increase the nutrient content and make the dish lighter.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
- 3 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- 0.75 tablespoon Smoked Sweet Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 0.75 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Sun-Dried Tomato Oil From the jar of sun-dried tomatoes
- 12 oz Farfalle Pasta
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 2 tablespoons Dried Shallots
- 2 tablespoons Minced Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Minced Onion
- 3 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten-Free Flour
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Shredded Parmesan
- 0.25 cup Diced Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 1 cup Diced Spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked Sweet Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the sun-dried tomato oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden crust forms.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
- In a pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion, stirring for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour, mixing well to create a roux, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded parmesan, diced sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, and spinach. Mix until well combined.
- Add the Italian seasoning, smoked sweet paprika, and salt to taste.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
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