marry me chicken recipe pasta
The Best marry me chicken recipe pasta
It’s also surprisingly balanced—there’s enough protein from the chicken to keep you full, but the pasta and veggies add a touch of freshness without being too heavy. I’ve made it a few times a month, and it always feels like a win, whether we’re feeding the family or just treating ourselves. Plus, the fact that it’s easy to customize—swap in different veggies, adjust the sauce thickness, or even skip the cheese if you prefer—means it’s always adaptable to what you’ve got on hand. It’s that kind of dish that feels like a little love on a plate.
Marry Me Chicken Recipe Pasta
A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, served over al dente pasta with a touch of garlic and herbs. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
🥘Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining. -
2
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Remove and set aside. -
3
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in tomato sauce and chicken broth, simmer for 5 minutes. -
4
Add cooked chicken back to the sauce, stir in heavy cream, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper. -
5
Toss drained pasta with the chicken sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the mixture. -
6
Stir in dried basil and serve immediately with extra basil garnish if desired.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Mixing bowl
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Marry Me Chicken Recipe Pasta Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What is the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out during cooking?
Use a small amount of broth or water in the pan when browning the chicken, then discard it before adding pasta water. Also, cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature.
Can I substitute the marinara sauce with a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use a creamy sauce like Alfredo or a tomato-free option like a white sauce, but marinara remains the classic choice for this dish. Adjust seasoning to taste if changing the sauce.
How long should I simmer the pasta in the sauce?
Simmer the pasta in the sauce for about 1–2 minutes after it reaches al dente, or until it’s fully coated and heated through. Stir occasionally to distribute the sauce evenly.
What if the sauce turns too thick after cooking?
If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to loosen it. Stirring well helps maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works perfectly—just remove the skin, shred the meat, and use it directly in the recipe. It saves time and keeps the dish simple.
