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This irresistible pasta dish combines tender chicken and al dente penne in a rich, creamy sauce that's studded with sun-dried tomatoes and showered with Parmesan. It's the kind of meal that turns ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable occasions - living up to its charming name by being absolutely proposal-worthy.
Last week, I made this for a casual family dinner, and my nephew, who usually picks around his vegetables, asked for seconds of the sun-dried tomatoes. That's the magic of this sauce - it makes everything irresistible.
Essential Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Breasts: Choose ones of similar size for even cooking
- Penne Pasta: The ridges catch and hold the creamy sauce perfectly
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: Their intense flavor adds wonderful depth
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxuriously smooth sauce base
- Fresh Garlic: Don't substitute powder; fresh makes all the difference
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts beautifully into the sauce
- Italian Seasoning: Adds aromatic herb notes
- Fresh Basil: For that final pop of color and flavor
The quality of your Parmesan really matters here - skip the pre-grated stuff and go for a wedge of the real thing.
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Pasta Perfection
- Start with well-salted boiling water and cook your penne just until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold if you need to adjust the sauce later.
- Step 2: Chicken Preparation
- Season chicken pieces generously and avoid overcrowding the pan. Work in batches if needed to get that perfect golden crust - it adds flavor to both the chicken and the eventual sauce.
- Step 3: Building the Sauce
- Creating the perfect cream sauce is all about patience. Let the garlic become fragrant, and when you add the flour, cook it briefly to remove any raw taste. Add liquids gradually, whisking constantly for silky smoothness.
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Through many iterations of this recipe, I've learned that taking time with each step makes all the difference in the final dish.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sauce gets too thick, gradually stir in some reserved pasta water. If it's too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes. For grainy sauce, lower the heat and whisk constantly - high heat can cause the cheese to separate.
Storage Solutions
This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. I often make a double batch specifically for leftovers.
Make-Ahead Tips
Prep components separately up to a day ahead: cook pasta, cube chicken, and measure ingredients. The final assembly takes just minutes when everything's ready to go.
Customization Ideas
Over time, I've experimented with several delicious variations:
- Add baby spinach for extra nutrition
- Include mushrooms for earthiness
- Swap chicken for shrimp
- Use different pasta shapes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Special Occasion Serving
For dinner parties, I transfer everything to a beautiful serving dish and create a garnish station with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts. This lets guests customize their portions.
Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside:
- Garlic bread for sauce-soaking
- Light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Crisp white wine
Health-Conscious Modifications
To lighten the dish:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Increase the ratio of chicken to pasta
- Add extra vegetables
- Use whole wheat pasta
Kid-Friendly Adjustments
For picky eaters, finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes or blend them into the sauce. The flavor remains while eliminating texture concerns that some children have.
Professional Presentation
For restaurant-style plating, twirl pasta into a neat mound, arrange chicken pieces thoughtfully, and garnish with small basil leaves and a fresh grating of Parmesan. A drizzle of good olive oil adds shine.
The Legacy of Love
Some recipes become more than just instructions - they become part of our story. This dish has been the backdrop for countless family gatherings, celebration dinners, and cozy evenings at home. It reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful moments happen around a simple pasta dinner.
Creating Memories
There's something magical about a recipe that brings people together. From teaching my children to make the sauce to sharing it with friends who now make it for their own families, this dish creates connections that go beyond the dinner table.
Beyond the Recipe
While the ingredients list might seem simple, the combination creates something greater than the sum of its parts. It's a reminder that cooking with care and attention transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary.
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Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its romantic name by combining simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you're cooking for a casual family dinner or an important date night, it delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes, any medium pasta shape like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni works well with this sauce.
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- → Can I use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
- Yes, just drain them well before using. The oil-packed ones add extra flavor.
- → Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
- The dish got its name because it's so delicious it might inspire a marriage proposal!
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
- Best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead and make sauce just before serving.