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Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Beginner-Friendly Comfort Dish

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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a dish so good, it just might lead to a proposal! Every twirl of pasta is coated in velvety, garlicky goodness—pure comfort in every bite! 🧄🧀✨

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for richness)
  • 1/2 tablespoon flour (helps thicken the sauce)
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (adds aromatic depth)
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (enhances umami and richness)
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth (adds flavor and helps deglaze the pan)
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream (creates a velvety sauce)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (brings a slightly tangy sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (adds an earthy, Italian-style flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (provides subtle heat)
  • 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded (saves time and adds protein)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + extra for serving (adds creaminess and saltiness)
  • 1 small handful of fresh basil, chopped or torn (adds a fresh, herbaceous touch)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions.
  3. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
  4. Drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

  1. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt.
  2. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about one minute to create a light roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

  1. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir well and let cook for about a minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pan. Let it simmer for one minute to cook off the alcohol (if using wine) and deepen the flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

  1. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
  2. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Add the shredded chicken, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

  1. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  2. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until fully coated.
  2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Notes

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them

  • Sauce too thick? Add a little reserved pasta water to thin it.
  • Sauce too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or add a pinch of flour while stirring.
  • Garlic burns too quickly? Keep the heat on medium and stir frequently. Burnt garlic can taste bitter.
  • Pasta sticking together? Toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil after draining if it sits for too long before adding it to the sauce.

Kitchen Efficiency Tips

  • Save time by using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken.
  • Mince garlic quickly by using a garlic press instead of chopping by hand.
  • Grate cheese fresh for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.

Find it online: https://inarecipes.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta-a-beginner-friendly-comfort-dish/