Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels extra special, right? Like, one that whispers romance without you having to spend hours in the kitchen. That’s exactly where the “Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta” comes in! This dish is my absolute go-to when I want to create a gourmet experience that tastes like it came straight from a fancy Italian restaurant, but it’s actually super quick and easy to whip up. I’ll never forget the first time I made it for my partner on a chilly, rainy evening – the whole apartment filled with this incredible aroma, and when I served it, their face just lit up. It’s those simple moments, made even better with delicious food, that make cooking so rewarding. I’m Michael Davis, MS, RD, and as a Senior Meal Planning Specialist, I’ve seen a lot of recipes, but this creamy, dreamy pasta is truly a winner for making any night feel like a celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Seriously, this dish is a weeknight savior and a romantic stunner all rolled into one. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Lightning Fast: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 35 minutes, thanks to super-efficient cooking!
- Ridiculously Easy: Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can nail this. The steps are straightforward and forgiving.
- Gourmet Flavor, Simple Ingredients: It tastes incredibly rich and fancy, but uses ingredients you probably already have or can grab easily.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a fancy date night or just because you deserve something delicious, this Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients for Your Perfect Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish. Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Everything comes together to create this rich, creamy magic.
For the Chicken Pasta:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 10 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite shape!)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2-3 cloves)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff makes a difference!)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional, but pretty!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Okay, buckle up, because we’re about to make some magic happen in your kitchen! This recipe is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week. Trust me, it’s way more impressive than it is difficult. If you’re looking for more pasta inspiration, check out these pasta recipes!
Prepare the Pasta and Chicken
First things first, get that pasta going! Cook your penne according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. While that’s bubbling away, pat your chicken dry and cut it into nice bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes work great. Give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Now, heat your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken in and cook it for about 6-8 minutes, just until it’s golden brown and cooked all the way through. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you might have to do it in batches!
Crafting the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, scoop it out of the skillet and set it aside. No need to wipe out the pan; all those little browned bits are flavor gold! Add your butter to the same skillet. Once it’s melted and looking bubbly, toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for maybe 30 seconds until you can really smell that amazing aroma. Then, stir in the flour and cook it for another minute, whisking constantly, to make a sort of thick paste. This is your base! Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth. Now for the best part: stir in that gorgeous grated Parmesan cheese. Watch it melt into the sauce! For more ideas on amazing chicken dishes like this, see this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Combining and Finishing Your Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning to the sauce. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for a few minutes until it starts to thicken up nicely. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Now, bring your cooked chicken back into the pan, along with the drained penne pasta. Gently toss everything together, making sure every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that luscious sauce. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling extra. Serve it up immediately and get ready for the compliments!
Tips for the Best Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
You know, making a dish this good just boils down to a few little tricks that make all the difference. As someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen perfecting these kinds of recipes, I’ve learned a thing or two that can take your Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta from “yum” to “OMG, I need this every week!”
First off, use good quality Parmesan cheese. Seriously, the pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt as smoothly or taste as good. Grating your own from a block is a game-changer. Also, don’t be tempted to overcook your chicken! It only needs a few minutes on each side to get nice and golden. Overcooked chicken gets tough fast. And for the sauce, make sure you cook out that flour for a minute or two when you add it to the butter and garlic; this helps thicken the sauce without tasting “floury.” It’s all about those little details!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You know, sometimes you might be missing an ingredient or just want to tweak things a bit. That’s totally fine! For this Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a few swaps can work wonders.
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can try using half-and-half, but you might need to let the sauce simmer a little longer to thicken. For the sun-dried tomatoes, if you can’t find them, you could maybe use some roasted red peppers chopped up, though they have a milder flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can totally use chicken thighs instead of breasts – they tend to stay extra juicy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This luscious Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pretty much a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful additions can make it even more complete! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner to cut through the richness. And who can resist some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that glorious sauce? For drinks, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a dry Rosé would be just perfect!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta actually tastes fantastic the next day. Just pop any extra into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce a bit so it’s nice and creamy again. Avoid the microwave if you can; the stovetop really does a better job of keeping that sauce luscious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Got some burning questions about this creamy, dreamy dish? I get it! It’s always good to know the little details to make your Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta absolutely perfect. Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, just swap out the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. You’ll also want to use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce. For an amazing gluten-free option, check out gluten-free pasta primavera for inspiration!
What kind of chicken is best for this pasta?
You can really use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Breasts are a bit leaner, while thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, so they might be a little harder to overcook. Both work great for this Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe – just make sure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly!
How spicy is this dish?
This particular Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe isn’t spicy at all! The paprika adds a nice hint of warmth and color, but it’s not hot. If you like things with a kick, though, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. That’s the beauty of cooking at home – you can totally customize it!
Can I add other vegetables?
Oh, for sure! While the sun-dried tomatoes are divine, you can totally toss in other veggies. Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even some halved cherry tomatoes would be delicious additions. Just add them when you’re making the sauce so they can soften up nicely. Enjoy experimenting with your Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can hop around a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how big your portions are. But, for a serving of this amazing Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’re looking at roughly 646 calories, 41g protein, 51g carbs, and 31g fat. It’s a hearty meal, for sure, packed with flavor and satisfying goodness!
Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to make a paste.
- Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Stir to coat everything in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese.
