One Pot Marry Me Chicken

This one-pot marry me chicken pasta has become my weeknight dinner hero, combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce with pasta all in a single skillet. The name comes from its reputation for being so delicious it might just inspire a proposal!

I first made this for my partner on our anniversary when I was short on time but wanted something special. The look on their face after the first bite told me this recipe would become part of our regular rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Pounded thin ensures quick even cooking and maximum tenderness
• Angel hair pasta: Cooks faster than other pasta shapes making this truly quick
• Sun dried tomatoes: Provide intense sweet tomato flavor and beautiful color contrast
• Butter: Creates the foundation for the sauce with rich flavor
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic base that elevates the entire dish
• Chicken stock: Adds depth while helping cook the pasta directly in the sauce
• Milk and heavy cream: Create the signature creamy texture without being too heavy
• Italian seasoning and paprika: Provide classic flavor notes that complement the chicken
• Red pepper flakes: Add subtle heat that balances the creaminess
• Parmesan cheese: Thickens the sauce while adding savory umami flavor
• Fresh basil: Brightens the entire dish with its aromatic qualities

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken:

Coat chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with poultry seasoning. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for exactly 3 minutes before flipping just once. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The golden crust on each side locks in moisture. Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm without drying out.

Create the Flavor Base:

Add butter to the same skillet allowing it to melt and incorporate all those flavorful browned bits from cooking the chicken. Add diced onions and cook for 2 minutes until they become translucent but not browned. This creates a sweet foundation for the sauce.

Intensify the Aromatics:

Add minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but not brown which would create bitterness. The tomatoes will begin releasing their flavor into the butter and oil.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour in chicken stock milk and cream all at room temperature to prevent curdling. Add Italian seasoning paprika red pepper flakes salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer which will allow the flavors to meld while preparing to cook the pasta.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the dry angel hair pasta directly to the simmering liquid. Once it softens slightly after about 1 minute gently push it down to submerge completely in the sauce. Maintain a gentle simmer for 8-10 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until pasta reaches al dente texture.

Finish the Dish:

Once pasta is tender stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil. The cheese will melt into the sauce creating a silky texture that clings to the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Slice the reserved chicken and add back to the skillet allowing it to warm through.

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The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret star of this dish. I discovered their importance accidentally when I made it once without them and noticed the flavor dimension was completely different. Their concentrated sweetness cuts through the richness of the cream creating perfect balance.

Make Ahead Options

This marry me chicken pasta reheats beautifully making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce which tends to thicken as it sits. The flavors actually develop further after a day making leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the original meal.

Simple Substitutions

This recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand. Thighs can replace breasts for juicier chicken. Any pasta shape works though cooking times will vary. For a lighter version substitute half and half for heavy cream. Lactose intolerant diners can use unsweetened almond milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening. Fresh spinach can be added during the final minute of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. A piece of crusty garlic bread makes the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra sauce. For an elevated presentation reserve some fresh basil as garnish and offer extra freshly grated parmesan at the table. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavor profile perfectly.

The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken

This style of creamy sun dried tomato chicken earned its charming name from restaurants where servers would jokingly warn customers that after tasting it they might propose to the chef. The combination of cream parmesan and sun dried tomatoes creates an irresistible flavor that has won hearts across dinner tables. My version simplifies the traditional recipe by combining it with pasta in one pot making it accessible for any night of the week while maintaining its proposal worthy flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute other pasta shapes, but cooking times may vary. Thicker pasta like fettuccine or linguine will need a few extra minutes, while shapes like penne or rotini might require additional liquid and longer cooking time.

→ What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh cherry tomatoes (halved) or roasted red peppers make good substitutes. While they'll change the flavor profile slightly, they'll still complement the creamy sauce and chicken nicely.

→ Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based cream alternative. Replace the parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese substitute.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often provide more flavor and moisture. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs typically take 2-3 minutes longer than breasts.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce's creaminess and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me Chicken'?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious it might inspire a marriage proposal! The combination of creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked chicken creates a restaurant-quality meal that's impressively irresistible.