Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Table of Contents

why make this recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta gives a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and shredded chicken. It cooks fast and tastes like a special dinner. This dish is great when you want comfort food that feels fancy but is easy to make.

introduction

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and cooked chicken to make a creamy, tasty pasta in about 30 minutes. If you like quick pasta meals, try a bright pasta salad for busy weeknights as a side.

how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cook the pasta first and keep some hot pasta water. Make the sauce in a skillet by melting butter, stirring in flour, then adding garlic, tomato paste, and wine or broth. Stir in cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spices, and shredded chicken. Let the sauce thicken, then add parmesan and basil. Toss the drained pasta with the sauce and thin with reserved pasta water if needed. For other ways to use cooked chicken, see delicious chicken salad recipes.

Ingredients :

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 tablespoon flour
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 cups cooked/rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 small handful fresh basil, torn/chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions :

1. Boil a salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
2. When the pasta is about 10 minutes away from being done, add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. Once it melts, sprinkle the flour in and cook for about a minute, stirring often.
3. Add in the garlic, tomato paste, and wine. Give it a good stir and let it bubble for about one minute.
4. Whisk in the cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken, and cook for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
5. Stir in the parmesan and basil and take the skillet off the heat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
6. Prior to draining the pasta, reserve some of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. If needed, pour in a splash of the hot pasta water to the sauce to thin it out a bit. Serve immediately with more parmesan if desired.

how to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve hot on warm plates. Add extra grated parmesan and a few basil leaves on top. Offer a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. Fresh bread or garlic bread also goes well.

how to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Cool the pasta to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

tips to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use good-quality parmesan for better flavor.
• Save some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce thickness.
• If you do not have wine, use chicken broth.
• Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time.
• Taste and season with salt and pepper at the end.

variation (if any)

• Make it spicy: add more crushed red pepper flakes.
• Add vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, or roasted peppers work well.
• Use turkey or leftover roasted chicken instead of rotisserie chicken.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work fine. Use what you have.

Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: You can use half-and-half, but the sauce will be lighter. Add a little cornstarch to help thicken if needed.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Freezing may change the sauce texture. It is best to refrigerate and eat within 3 days. If you freeze, expect some separation and reheat slowly with a splash of cream or water.

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