Welcome to a cozy night of love and deliciousness with Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This heartwarming dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and al dente pasta to create a meal that’s so delightful, you might just find yourself saying “I do”—to a second helping! The aroma of garlic and herbs fills your kitchen as this easy-to-make dish simmers to perfection, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Let’s dive in and discover this delightful recipe!
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings the comfort of creamy chicken and pasta to your table in a way that’s both indulgent and easy. This version is often made in a slow cooker or crockpot, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become irresistibly tender. Originating from the internet’s love for easy yet impressive meals, this dish is perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself to something special.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Convenient: A quick prep and let your slow cooker do the work!
- Flavorful: Rich, creamy sauce with aromatic herbs that tantalize your taste buds.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to cater to your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
- Budget-friendly: Made with accessible ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- Family-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist this dish!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Quick Overview
Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is as easy as combining your ingredients and letting your slow cooker do the magic. In just a few steps, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a dish that’s both comforting and romantic!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy—great for absorbing flavors.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that rich, creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that aromatic base.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the flavor profile beautifully.
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice): Penne or fettuccine work wonderfully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and a pop of color.
Directions
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In your slow cooker, place the chicken breasts, followed by the sautéed garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce!
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans for a healthy side.
- Caesar Salad: Adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.
- White Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of flavor!
Top Tips for Perfecting Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Substitutions: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer flavor.
- Spice adjustments: Add red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat!
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Equipment: For quicker prep, consider using an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To refrigerate, let the pasta and sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Enjoy your leftovers within three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just increase the cooking time by an hour.
- How can I make it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Can I prep this ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble everything in your slow cooker the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Is it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it a gluten-free dish.
- How long does it take to cook? About 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an enchanting dish that combines simplicity with rich flavors, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or intimate gatherings. With this easy recipe, you’ll fall in love with cooking all over again. Try it tonight and let me know how it turned out!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- In your slow cooker, place the chicken breasts, followed by the sautéed garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 20 minutes before serving, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
- Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.