Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Smoky sausage and sun-dried tomatoes mingle in a rich cheese sauce for a memorable bite.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that promises comfort, flavor, and a satisfying dinner experience, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With its blend of tender shell pasta, savory chicken sausage, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a medley of cheeses, this dish is designed to win hearts—and appetites. The combination of textures and tastes, elevated by a creamy sauce and finished with fresh herbs, makes it a standout for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra cheesy and creamy
- Perfect blend of savory and tangy from sausage and sun-dried tomatoes
- Comforting, crowd-pleasing, and ready to impress
- Simple steps with familiar ingredients
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe draws its hearty and indulgent character from a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Category | Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Pasta | 1 lb. medium shell pasta | Foundation for sauce and add-ins |
| Protein | 12-oz. Italian-style smoked chicken sausage (sliced) | Savory depth, hearty bites |
| Vegetable | 1 small yellow onion (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced) | Flavor base |
| Tomato | 7-oz. jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained, chopped), 3 tbsp tomato paste | Tangy, sweet richness |
| Sauce | 6 tbsp flour, 1 cup chicken broth, 3 cups half-and-half | Creates velvety texture |
| Seasonings | 1.5 tsp kosher salt, black pepper, 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes | Layers & balance of flavor |
| Cheese | 1.5 cups parmesan (grated), 8 oz mozzarella (grated), 4 oz goat cheese, 8 oz ricotta, 8 oz burrata | Creates ultra-creamy, indulgent sauce |
| Herbs | Flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped) | Fresh finish |
| Butter | 8 tbsp salted butter (plus more for the pan) | Richness and base for sautéing |
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Follow these steps for dinner success:
1. Prepare the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook shell pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Sausage
- In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt 8 tbsp butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until slightly browned, stirring occasionally.
3. Build the Tomato Base
- Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until well mixed and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir to form a roux.
- Pour in chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Gradually add half-and-half, simmering to thicken the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan, mozzarella, goat cheese, and ricotta, mixing until fully melted and incorporated.
5. Combine and Finish
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until creamy and well coated.
- Transfer half the mixture to a buttered oven-safe dish, layer with burrata and remaining pasta mixture, and scatter extra cheese on top, if desired.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and sauce bubbles (optional for golden top).
6. Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle generously with chopped flat-leaf parsley.
- Serve hot, straight from the skillet or dish.
Tips for Best Results
- Pasta Choice: Shells trap the creamy, cheesy sauce beautifully, but penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work equally well.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed varieties contribute superior flavor—fully drain and roughly chop for best texture.
- Chicken Sausage: Italian-style smoked sausage adds depth and protein.
- Cheese Layering: Melting distinct cheeses in stages creates a multidimensional sauce that’s rich but never cloying.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go; the cheeses and sausage add their own saltiness.
What others are reading
Ingredient Substitutions
- Sausage: Replace chicken sausage with cooked rotisserie chicken, Italian pork sausage, or even turkey sausage for personal taste.
- Cheese: If goat cheese isn’t your favorite, swap for cream cheese or extra ricotta.
- Half-and-Half: For a lighter dish, use whole milk instead (note: sauce will be slightly less creamy).
- Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and use vegetable broth, add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is rich and satisfying—pair it thoughtfully:
- Serve with a green leafy salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance richness.
- Warm crusty bread is ideal for scooping up extra sauce.
- For extra heat, offer crushed red pepper flakes at the table.
- A glass of bright white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio) pairs well or try sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken—loosen with a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the recipe up to the broiling step, cover, and refrigerate. Broil just before serving for fresh flavor.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the high cheese content, which may alter sauce texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use uncooked chicken breast instead of sausage?
A: Yes, simply dice or slice chicken breast, season, then sear in butter until browned and cooked through before moving to the next steps. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: What makes this recipe ‘Marry Me’?
A: The recipe’s name comes from its irresistible, romantic flavor—legend has it that the dish is so good, it may earn a marriage proposal. The creamy sauce and bold flavors capture hearts and taste buds alike.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes, substitute gluten-free shell pasta and gluten-free flour in the roux. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten free.
Q: Are there any ways to lighten up the sauce?
A: Substitute half-and-half with whole or low-fat milk, use part-skim mozzarella and ricotta, and reduce the amount of butter slightly for a lighter version.
Q: What vegetables work well as add-ins?
A: Try adding sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli near the end of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition Information
| Component | Amount (per serving) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 | Depends on cheese and sausage selection |
| Protein | 24g | Boosted by chicken sausage and cheese |
| Carbohydrates | 56g | Primarily from pasta |
| Fat | 31g | Cheese and butter make it rich |
| Sodium | 1100mg | Check seasonings, sausage, cheese choices |
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Double the red pepper flakes.
- Loaded Veggie: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or baby spinach.
- Crunchy Top: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs before broiling.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or thyme instead of parsley.
How to Impress with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Bring romance (and hunger) to the table by garnishing with extra herbs and serving with a simple candle-lit setting. The luxurious taste and aroma do all the work—just add good company!
More Chicken Pasta Recipes to Explore
- Classic Chicken Alfredo
- Spicy Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Pesto Penne
- Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Expert Tips & Final Thoughts
- Use freshly grated cheese for optimal melting and flavor—pre-shredded varieties include anti-caking agents that may impact texture.
- Don’t rush the sauce—let cheeses melt fully for the creamiest result.
- Pasta water is key! Its starches help the sauce cling and stay silky.
Storing and Reheating
- To reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or milk. Microwave in short bursts with gentle stirring.
- Freeze only if necessary: Dairy-heavy sauces don’t always freeze well, so enjoy fresh for best texture.
References
- https://therecipecritic.com/marry-me-chicken-pasta/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a46587435/marry-me-chicken-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a63657269/marry-me-chicken-pasta-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g37103321/chicken-pasta-recipes/
- https://themodernproper.com/marry-me-chicken
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