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This classic Italian-American pasta dish combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly balances cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The name comes from its reputation as a dish so delicious it might inspire a marriage proposal, and truthfully, the combination of flavors makes it easy to understand why this recipe has captured so many hearts in home kitchens across the world.
Last week, I made this for my family's Sunday dinner, and the way the cream sauce coated each piece of pasta while the sun-dried tomatoes added their intense flavor had everyone reaching for seconds. The dish disappeared so quickly, I barely had time to save some for lunch the next day.
Essential Ingredients
- Heavy cream: The foundation of our luxurious sauce, choose cream with at least 36% fat content for the perfect consistency
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for bright red, plump pieces packed in oil for the most intense flavor
- Fresh basil: Select vibrant green leaves without any dark spots for the brightest flavor
- White wine: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that you'd enjoy drinking
- Parmesan cheese: Always grate it fresh from a block rather than using pre-grated varieties
- Rotisserie chicken: Select a freshly cooked bird that's still warm and juicy
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Creating Your Masterpiece
- Preparing The Base
- Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until it reaches perfect al dente texture, typically 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape.
- Creating The Sauce
- Melt butter in a large skillet until it begins to bubble and foam. Incorporate flour gradually, whisking constantly until it forms a smooth, golden paste.
- Adding The Aromatics
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter mixture, allowing it to release its fragrance without browning. Pour in your selected white wine, letting it reduce while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Building The Cream Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream slowly, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to simmer gently until it starts to thicken.
- Finishing Touches
- Fold in the shredded chicken and freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until the cheese melts completely. Finally, tear fresh basil leaves and stir them in just before combining with your cooked pasta.
Growing up, my grandmother always insisted on using room temperature ingredients for cream sauces. She'd say 'patience makes perfect,' and after years of making this dish, I've found she was absolutely right. The sauce turns out silky smooth every time.
Perfect For Special Occasions
Transform this dish into an unforgettable dining experience by serving it in warmed bowls. Consider garnishing with extra fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan for an elegant presentation that will impress any dinner guest.
Customizing Your Creation
Experiment with different pasta shapes to discover your favorite. While I prefer rigatoni for its sauce-catching ridges, penne or farfalle work beautifully too. For a lighter version, try adding fresh spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes during the final minutes of cooking.
Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh
Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream and warm slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency.
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After years of perfecting this recipe, I've found it's not just about the ingredients but the love and attention to detail that goes into making it. The way the sauce hugs each piece of pasta, the aroma of fresh basil, and the rich, satisfying flavor make this dish truly special. Whether you're cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta never fails to create magical moments around the dinner table.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use half-and-half instead of cream?
- No, lower fat dairy may curdle with tomatoes. Stick to heavy cream.
- → Why save pasta water?
- Helps thin sauce if needed while maintaining creamy texture.
- → Can I use raw chicken?
- Recipe designed for pre-cooked chicken. Raw would need different cooking times.
- → What wine works best?
- Any dry white wine or substitute chicken broth.
- → How to store leftovers?
- Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.