Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Best Recipe Made with Rabbit!
Okay, I know this is called Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but what would you think if I called it Merry Me Rabbit Pasta? In this recipe, I replace the chicken with rabbit meat! I want to show you how easy it is to cook with rabbit in everyday recipes. Most people are used to cooking with chicken, but cooking with rabbit is just as easy. Let me show you!
Before we get started tho, if you are not familiar with Marry Me Chicken, it is a crowd-pleasing, creamy chicken pasta dish that’s romantic, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable. This is one of my husbands favorite dishes. With its creamy Parmesan sauce, tender chicken (or rabbit), and bursts of flavor from garlic, and herbs, it’s no wonder some say it’s so good, it might just earn you a marriage proposal!
In this post, I will walk you through how to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta from scratch with rabbit meat, and share tips to make sure yours turns out restaurant-worthy every time.
If you are looking for more inspiration to cook with rabbit meat, check out more rabbit recipes!
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish that originated from the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe. The name comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, whoever you serve it to will want to marry you on the spot.
The dish features:
- Juicy, seared chicken breast or thighs. In this case, boneless rabbit thighs.
- A velvety sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Pasta (often penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni) tossed right into the sauce
- Optional touches like fresh basil, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home:
- Chicken or Rabbit: Boneless skinless breasts or thighs.
- Olive oil + butter: For searing the chicken and building flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is best.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil, sliced thin.
- Heavy cream: The base of your rich, creamy sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is ideal, but shredded word too.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or your favorite kind.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian herbs.
- Fresh basil (optional): For a bright, herby finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook your pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water. Reserve some of the starchy water for later before draining.
Step 2: Sear the chicken or Rabbit
Season your chicken and sear it in a hot skillet with olive oil and butter. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings. Let it simmer until thick and creamy.
Step 4: Combine everything
Add the cooked pasta and chicken/Rabbit back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or crushed red pepper for a little heat.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Sear just until golden and juicy.
- Add pasta water slowly: This helps emulsify the sauce and make it silky.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil: They’re more flavorful and tender.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Basil or parsley adds freshness and color.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the sauce and chicken a day ahead and store them separately in the fridge. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta for best results.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. For a lighter version, use half-and-half and a bit more Parmesan to thicken.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold the sauce well, but fettuccine or pappardelle also create a more elegant dish.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes! It’s easy to adjust the spice level to your liking.
Variations to Try
Want to switch things up? Here are some creative twists:
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh baby spinach at the end.
- Swap the protein: Try it with shrimp.
- Make it one-pot: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with extra broth to save on cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make – 30 minutes from start to finish and a stove top recipe.
- Ultra creamy and flavorful
- Perfect for date night or family dinner
- Kid-friendly and comforting
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, or just want to elevate your weeknight meals, Marry Me Chicken Pasta, oops, I mean Marry Me Rabbit Pasta, is the perfect recipe to try. It’s indulgent, simple, and endlessly satisfying.
With its combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken/Rabbit, and sun-dried tomato richness, it’s no surprise this dish is gaining popularity fast. Try it once and you just might fall in love.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken is a must-try dinner that lives up to its name! Made with tender seared chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, it's a dish so irresistible, it's said to inspire marriage proposals. Whether you're cooking for date night or just craving something special, this one-pan meal is easy to make and impossible to forget!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta of choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Dice the chicken and return to the skillet. Toss to coat in the garlic butter.
- Prepare the Parmesan Sauce: In a separate saucepan over low heat, combine heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and reserved pasta water. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add red chili flakes if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the Parmesan sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Then, add the garlic butter chicken to the pasta, mixing gently to combine all elements.
- Serve: Divide the Marry Me Chicken Pasta among plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Enjoy your creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 460Total Fat: 30gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 450mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 30g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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