This Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta combines creamy pumpkin, Parmesan, and tender chicken for a comforting dish that’s irresistible.
When the air turns crisp and golden leaves scatter the ground, there’s nothing like a warm, inviting dish to bring everyone to the table. Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta—a recipe so indulgent, it might just inspire a proposal.
Imagine tender chicken bathed in a velvety pumpkin cream sauce, seasoned with hints of sage and thyme, then tossed with al dente pasta and crowned with Parmesan. It’s hearty yet refined, with a flavour that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. This dish isn’t just dinner; it’s a celebration of fall on your plate.
Easy Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta Recipe
What makes Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta so special? It’s the perfect marriage of flavours. The creamy pumpkin purée adds a subtle sweetness and earthy richness that complements the savoury notes of the chicken.
A hint of crushed red pepper gives just enough heat to keep things interesting, while Parmesan and mozzarella tie everything together with its nutty, creamy, and salty goodness. Sage and thyme bring those quintessential fall vibes, making this dish as comforting as your favourite sweater.
This recipe feels indulgent but comes together easily, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients That Make It Magical
Every ingredient in Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta plays a role in creating its unforgettable flavour and texture:
- Pumpkin Purée: The star of the sauce, this gives the dish its rich, creamy base and a touch of natural sweetness. It’s what sets this pasta apart from traditional cream-based recipes.
- Heavy Cream: Adds the luxurious silkiness to the sauce, ensuring every bite feels indulgent and comforting.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: The umami-packed Parmesan creates depth and adds a slightly nutty edge that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a creamy, gooey texture and a mild, milky flavour that complements the bolder Parmesan.
- Dried Thyme: Earthy and aromatic, thyme enhances the savoury chicken and pumpkin combination beautifully.
- Dried Sage: This herb is quintessentially autumn, lending a warm, slightly peppery flavour that makes the dish feel seasonally perfect.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: A little heat goes a long way. This adds just the right kick to balance the creamy sweetness of the sauce.
How to Make Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
Making Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta is as satisfying as eating it. Here’s how it comes together:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and then sear them in a hot castiron braiser until golden brown on both sides. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest for at least 10 minutes.
Start boiling pasta until just al dente. Coat with olive oil and set aside.
In the same Braiser, sauté minced garlic in a bit of salted butter until fragrant. Next, add the chicken stock and deglaze the pan. Stir in the pumpkin purée and all the spices and let it cook for a moment to deepen its flavour. On gentle heat, add heavy cream and grated Parmesan and mozzarella whisking until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Nestle the chicken and pasta in the braiser and let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Toss everything together, including the cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan, and fresh chopped parsley, and serve this dreamy dish immediately.
The result? A bowl of pasta that’s creamy, savoury, and perfectly spiced, with every bite offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavours. It’s a recipe worth savouring—and maybe even sharing with someone special.
For more cozy recipes check out our:
– Easy crock pot french onion soup
– Carrot tarragon soup
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do they call it Marry Me Chicken?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so irresistibly delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken are universally loved, making it perfect for romantic dinners or any occasion where you want to impress someone special. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance—and a playful name to match.
What type of pasta is best for creamy pasta?
For creamy pasta dishes like Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta, long pasta, spaghetti, bucatini or linguine are excellent choices as their flat, or round shape pairs beautifully with rich, creamy sauces. Ultimately, it’s about personal preference—just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture!
Marry Me Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Braiser or a large shallow pan
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Grater
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4-5 portions of pasts spaghetti, linguine, or bucatini
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Grated Mozarella
- Chopped fresh parsley or micro greens
Instructions
Sear the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside for 10 minuets to rest.
Make the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to the instructions. Drain when al dente and coat with olive oil.
Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Sauce:
- Lower the heat to medium, add butter to the pan, and let it melt.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Create the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add all spices.
- Whisk in the pumpkin purée, heavy cream, Parmesan and Mozarella cheese. Stir well to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and flavors meld together.
Return the Chicken and Pasta:
- Add the seared chicken and pasta back into the pan, spooning some sauce over each piece. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the creamy, pumpkin-flavored sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or micro greens and serve.
Leave a Comment