What type of pasta goes with Marry Me Chicken?

Katie Lee Biegel’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe traditionally calls for extra-long mafaldine-type noodles, prized for their ruffled edges that cling to the creamy sauce. These ribbon-like noodles ensure every bite is coated with flavor. If mafaldine is unavailable, several alternatives work well: Pappardelle : Wide, flat ribbons similar to mafaldine, ideal for capturing sauce. Fettuccine : A classic choice for creamy sauces, offering a smooth texture. Rigatoni or Penne : Tube-shaped pastas with ridges or hollows that trap sauce for bursts of flavor. The key is selecting a pasta with sufficient surface area or texture to hold the rich sauce. Always reserve some starchy pasta water to help bind the sauce to the noodles, achieving a restaurant-quality finish (Food Network Recipe).

What is the origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta likely originated from Delish in 2016, building on their viral Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. Initially dubbed “Sicilian Chicken Skillet,” it was renamed “Marry Me Chicken” after a videographer, Chelsea, tasted it during a video shoot and declared it proposal-worthy. The dish’s rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors contributed to its viral spread, with Katie Lee Biegel’s version further popularizing it through her accessible, ground chicken-based recipe (Delish Origin).

Can you eat Marry Me Chicken by itself?

Yes, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal, combining tender ground chicken, creamy sauce, and pasta for a satisfying dish. However, if referring to the chicken and sauce alone (without pasta), it can also be enjoyed standalone. The flavorful sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and cheese, makes the chicken a robust dish on its own. For variety, it can be paired with sides like rice, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables to soak up the sauce (Little Sunny Kitchen).

Is Marry Me Chicken fattening?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich dish, with Katie Lee Biegel’s recipe yielding approximately 650-750 calories per serving (for 4-5 servings). It contains 35-40g of protein, 25-30g of fat, and 45-50g of carbohydrates. The calorie density comes from heavy cream, Pecorino-Romano cheese, and olive oil, which provide healthy fats but contribute to its richness. While nutritious, with high-quality protein and essential nutrients like calcium and iron, it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those monitoring calorie intake. Lighter adaptations, such as using half-and-half or adding vegetables, can reduce calories while preserving flavor (The Recipe Critic Nutrition). Nutritional Component Approximate Amount per Serving Calories 650-750 kcal Protein 35-40 g Fat 25-30 g Carbohydrates 45-50 g Sodium 800-900 mg Calcium 200-250 mg

What is the sauce on Marry Me Chicken?

The sauce is a luxurious, creamy tomato blend featuring: Heavy Cream : For a rich, velvety texture. Pecorino-Romano Cheese : Adds sharp, salty depth. Sun-Dried Tomatoes : Contribute sweet-tart flavor and umami. Garlic and Italian Seasoning : Enhances aromatic complexity. Tomato Paste : Provides a caramelized, robust base. This combination, deglazed with chicken stock and enriched with butter, creates a sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and pasta, delivering a restaurant-quality experience (Food Network Recipe).

Is Katie Lee Biegel still on The Kitchen?

As of June 2025, Katie Lee Biegel appears to remain a co-host on Food Network’s The Kitchen . Recent sources, including her active presence on Food Network platforms and no reports of her departure, support her continued role. She has been a longstanding co-host, sharing recipes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and her involvement in other projects, such as her 2025 Hallmark film, suggests she maintains a prominent media presence (Katie Lee’s Website; Food Network Profile).

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Katie Lee Biegel Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground chicken
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
One 4-ounce can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1 pound extra-long mafaldine-type noodles
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Pecorino-Romano, plus more for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

Boil the Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil.
Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it into crumbles, for 7 to 9 minutes until browned.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet.
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it turns a deep red and begins to caramelize.
Deglaze and Simmer
Pour in the chicken stock and deglaze the skillet by scraping up any browned bits.
Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes to reduce the sauce slightly.
Cook the Pasta
Add the mafaldine noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Finish the Sauce
Add butter and heavy cream to the chicken mixture.
Simmer gently to combine.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and ¼ cup reserved pasta water to the skillet.
Toss well to coat.
Add more pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.
Add Cheese and Serve
Remove from heat. Stir in Pecorino-Romano cheese.
Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Notes

Pros:

Rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce
Quick and easy to prepare
Balanced with protein, pasta, and vegetables
Beautiful presentation with basil and Pecorino
Great for romantic or family dinners

Cons:

High in calories and saturated fat due to cream and cheese
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Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Category: Main course
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Calories: Approx. 650–750 per serving