Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice); 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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If you’re hunting for a creamy, comforting pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With tender chicken, a sun-dried tomato-flecked sauce, and just the right hit of garlic and Parmesan, this skillet dinner is pure magic in each bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but special enough to win over anybody lucky enough to snag a plate. Let’s just say, one forkful and you’ll understand exactly how this dish earned its famous name!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create restaurant-worthy results. Each brings its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to make this dinner truly unforgettable.

Olive oil: Gives a beautiful golden sear to the chicken and serves as a foundation for the sauce’s flavor.
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into strips or cubes for quick, juicy cooking.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the savory notes in both the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the dish without overpowering it.
Italian seasoning: Lends herby complexity and a classic Mediterranean flair.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch brings a gentle kick for spice lovers, but you can easily omit if you prefer mild.
Chicken broth: Builds out the sauce’s flavor base and keeps things light yet savory.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety texture we all crave in pasta sauces.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet-tart and chewy, they offer a concentrated punch of flavor and gorgeous color.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and savory, nutty finish.
Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety works—just make sure it holds plenty of sauce!
Butter: A final pat adds gloss and richness to pull the entire dish together.
Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped and scattered over the top for a vibrant, herby finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta of choice. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help bring your sauce to the perfect consistency later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken strips or cubes generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lay the chicken pieces in the hot pan, letting them sizzle undisturbed so they get a lovely golden crust—about four to five minutes per side. Once cooked through and browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside to keep them juicy.

Step 3: Build the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat just a bit and add the minced garlic and (if desired) crushed red pepper flakes. Stir frequently for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn and turn bitter. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything simmer for about a minute to blend the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Cream

Stir in the heavy cream and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and let the sauce bubble gently for two to three minutes. This is where that signature silky richness comes together. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts completely into the sauce. You should see the sauce thicken slightly and develop an irresistible, creamy sheen.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken (plus any juices from the plate) back into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Add your drained pasta and the tablespoon of butter, stirring everything together. If the sauce feels a little thick, just splash in a bit of your reserved pasta water until it clings perfectly to every noodle. Give the whole dish a gentle toss so the chicken, pasta, and sauce intermingle beautifully.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley is more than just for looks—it brightens up the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a pop of fresh flavor. Shower a bit of extra Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving to make each bowl look and taste extra luxurious.

Side Dishes

This pasta plays well with simple side dishes. Think toasty garlic bread for dipping, a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, or even roasted vegetables for a wholesome touch. Each one compliments the creamy, rich sauce and lets the star flavors of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta really shine.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner feel truly special by serving your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls and topping each portion with a little swirl of extra cream or olive oil. If you’re hosting, twirl individual pasta nests with tongs for a restaurant-style touch, and scatter fresh herbs and sun-dried tomato slivers over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully for up to three days. The flavors blend and deepen, making those next-day lunches truly something to look forward to!

Freezing

While creamy sauces can change a little in texture when frozen, Marry Me Chicken Pasta actually does pretty well! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your pasta in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring every 30 seconds to keep it creamy. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or water to revive that dreamy, silky consistency.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and tend to be even juicier. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed as directed in the recipe.

Is it possible to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta variety and double-check that your chicken broth, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning are certified gluten-free.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use a handful of halved cherry tomatoes in a pinch—they’ll add a juicy brightness, though you’ll miss that concentrated, tangy flavor. Tomato paste or roasted red peppers make good substitutes as well.

How can I make it even creamier?

Increase the heavy cream by a couple of tablespoons or stir in a bit of cream cheese with the Parmesan for an extra-indulgent finish. Don’t forget, reserving a little pasta water also helps you fine-tune the saucy texture!

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Wilt in some spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even peas just before tossing with the pasta for added color, nutrients, and texture. This makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta extra satisfying and a little bit different every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken Pasta steals hearts left and right—it’s soulful comfort food that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Why not treat yourself (and all your favorite people) to a batch soon? One cozy bite might just inspire a few marriage proposals of your own!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a romantic meal with this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese come together in a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pasta:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in a skillet until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes. Add chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. Simmer until creamy.
Combine and Serve: Add chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir in butter. If needed, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.