They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and I’ve never seen that proven more clearly than with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. The first time I served this creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded dish, it was an instant favorite at our table. The richness of the sauce, the tender chicken, and the perfectly coated pasta created a comforting, luxurious meal that truly lives up to its romantic name.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta fits perfectly into a weeknight dinner rotation when you’re looking for something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. At the same time, it’s elegant enough for date nights or when you’re hosting and want to impress with minimal effort. You’ll only need one skillet and one pot, but the flavor payoff is unforgettable. Best of all, this dish is flexible enough to make your own, whether you like it spicy, herby, or even dairy-free.
If you’re searching for that one recipe that never fails to deliver cozy satisfaction, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it.
Table of contents
Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Works So Well
This recipe isn’t just good, it’s magic. The creamy sauce comes together with pantry staples and a few star ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, giving it an irresistible umami punch. What sets this Marry Me Chicken Pasta apart from other creamy chicken pastas is the harmony of bold flavors and luscious texture.
We start by searing well-seasoned chicken breasts or thighs until golden brown, then deglaze the pan with chicken broth and heavy cream to create a silky sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning lend depth and slight tanginess, while a generous handful of Parmesan ties it all together. Finally, the al dente pasta gets tossed right in the sauce so every bite is coated to perfection.
Need to make it your own? Here are a few tweaks:
- Low-carb? Try it with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower gnocchi.
- Gluten-free? Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-free? Use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.
- Vegetarian? Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
The adaptability and sheer comfort factor of this dish make it a go-to for so many households and yes, maybe even for popping the big question.
Recipe Card
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
4
servings10
minutes25
minutes550
kcalThis marry me chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and al dente pasta to create a dish so delicious, it might just spark a proposal! Perfect for romantic dinners or cozy family meals, this pasta will leave everyone asking for seconds.
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Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
300g pasta (fettuccine or penne works best)
Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Combine:
- Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil provide extra richness to the dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
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Pro Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Result
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key for the perfect texture.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Let the Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Fresh basil adds a fragrant and flavorful touch, so don’t skip it!
- Make it Your Own: Add mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
Flavorful Variants You’ve Got to Try
1. Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Add crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste with the cream. This adds a delightful kick without overpowering the rest of the dish. Perfect for spice lovers who want something with a little fire.
2. Bacon and Mushroom Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Before cooking the chicken, sauté diced bacon and sliced mushrooms in the skillet. The bacon fat adds extra richness, while mushrooms bring an earthy dimension. Remove both and add them back in once the sauce is simmering.
3. Tuscan-Inspired Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Add a handful of baby spinach and a sprinkle of fresh basil at the very end of cooking. The greens wilt beautifully into the sauce, and the basil gives it a fresh, herbaceous lift. A few pine nuts on top never hurt either.
4. One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Orzo
Instead of pasta, use orzo and simmer it right in the sauce after removing the chicken. It absorbs the flavors and creates a risotto-like texture without the need for a second pot.
FAQ: Answering All Your Questions
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Store separately, then reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work best, spaghetti, linguine, or even rigatoni are great alternatives.
Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Yes, simply adjust the red pepper flakes to keep it mild for younger palates.
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Calories per Serving: ~650 kcal
- Category: Main Course
- Origin of Dish: Fusion of Italian and American cuisines
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fats: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Protein-Rich: The chicken provides high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil add healthy fats, which are good for cardiovascular health.
- Bone Strength: Parmesan cheese is a great source of calcium and phosphorus.
- Mood-Boosting: The combination of creamy textures and comforting flavors promotes feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
- Versatile Ingredients: Swaps and additions can make it even healthier, try whole-grain pasta or add spinach for an extra nutrient boost.
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking for a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and rich flavors come together to create a meal that’s both comforting and a little bit special, perfect for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Looking for more dishes to impress your loved ones? Try our Pasta and Peas Recipe for another comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy evenings.
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