Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that will inspire instant cravings, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious, creamy sauce gently cloaking swirls of pasta. Every bite feels like a celebration! Whether you’re cooking for someone special, hosting friends, or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, this irresistible dinner delivers a restaurant-quality meal with truly magical flavor.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all in its elegant simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for flavor, texture, or a pop of color, creating a dish that’s as easy to love as it is to make. Don’t be afraid to use pantry staples—these are the elements that bring the sauce and pasta together in perfect harmony.

• Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces for easy slicing and juicy results.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce, so don’t skip them!
• Olive oil: Adds a fruity base for cooking the chicken and building flavor in the pan.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic imparts an aromatic, savory depth you’ll crave.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy and sweet-tart, they add color and bold flavor pops in every forkful.
• Chicken broth: De-glazes the pan and creates a savory backdrop for the creamy sauce.
• Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce so gloriously rich and silky smooth.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best here, melting into the sauce for nutty, salty savoriness.
• Red pepper flakes: For just the right whisper of heat, balancing the richness.
• Italian seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that ties everything together.
• Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine soak up all the creamy sauce.
• Fresh basil: The finishing touch for brightness and a fragrant, inviting aroma.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides and just cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Remove to a plate and let rest—the juices will keep the chicken extra tender for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until they’re softened and releasing their flavor, infusing the oil and picking up the delicious browned bits from the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it bubble and reduce slightly before stirring in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this is where all the flavors of Marry Me Chicken Pasta meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your preferred pasta and cook just until al dente. Drain, reserving a splash of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine, Slice, and Finish

Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each piece in the creamy sauce. Fold in the chicken, making sure every piece gets bathed in sauce. If you like, add a little pasta water until the sauce reaches your ideal consistency. Sprinkle with more parmesan and scatter fresh basil over the top before serving your glorious Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For a true restaurant-worthy finish, don’t skip the final touches! A shower of freshly chopped basil leaves adds bright, herbal freshness. Shave or grate a bit more parmesan over each plate, and, if you’re feeling fancy, a quick drizzle of good olive oil never hurts. The color and aroma of these garnishes elevate Marry Me Chicken Pasta to something special.

Side Dishes

You’ll want a crusty baguette or warm garlic bread to mop up every drop of sauce—trust me. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette pairs perfectly, balancing the richness of the dish. For something heartier, try simple roasted vegetables or charred broccolini as a colorful side.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a dinner party, try spooning it into shallow bowls and topping each portion with a generous swirl of sauce and sliced chicken. For a more casual meal, let everyone help themselves straight from the skillet at the table. You can also portion individual servings into small baking dishes, top with cheese, and broil for a gorgeously golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s just as tempting the next day for lunch or a quick weeknight meal. Make sure to cool completely before storing to maintain the creamy texture.

Freezing

While cream sauces can be a little finicky in the freezer, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be frozen if needed! Place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags, and freeze for up to two months. Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but a good stir while reheating brings it back together nicely.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth. This will help revive the silky consistency of the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through, and refresh with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and parmesan just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and bring even more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.

What’s the best pasta shape for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are top picks because their shape helps hold plenty of sauce and bits of chicken. But don’t stress—use any short pasta you love or have on hand, and it’ll be delicious!

Can I make this dish dairy free?

You can try swapping the heavy cream for a rich, unsweetened non-dairy milk (like coconut cream) and using a vegan parmesan substitute. The flavor and consistency will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The heat level is pretty mild—just a subtle kick from the red pepper flakes. You can add more if you like a bolder spice or leave them out entirely for a truly mild dish.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Wilted spinach, baby kale, or even sautéed mushrooms will blend perfectly with the creamy sauce, adding extra nutrition, texture, and color. Just stir in your favorites before finishing the dish.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself. With its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken, it’s pure comfort in a bowl—no special occasion required. Gather your ingredients and dive in; you’ll be wishing you made a double batch!

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