Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something soul-satisfying, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, you have to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish gets its playful name for a reason: it’s rich, luscious, and packed with flavors that might just make someone fall head over heels for you! Tender chicken, a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and a tangle of buttery pasta all come together for a romantic dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple doesn’t mean boring—each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta plays a starring role in making the dish so special. From the tender chicken to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and that dreamy cream sauce, you’ll find that every single item brings its own magic to your table.

• Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced chicken cooks up juicy and tender in no time, soaking up every ounce of flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning the chicken before it cooks is key for a well-balanced, savory bite in every forkful.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs lends an aromatic touch that’s classic in Italian-American dishes.
• Olive oil: Use a good olive oil (or the oil from your sun-dried tomatoes) for a rich, nuanced flavor base.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives depth and warmth, infusing the sauce with irresistible savoriness.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a subtle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These beauties bring a wonderful tang and vibrant color to the sauce.
• Heavy cream: For the most luxurious, silky-smooth sauce—you can swap for half-and-half if you want a lighter feel.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parm melts into the sauce for that classic nutty, salty finish.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream with savory undertones.
• Pasta: Choose a shape like penne or fettuccine—something sturdy enough to cradle the sauce in every bite.
• Butter: Tossing the hot pasta with butter ensures every noodle gets a luscious, glossy coating.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a bright, herbaceous spark and gorgeous pop of green at the end.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, allowing it to turn golden and develop that irresistible crust. Once cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate—keep those flavorful juices in the pan for the next step!

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat slightly and toss in the minced garlic, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat, and your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté just until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes, so the garlic softens and the tomatoes plump up in all those lovely pan juices.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and chicken broth, whisking to combine. Let it all simmer gently, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken for about 3–4 minutes. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point—the sun-dried tomatoes infuse the cream, and the Parmesan melts right in for a silky, rich coating.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta in a big pot of salted water according to package directions. Drain the pasta, toss with butter, and set aside. Tossing the pasta with butter while it’s still hot means every noodle gets a glossy, delectable finish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slice the chicken into strips (or keep the pieces whole if you love a rustic look), then return them to the skillet, tucking them into the sauce. Simmer together for 2–3 more minutes, so the chicken soaks up every bit of those creamy, savory flavors. Add your pasta to the skillet, gently tossing until it’s evenly coated in sauce. Finish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy, and your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan over the top never goes amiss. Scatter on fresh basil ribbons for color and brightness, or even a few extra chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a zesty pop. If you love heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes is a great finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines alongside simple sides that let it be the star. Try a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, or serve warm, crusty bread for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or looking to wow someone special, twirl the pasta onto plates using tongs for an elegant restaurant-style mound. Top with a fan of sliced chicken and finish with a flourish of basil and Parmesan. For fun, you can even serve this in individual mini skillets or shallow bowls—the beautiful golden sauce deserves to be seen!

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 meld together overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to. Just be sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for about 2 months. Cream sauces can sometimes separate a bit after freezing, so be sure to reheat slowly and add a splash of cream or broth for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. For a quick microwave option, cover the pasta and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp or salmon both work beautifully here—just cook until opaque and add to the sauce just as you would with chicken. The creamy, herby sauce complements just about any protein you love.

Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?

For a dairy-free twist, you can try using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The texture will be slightly different, but the sauce will still be luxurious and flavorful.

Can I use another type Main Course

Definitely! Penne and fettuccine are the classics, but rigatoni, spaghetti, or even farfalle will all work just fine. Just choose a pasta that holds the sauce well for the best results with Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat rather than strong spice. If you’re sensitive to heat, just use a pinch or leave them out entirely—the creamy sauce is delicious either way.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

If your sauce thickens up more than you like, simply add an extra splash of chicken broth or a little reserved pasta water, stirring well to bring it back to a creamy, pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Marry Me Chicken Pasta enough—it truly is a dish that turns an ordinary evening into something memorable. Rich, creamy, and bursting with so much flavor, it’s sure to have everyone at your table asking for seconds (and maybe even your secret). Give it a try and let yourself fall in love, one forkful at a time!

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