Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, creamy dinner that truly feels special, Marry Me Chicken Pasta checks every box. Picture tender chicken strips, ribbons of sun-dried tomato, and silky Parmesan cream, all tangled around your favorite pasta—this dish isn’t just delicious, it’s downright swoon-worthy. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal you make when you want everyone at the table to feel loved, and it’s so simple to prepare that it might just become your new go-to comfort food for any night of the week.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that you don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients to create magic in your kitchen. Each item on the list adds its unique note, and together they build the luscious texture, colorful appearance, and irresistible flavor of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Here’s what you’ll need and why.

• Olive Oil: Creates a silky, golden base for searing the chicken and building flavor in every bite.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice into strips for quick, even cooking—these will soak up all that creamy sauce.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the overall dish so the flavors sing.
• Black Pepper: Adds just the right touch of warmth and depth.
• Italian Seasoning: This fragrant blend ties everything together with its perfect mix of dried herbs.
• Garlic Cloves, Minced: Fresh garlic brings an aromatic, zesty punch you just can’t replicate with powder.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped: Their tangy sweetness pops in every forkful, adding color and bursts of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides savory richness to the sauce and helps deglaze those tasty pan bits.
• Heavy Cream: The star of our sauce, lending velvety body and lusciousness to every twirl.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: For the nutty, salty finish that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta unforgettable—freshly grated, always!
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Sprinkle in for a bit of spice if you like a little extra kick.
• Pasta (Fettuccine or Penne): Pick your shape—both hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley, for Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of green for bright, fresh flavor and gorgeous presentation.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, season your chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure every piece is coated. Place the chicken into the pan—you’ll hear a satisfying sizzle—and let it sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for golden, caramelized edges and juicy, fully-cooked centers. Once ready, set the chicken aside; we’ll reunite it with our sauce soon!

Step 2: Build the Sauce Foundation

Keep the heat going and, in the same skillet, toss in that fragrant minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These only need a minute or so to release their aromas, so don’t wander far! The golden, garlicky oil now gets a splash of chicken broth, which not only adds depth but also helps you scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the pan—nothing goes to waste here.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re after a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes at this stage. Stir gently as the sauce bubbles and thickens for 3 to 4 minutes—the magic happens fast. When it’s just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, you know you’ve nailed the base of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Now, gently fold your cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring to make sure every noodle gets its fair share of creaminess. Return the seared chicken strips to the pan, nestling them right into the sauce and pasta mixture. Let everything simmer together for another minute or two, warming through and building flavor harmony that’s irresistible.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta masterpiece is ready! Just before serving, sprinkle over a generous handful of fresh basil or parsley. The bright green not only wakes up the dish visually, but adds that fresh, herby lift to every forkful. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy the creamy sauce at its velvety best.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip out on the finishing touches! A shower of hand-torn basil or parsley over the top brings color, fragrance, and a little extra pop of flavor. If you’re feeling decadent, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or cracked black pepper amps up the sophistication. These small additions make Marry Me Chicken Pasta look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

To round out your dinner, go for sides that balance the richness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Think crisp green salads tossed lightly in vinaigrette, roasted asparagus or broccolini, or even a basket of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. These sides keep things fresh and let your creamy pasta shine at the center of the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can turn a weeknight dinner into a celebration! Twirl the pasta high with tongs in shallow bowls, nestling golden chicken strips on top. You might serve the dish family-style in a large platter for sharing, or portion individually with a Parmesan crisp perched on the side. Even a drizzle of extra olive oil and a few sun-dried tomato slices add restaurant flair to your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply let the Marry Me Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer into airtight containers. It will keep happily in the refrigerator for up to three days—the flavors mellow out and are just as delightful when you revisit the dish.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be frozen in a pinch. Portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Keep in mind that the sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but a gentle reheat can bring it back together beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan with a splash of milk or chicken broth over low heat, stirring until warmed through and creamy again. Microwaving works too, but stovetop reheating helps keep the sauce smooth and prevents the chicken from drying out. If needed, add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and herbs to freshen things up before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute, offering even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust your cooking time as thighs may need a little longer to reach that perfect golden sear.

What pasta shapes work best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The creamy sauce clings best to fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for farfalle or rotini—the key is to pick a pasta shape that holds a generous amount of sauce in every bite.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and confirm your chicken broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just as dreamy with any pasta you love.

How can I add vegetables to this dish?

Feel free to stir in a handful of fresh spinach or baby kale right into the sauce before adding the pasta—these greens wilt down quickly and add a boost of nutrients and color, making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta even more satisfying.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead for entertaining?

Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken ahead, store them separately, and cook the pasta just before serving. Reheat everything gently together, toss, and finish with fresh herbs for a relaxed but impressive dinner party option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your family (or that special someone) with a dinner that’s both easy and extraordinary, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to steal the show. Every bite brings creamy comfort, a hint of tang, and just the right amount of indulgence. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s the recipe that always gets a second helping. Happy cooking!

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