Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need! With tender, pan-seared chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is bursting with flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Some even say it’s so good that it could inspire a marriage proposal—hence the name! 💍😉
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Indulgent – A rich, velvety sauce packed with bold flavors.
- Romantic & Impressive – A restaurant-quality dish perfect for date nights.
- One-Pan Wonder – Cook everything in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
- Customizable – Works with different types of pasta and protein options.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – Sliced for quick and even cooking.
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika – Adds depth and a touch of smokiness.
- Olive Oil & Butter – For rich flavor and a golden sear.
- Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic goodness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Adds tangy, slightly sweet richness.
- Chicken Broth – Builds the base of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream – For that ultra-luxurious, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, cheesy kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Gives a subtle heat (adjust to your spice preference).
- Fresh Basil – Brightens up the dish with freshness.
- Pasta (Fettuccine, Penne, or Linguine) – The perfect pairing for the creamy sauce.
Note: Ingredients with measurements will be right under the article in the recipe card.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. Save ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, simmering until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Add pasta water if needed for extra silkiness.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pound the Chicken Thin – This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook it just until al dente, as it will absorb sauce when combined.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives the best flavor.
- Make It Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
How to Serve
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the indulgent pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or mushrooms make great additions.
- Glass of White Wine – A Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze the sauce separately (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding fresh pasta.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
FAQs
- Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish is so delicious that some say it could inspire a marriage proposal! It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor—just like love. ❤️ - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs will be even more flavorful and juicy. - What’s the best pasta for this dish?
Fettuccine, linguine, or penne work best as they hold the sauce beautifully. - Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cornstarch, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect balance of indulgence, comfort, and restaurant-quality flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish will impress every single time! 🍝💛
Print
Marry me chicken pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a rich sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish gets its name from its irresistible taste, rumored to be so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal! The creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes makes it a comforting and impressive meal for date nights or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin fillets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken fillets with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well and let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Substitute: You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier texture.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories.
- Make It Spicier: Increase the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1plate
- Calories: ~600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken