Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If there’s one dish that’s earned its spot in the “recipe to impress” hall of fame, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Creamy, savory, and subtly sweet from the sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe lives up to its name by delivering a plate of pure comfort with a restaurant-quality feel. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, Sunday dinner, or simply craving something special, this pasta dish is guaranteed to steal hearts.

In this version, tender chicken breasts are seared until golden, then simmered in a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce enriched with garlic, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss it all with your favorite pasta and finish with a shower of fresh herbs because food this good deserves a little flourish.

Let’s dive into what makes this creamy chicken pasta so unforgettable.

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we get cooking, let’s go over the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building flavor, texture, and comfort.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Sliced or pounded thin for even cooking. Chicken thighs can also work for a richer bite.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic. Choose a good-quality oil for best results.
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced – A fragrant foundation for the creamy sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – The key to that luscious, velvety sauce.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – Balances out the richness while adding depth.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For salty, umami flavor. Use freshly grated if possible.
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained) – Adds a sweet, tangy note and beautiful color.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of dried herbs that ties the sauce together.
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) – For a gentle heat that elevates the creaminess.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously for a well-balanced dish.
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well) – The base of the dish. Choose your favorite noodle shape.
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped – Brightens up the final dish and adds visual appeal.

Optional Add-ins:

• A handful of spinach or kale – Toss in toward the end for added greens and nutrition.
• Sautéed mushrooms – Adds an earthy layer of flavor and pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• A dash of lemon juice – Balances the richness of the cream and brightens up the dish.
• Extra red pepper flakes – For those who like it spicy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through each step of making Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s surprisingly simple but delivers gourmet-level flavor.

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. If the breasts are very thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally or pounding them to an even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

3. Sauté the Garlic

Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add 3–4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning. The aroma should be nutty and fragrant.

4. Build the Sauce

Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom (hello, flavor!). Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

5. Add the Parmesan

Once the sauce is bubbling gently, add ½ cup grated Parmesan and stir until fully melted. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and speckled with tomatoes and herbs.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and more red pepper flakes if desired.

6. Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil a large pot of salted water and cook 8 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining, just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

7. Slice and Return Chicken

Slice the seared chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the sauce and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so it soaks up all the delicious flavors.

8. Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce and chicken. Toss to coat everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more cream.

Stir in any optional add-ins like spinach, mushrooms, or lemon juice at this stage. Let everything warm through for another 1–2 minutes.

9. Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, topped with chopped fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan if desired, and a crack of black pepper. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil or lemon juice for a finishing touch.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly and can make the sauce gritty.
• Pound your chicken: Thinner, evenly-sized chicken pieces cook more evenly and stay juicier.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly underdone pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all that creamy goodness.
• Make it spicy: Like heat? Add a bit more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
• Cream vs. half-and-half: Stick to heavy cream for the richest texture. Lighter alternatives may curdle or yield a thinner sauce.

Variations to Try

While the classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta is flawless as-is, here are some fun ways to adapt it:

Protein Swaps

• Shrimp: Sear shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood version.
• Tofu or chickpeas: For a vegetarian twist, use pan-fried tofu or crispy chickpeas.

Pasta Variations

• Try different shapes: Penne, rigatoni, tagliatelle, or even short-cut gnocchi.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.

Sauce Enhancements

• Add wine: Use ½ cup white wine in place of some broth for extra depth.
• Make it cheesy: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina for an ultra-cheesy finish.

Veggie Boost

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for more color and nutrition.
• Zucchini or cherry tomatoes also work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a star on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, here are some delicious sides:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Caesar salad or arugula salad
• Steamed broccoli or roasted green beans
• A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Storage and Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not ideal due to the cream, but possible—freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What makes it “Marry Me” Chicken?

The name comes from how irresistibly delicious this dish is—it’s been jokingly said to inspire marriage proposals! The flavor combo is rich, cozy, and crowd-pleasing.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they hold up well to the creamy sauce.

Is this spicy?

Only slightly. The crushed red pepper flakes add warmth, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version—or amp it up with more spice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately from the pasta. Reheat gently and combine just before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a creamy pasta dish—it’s a love letter in a bowl. From the tender chicken to the rich, velvety sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, every bite is packed with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your rotation.

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