Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe delivers a creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s so delicious it might just earn you a proposal. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken with rich, savory flavors. For another comforting chicken dish, try this Cajun White Chicken Chili Recipe.

Ingredients

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and pasta in a lusciously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, with sun-dried tomatoes adding a sweet-tangy note and fresh spinach providing vibrant color.

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or mafaldine recommended)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish comes together about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Season 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing into strips.

Step 2 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed) and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it bitter. This builds the flavor base for your creamy sauce.

Step 3 — Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Gradually whisk in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Step 4 — Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

The starchy pasta water helps thin and bind the sauce to the noodles perfectly.

Step 5 — Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet with the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and stir to combine. Let everything heat through for 2–3 minutes.

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

Step 6 — Toss with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the Marry Me Chicken and sauce. Toss well to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

The sauce should cling to the pasta without being too thick or runny.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Divide the Marry Me Chicken Pasta among serving plates. Top with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serve immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	610
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	32g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavor.

• Protein Swap: Chicken for Shrimp — Use large, peeled shrimp for a lighter, slightly sweet seafood variation that cooks quickly.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles — Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini for a fresh, low-carb base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut Milk — Substitute heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a rich, dairy-free sauce with a subtle tropical note.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Chickpea or Lentil Pasta — Swap regular pasta for a high-protein, gluten-free alternative that holds its shape well in the creamy sauce.
• Low-Sodium Version: Homemade Broth & Reduced Parmesan — Use unsalted or homemade chicken broth and slightly reduce the Parmesan cheese to cut sodium while maintaining umami depth.
• Lighter Protein: Turkey Cutlets — Replace chicken breasts with thinly sliced turkey cutlets for a leaner protein with a similarly mild, adaptable flavor.
• Nut-Free/Dairy-Free “Parmesan”: Nutritional Yeast — For a cheese-like flavor without dairy or nuts, stir in nutritional yeast at the end for a savory, cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal that highlights the dish’s luxurious texture.
• Perfect for romantic dinners or anniversary celebrations—the elegant presentation and flavorful profile make it a memorable centerpiece.
• Offer with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, cheesy notes of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• For family gatherings, present the pasta in a large, shallow bowl garnished with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan.
• Create individual portions in pasta bowls, topping each with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Whether for a special date night or a cozy family dinner, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish adapts beautifully to any occasion with thoughtful pairings and simple, elegant plating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook just until 165°F internally and let it rest before slicing.
• Mistake: Adding cold cream to a hot pan, which can cause it to curdle. Fix: Always temper the cream by warming it slightly first.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded parmesan that contains anti-caking agents. Fix: Freshly grate a high-quality block for a smoother, richer sauce.
• Mistake: Burning the garlic, creating a bitter flavor. Fix: Sauté garlic on low heat for just 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce, leading to a bland Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Fix: Season in layers and taste before serving.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, preventing a golden crust. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Mistake: Letting the pasta sit too long before saucing, causing it to stick. Fix: Sauce the pasta immediately after draining while it’s still hot.
• Mistake: Skipping the pasta water, missing out on sauce-thickening power. Fix: Reserve a cup of starchy water to adjust sauce consistency.
• Mistake: Rushing the sauce reduction, resulting in a thin, watery texture. Fix: Simmer gently until the sauce nicely coats the back of a spoon.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. For best texture, consume within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain creaminess. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Proper storage keeps your Marry Me Chicken Pasta creamy and delicious for future meals. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent contamination.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a truly special creamy garlic parmesan dish perfect for date nights or impressing guests. If you love this recipe, try our Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole Recipe next. Share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

Print

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish

Print Recipe

A rich and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring pan-seared Italian-seasoned chicken simmered in a garlic Parmesan sun-dried tomato sauce, combined with pasta and spinach for a comforting and flavorful meal.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or mafaldine recommended)
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Cook until chicken is seared and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine.
4. Add dry pasta to the pot and toss with garlic butter and sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Pour in chicken broth or water, bring to a simmer, and cook pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Return cooked chicken to the pot along with fresh spinach. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook until sauce thickens slightly and spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

This one-pot recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. For extra flavor and texture, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy sauce consistency.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 140mg

FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the creamy garlic parmesan sauce.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to thicken the sauce. Keep in mind that the richness of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish may be slightly reduced.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, keep the heat at a gentle simmer when adding dairy and do not boil the sauce. Stir continuously while incorporating the parmesan into the warm, not boiling, creamy base for a smooth Marry Me Chicken Pasta.