Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This is the ultimate creamy Marry Me chicken pasta recipe, a dish so deliciously rich and flavorful it might just inspire a proposal. Featuring tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For another fantastic chicken pasta, try this Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create the rich, comforting flavors of this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes mingle in a luxurious Parmesan sauce.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (oil-packed or dry)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil for garnish

Timing

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

Context: This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is ready in about 40 minutes, roughly 20% faster than many similar creamy chicken pasta dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This step is crucial for a flavorful, golden sear.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving, until deeply golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 minced shallot (or ½ small onion), and 3-4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. For extra flavor, use the fond (browned bits) from the chicken by deglazing with a splash of chicken broth.

Step 4 — Build the Creamy Sauce

Add 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream to the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes (with their oil), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 — Incorporate Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in ¾ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. For the creamiest texture, use real Parmigiano-Reggiano and add it off the heat to prevent separation. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6 — Cook the Pasta

While making the sauce, cook 12 ounces of pasta (like fettuccine or penne) in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 7 — Combine and Finish

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta and chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce coats the pasta luxuriously.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Stir in ⅓ cup of chopped fresh basil. Divide the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta among plates and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~620 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~32 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: These are estimates for one serving of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual values can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple ingredient swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavor.

• Protein Swap: Turkey or Tofu — Use ground turkey or cubed extra-firm tofu for a leaner option. Both absorb the creamy sauce beautifully, with turkey offering a savory note and tofu providing a mild, protein-rich base.
• Lower-Carb Pasta — Swap regular pasta for chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta. These alternatives add plant-based protein and fiber, keeping the dish satisfying while reducing net carbs.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess — Replace heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream. This creates an equally luxurious, velvety sauce with a subtle, complementary richness.
• Gluten-Free Option — Use a certified gluten-free pasta and double-check that your sun-dried tomatoes and broth are gluten-free. The sauce is naturally thickened without flour, making this an easy switch.
• Low-Sodium Version — Opt for no-salt-added chicken broth, rinse the sun-dried tomatoes to remove excess brine, and use a low-sodium Italian seasoning blend. You can boost flavor with extra garlic, black pepper, and fresh herbs.
• Lighter Cheese — Substitute the Parmesan with a lighter Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, cheesy flavor with less fat.
• Veggie Boost — Add a cup of fresh spinach or chopped kale to the sauce just before serving. It wilts quickly, adding color, vitamins, and a fresh contrast to the creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Oil Adjustment — For a lighter start, use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar to sauté the chicken and garlic instead of adding extra butter or oil, maximizing the infused flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• For a classic pairing, serve this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a simple garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the rich sauce.
• Elevate a weeknight dinner by plating it alongside roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a pop of color and texture.
• This dish is perfect for a romantic occasion. Serve it with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the luxurious sauce and a glass of crisp white wine.
• For a family-style gathering, present the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a large, shallow serving bowl, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Turn it into a comforting meal-prep lunch by portioning it into containers with a side of steamed broccoli.
• During the holidays, this pasta makes a fantastic festive centerpiece. Pair it with a cranberry walnut salad for a delightful contrast.

No matter how you serve it, the key to enjoying this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is to serve it hot, ensuring the sauce is perfectly silky and the flavors are at their peak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook just until no longer pink inside (165°F), then let it rest before slicing.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early and burning it, creating a bitter taste. Fix: Sauté garlic for only 30-60 seconds after the shallots/onions have softened.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which can lead to a grainy, non-creamy sauce. Fix: Always grate Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cheese fresh off the block.
• Mistake: Not reserving pasta water, resulting in a sauce that’s too thick. Fix: Save at least 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Mistake: Dumping in all the sun-dried tomato oil or skipping it entirely. Fix: Use the flavorful oil from the jar to sauté the chicken and aromas for a richer base.
• Mistake: Adding the cream and cheese to a boiling pan, which can cause separation. Fix: Reduce heat to low or simmer before stirring in dairy to prevent curdling.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the dish at each stage, leading to a bland final flavor. Fix: Season the chicken, the sauce base, and the final dish with salt and pepper.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, which steams instead of browns it. Fix: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure a good sear for flavor.
• Mistake: Using the wrong pasta shape that doesn’t hold the creamy sauce. Fix: Choose short, textured shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli that capture every bit of sauce.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating to maintain food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze this pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
• Reheat: Gently reheat portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For optimal quality, avoid reheating the entire batch multiple times. Instead, only warm the portion you plan to eat immediately.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a cozy date night or an impressive family dinner. If you love creamy chicken dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. We hope you love this recipe—please leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious meals!

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FAQs

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. The sauce and chicken can be made and stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s consistency before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

For a lighter version, substitute full-fat coconut milk or a half-and-half mixture. While the texture will be slightly less rich, these alternatives still create a deliciously creamy sauce that defines this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce. You can also create a quick slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce until it thickens to your liking.