Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that lives up to its romantic name. Tender chicken and pasta are coated in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s sure to impress. For more easy chicken dinners, try Chicken and Biscuits or Chicken Fried Rice.

Ingredients

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and al dente pasta in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce that’s rich, savory, and utterly irresistible.

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Additional Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes

Context: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta 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 or thighs with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. For best flavor, let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4 — Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5 — Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of their oil. For extra freshness, you can also add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil at this stage. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes.

Step 6 — Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook 12 ounces of pasta (such as fettuccine or penne) according to package directions in salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 7 — Combine Chicken and Sauce

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8 — Final Seasoning and Serve

Taste the Marry Me Chicken Pasta and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving immediately.

Nutritional Information

Calories	610
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	28g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or shrimp — Lighter protein options that absorb the creamy sauce beautifully while reducing saturated fat.
• Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash — Low-carb pasta alternatives that keep the dish light and vegetable-forward.
• Almond milk or coconut cream — Dairy-free substitutes that create a rich, creamy texture without lactose.
• Gluten-free pasta — An easy swap using brown rice or chickpea pasta to make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta celiac-friendly.
• Nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan — Adds cheesy flavor without dairy for those avoiding lactose.
• Low-sodium chicken broth — Reduces salt content while maintaining the savory depth of the sauce.
• Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream — Cuts calories and adds protein while keeping the sauce creamy.
• Fresh herbs instead of salt — Boost flavor with basil, oregano, or thyme to reduce sodium dependency.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic green beans for a complete, elegant dinner.
• Perfect for a romantic date night at home, anniversaries, or special celebrations where you want to impress.
• For a cozy family meal, serve directly from the skillet at the table for a rustic, inviting presentation.
• Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan just before serving to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
• Complement the dish with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to elevate the dining experience.

These serving ideas will help make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta meal memorable and perfectly suited to any special occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry. Fix: Cook just until 165°F internal temperature and let it rest before slicing.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn. Fix: Sauté garlic for only 30-60 seconds until fragrant before adding liquids.
• Mistake: Using low-fat cream, which can curdle. Fix: Stick with heavy cream or full-fat alternatives for a stable, luxurious sauce.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce, resulting in a bland Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Fix: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs after the sauce reduces.
• Mistake: Crowding the pan when searing chicken. Fix: Cook in batches to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in juices.
• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta, making it mushy in the sauce. Fix: Cook pasta al dente; it will finish cooking when tossed with the hot sauce.
• Mistake: Adding cold cream to a hot pan, risking separation. Fix: Let cream come to room temperature before incorporating it gradually.
• Mistake: Skipping the sun-dried tomato oil, missing depth. Fix: Use the oil from the jar to sauté for an extra flavor boost.
• Mistake: Rushing the sauce reduction, leaving it too thin. Fix: Simmer gently until the sauce coats the back of a spoon for perfect consistency.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always allow your Marry Me Chicken Pasta to cool to room temperature before storing to maintain quality and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its creamy, savory sauce. We hope you love it as much as we do! Try the recipe, leave a comment with your thoughts, and subscribe for more delicious meals like our Ravioli with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Garlic, and Herbs Recipe.

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FAQs

Why is this dish called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta because the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken are so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire a marriage proposal. This recipe combines sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbs for an unforgettable flavor.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the best texture.

What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Fettuccine or pappardelle work wonderfully as their broad, flat surfaces hold the creamy sauce well. You can also use penne or rigatoni for a great Marry Me Chicken Pasta experience.