If you’re longing for a pasta night that sparks instant smiles and rave reviews, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! Creamy, dreamy, and packed with the sunny flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, it’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into something unforgettable. Chicken seared to golden perfection mingles with ribbons of silky sauce and tender noodles, making every forkful a celebration. Whether you need a showstopper for date night or just want to shake up your weeknight rotation, Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers impressive flavor with surprisingly simple steps.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together using pantry staples laced with a few vibrant, fresh touches. Each ingredient has a starring role, bringing its unique taste, texture, or punch of color to the party—don’t skip or skimp!

Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): The backbone of this dish, pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, making every bite luxurious.
Chicken breasts (1 1/2 pounds, boneless, skinless, thinly sliced): Tender chicken offers hearty protein and soaks up all those flavors.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for searing the chicken to a mouthwatering golden finish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds an aromatic depth that infuses the entire skillet.
Heavy cream (1 cup): The base of your luscious, rich sauce—full-on comfort mode.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Provides a savory backdrop and helps thin the sauce just enough.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for nutty, salty complexity.
Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Chewy, intense, and sweet-tart—they’re the secret flavor bomb!
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Delivers that signature herby aroma and taste.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Bring gentle heat and a little spark (totally customizable).
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm color and a subtle smoky note to the chicken.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Don’t underestimate good seasoning—it’s key to making all the flavors pop.
Fresh basil or parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishes everything with a fresh, fragrant touch.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Just before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water (it’ll help loosen the sauce later). Drain and set aside, ready for its creamy companion.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken slices dry, then season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, swirling it around so the chicken will brown evenly. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate to rest and let those delicious juices settle in.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to clean—you want to keep all those flavorful bits), add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for a minute, just until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to blend everything. Add the Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re in the mood for some heat). Let it all simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens just slightly and smells irresistible.

Step 4: Marry the Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken, along with any juices on the plate, back into the skillet. Let them mingle in the sauce for about 2 minutes so the flavors can fully blend—this step is where the magic (and the namesake!) really happens.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta and Finish

Add the drained pasta into the skillet and toss everything together. Stream in a bit of reserved pasta water as needed to get that perfect, glossy consistency. Stir in fresh basil or parsley, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, sun-kissed bite of Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley instantly brightens up your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, both visually and taste-wise. Finish with a generous shower of extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper for flavor and finishing flair.

Side Dishes

This pasta is pure comfort on its own, but you can easily elevate your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. Or, lean into decadence with a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For cozy nights in, pile the Marry Me Chicken Pasta high in your largest family-style serving bowl, then sprinkle basil leaves artfully. Hosting a dinner party? Swirl individual portions on plates, top each with a few reserved sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with a flourish of fresh herbs for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta into an airtight container and pop it straight into the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making for an enviable desk lunch or next-day dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but be aware the creamy sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to a month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To revive your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, reheat gently in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. A quick zap in the microwave also works—just stir halfway through and keep the heat low so the cream stays smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta

Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are classic choices for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but any pasta with nooks and crannies to soak up the sauce will be delicious—try rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti.

Is there a lighter way to make this recipe?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter yet still creamy sauce. You can also use chicken thighs for extra juiciness but slightly less fat than cream alone.

How spicy does it get with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a subtle, warming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a pinch or omit it entirely. If you love things extra zippy, feel free to sprinkle in a bit more!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. Prepare everything up to the point of tossing the cooked pasta with the sauce and chicken. Store separately, then combine and reheat gently with a splash of pasta water just before serving for the best result.

What’s the best way to ensure the chicken stays tender?

Slice the chicken breasts thinly and don’t overcook—it just needs 5 to 6 minutes per side. Letting the chicken rest briefly on a plate before adding it back to the sauce also helps keep it juicy and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the secret to Marry Me Chicken Pasta in your hands, there’s no reason not to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a meal that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. Give it a try, make it your own with extra herbs or spice, and get ready to watch the forks race back for seconds. Let this dish bring a little more love to your table tonight!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a delightful blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a luscious sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. Season and cook chicken until golden. Set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic, then add cream, broth, Parmesan, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until thickened. Return chicken to skillet and simmer.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water for creaminess. Garnish with herbs.