The Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Love-Filled Dinners

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, this marry me chicken pasta recipe has stolen hearts across dinner tables everywhere.

Tender chicken breasts nestle into a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that promises pure comfort.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes that dance on your palate.

Parmesan cheese adds a rich, salty depth that elevates the entire dish.

Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic finish that makes this recipe impossible to resist.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this show-stopping meal that’s sure to impress.

Love at First Bite: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Quicken Weeknight Dining: Whip up this restaurant-quality pasta dish in just minutes, transforming ordinary ingredients into a spectacular meal that feels like a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust spice levels, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Pack Flavor in Every Bite: Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce blends rich Parmesan, zesty garlic, and subtle heat from red pepper flakes, creating a mouthwatering combination that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This versatile pasta works magic for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings, delivering maximum satisfaction with minimal cooking stress.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that serves as the star of this creamy pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, aged cheese that adds rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creamy base that creates a luxurious and velvety sauce consistency.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy tomatoes that provide a deep, sweet-savory flavor profile.
• Butter, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a rich, aromatic flavor base for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken and sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Italian Seasoning: Spicy and herbal elements that add depth and complexity to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb used as a fresh garnish to finish the pasta.

• Pasta: Primary starch that serves as the foundation of this comforting meal.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking.

How to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions.

Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.

Set cooked pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Season Chicken Magnificently

Generously sprinkle chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Until Golden

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes bubbly.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Build Creamy Sauce

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Simmer the sauce until it thickens and develops rich flavors.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy sauce.

If needed, adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delectable Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Pasta Every Time

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor.
• Slowly add pasta water to create a silky, perfectly consistent sauce without clumping.
• Toast Italian seasoning in the butter briefly to release deeper, more intense aromatics before adding other ingredients.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery hot.

Creative Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular pasta with chickpea, zucchini, or rice noodles to accommodate gluten sensitivities while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for creamy texture and tangy taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta, keeping protein and sauce components identical for keto-friendly meal.

Presenting Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy pasta on elegant white plates with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Weekend Family Feast: Pair with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread to create a complete, satisfying meal that everyone will love.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato flavors.
• Quick Leftover Transformation: Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency, and top with fresh basil for a quick next-day lunch.

Storing Leftover Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce's creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The dish got its name because it’s so delicious that people joke it’s so good, it might make someone propose marriage after tasting it.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great and will hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount or skip them entirely for a milder version.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, but add pasta just before serving to prevent it from getting soggy.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic culinary journey through creamy Italian-inspired flavors. Rich sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll want to share with someone special.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente following package guidelines, carefully preserving ½ cup starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with aromatic salt, cracked pepper, and robust garlic powder for maximum flavor penetration.
3. Utilize a spacious skillet, warming olive oil at medium temperature, and expertly sear chicken until achieving a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
4. Maintain the same skillet’s heat, gently melt butter and introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to release and permeate the cooking surface.
5. Incorporate vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, rich chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, aged Parmesan, fiery red pepper flakes, and fragrant Italian seasoning into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently reduce and thicken into a luxurious sauce.
6. Carefully reintroduce seared chicken into the bubbling sauce, thoroughly coating each piece and creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Utilize reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
7. Delicately fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring every strand is elegantly coated. Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves for a bright, aromatic garnish before serving immediately.

Notes

• Master seasoning by using kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for deeper flavor profiles.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, allowing personalized spice experience.
• Swap chicken for plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas to create vegetarian-friendly version.
• Prevent sauce separation by slowly incorporating cream and stirring consistently during simmering process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 652 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg