Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, indulgent, and bursting with flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that’s special enough for date night but easy enough for weeknight dinners. The name comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, serving it might just lead to a marriage proposal! This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender pasta with juicy chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
• Reserved pasta water (as needed)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together in just a few simple steps! First, we’ll season and cook the chicken to golden perfection, then create a creamy, flavor-packed sauce, and finally toss it all with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Slice chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into ½-inch slices.
7. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency. Gently fold in the sliced chicken and fresh basil.
8. Serve: Divide among plates, garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese if desired.

Helpful Tips

• Choose the right pasta: While this recipe works with virtually any pasta shape, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work particularly well as they catch and hold the creamy sauce nicely.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: For juicy, tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F.
• Sun-dried tomato options: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add the best flavor, but if using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
• Make it ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
• Customize the heat level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your preference—use less for milder flavor or more for extra kick.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 650 calories per serving

Notes

• Protein variations: Try this dish with shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
• Vegetable add-ins: For extra nutrition, add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream to reduce calories (though the sauce won’t be quite as rich).
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce up to 2 days in advance, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so add a splash of cream or chicken broth when reheating.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Cream-based pasta dishes typically don’t freeze well as the sauce can separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated within a few days.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

This rich pasta pairs perfectly with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make excellent sides.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it to your partner might inspire a marriage proposal! While we can’t guarantee a proposal, we can promise an incredibly tasty meal that will impress anyone you serve it to.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
• Make-ahead components: The sauce and cooked chicken can be stored separately for up to 2 days before combining with fresh pasta.

Related Recipes

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
• Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines all the elements of a perfect comfort food dish: tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy, flavor-packed sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The beauty of this dish lies in its perfect balance of rich flavors and simple preparation—proving that sometimes the most memorable meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or exotic ingredients. Give this Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try, and you might just find it becoming a regular request in your home!

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