If you are searching for a dish that truly wows with creamy indulgence and comforting flavors, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious sauce full of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, all tossed with pasta for a meal that feels both elegant and comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that invites you to linger at the table, savoring every bite as if it might just inspire a proposal of your own. Whether for a special date night or a cozy family dinner, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers a rich and satisfying experience that’s surprisingly simple to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this recipe, and with these simple yet essential components, you’ll achieve a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the creamy sauce base to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a burst of tang and color.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a rich base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star proteins that soak up all the incredible seasoning and sauce.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a mild garlicky undertone without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic with a subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that brings herbs like oregano and basil into play.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic offers a punchy aroma and flavor in the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base to create a rich sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce that irresistibly creamy and velvety texture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty richness that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): These bring a chewy, tangy pop of flavor and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkles a gentle heat to wake up the dish if you dare.
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne): The hearty vehicle that carries the sauce and chicken to your plate.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Provides a silky finish to the sauce and enhances its richness.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Adds freshness and an inviting green pop that brightens the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of fettuccine or penne and cook until al dente, just tender but still with a little bite. This texture is important because the pasta will soak up some of the creamy sauce later, preventing it from becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you move on to the sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, generously season each chicken breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and the Italian seasoning. These spices build the foundation for a flavorful dish and create an aromatic crust. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. Sear each side until golden brown and cooked through, roughly 5 to 6 minutes per side depending on thickness. Once done, transfer the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic, sautéing just until fragrant—about one minute. This step releases the garlic’s natural aroma that will permeate the sauce. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the delicious browned bits left from the chicken. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and if you like, red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and marry all the flavors.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta in Sauce
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta as well, then toss everything together so that each strand or piece is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce. This final step brings the whole Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe together in a comforting, unified dish that looks as delicious as it tastes.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley not only livens up the plate with a fresh burst of color but also offers a clean, herbaceous contrast to the richness of the sauce. If you want an extra touch of indulgence, a little more grated Parmesan right at the end can never go wrong.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something light and crisp works beautifully. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli provide a lovely balance. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread also complements the sauce perfectly and helps scoop up every last bit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a romantic dinner vibe, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow wide bowls for a rustic look that invites family-style sharing. Garnish with an edible flower like a pansy for a special occasion, or drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil infused with chili flakes over the top to tantalize the eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe holds up well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days to retain the freshness of the cream sauce and the chicken’s texture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, a gentle reheat will bring it back to life.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal for maintaining perfect texture, especially the creamy sauce. If you must freeze, separate the pasta from the chicken and sauce and freeze each component individually in airtight containers or freezer bags. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken, sauce, and pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick. This method helps prevent the sauce from breaking and keeps the chicken tender. Avoid microwaving to preserve the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and penne work wonderfully, feel free to use any pasta you love, such as linguine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free varieties if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What’s a good substitution for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well. It won’t be as rich, but the sauce will still be creamy and delicious. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream is also an option but will change the flavor profile.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers are excellent additions. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth to incorporate them seamlessly into the sauce.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe can easily be gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that keeps it on repeat in my kitchen. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for celebrations but cozy enough for weeknight dinners. Once you give it a try, you’ll understand why this recipe has become a beloved classic for so many. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every luscious, flavorful bite! You might just find yourself sharing it over and over again with the people you love.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy skillet dish combining tender seared chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. This comforting American main course is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Cook for approximately one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything until the chicken and pasta are well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the dish before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make a lighter sauce.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the dish’s nutritional value and volume.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
