If you’re searching for a dinner that feels both effortless and utterly special, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish swirls together tender chicken, a rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that’s irresistibly inviting. With every bite, you’ll taste the cozy, comforting flavors that have given this pasta its romantic reputation. It’s a modern classic that’s as perfect for date night as it is for a weeknight treat with the family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly magical is how it relies on a handful of simple pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Every ingredient plays a starring role—these are carefully chosen components that bring color, creaminess, and just the right pop of flavor to your plate.
- Chicken breasts: Go for large, boneless, skinless pieces for juicy and tender bites that cook up quickly.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors in both the pasta and chicken.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Italian seasoning: This herby blend is a shortcut to big, robust flavor without extra fuss.
- Olive oil: Helps the chicken sear golden and adds depth to the base of your sauce.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic infuses the entire dish with a mellow, savory aroma.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): These bring chewy texture and a tangy pop of flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The secret to all that rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to mop up with bread.
- Chicken broth: Adds a savory undertone and helps loosen the sauce so it coats every noodle perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for lots of sharp, salty flavor and creamy texture.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat, sprinkle these in—totally up to your preference!
- Pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape for soaking up that luxuriously creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A finishing flourish that adds color, freshness, and a burst of herbal brightness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Get That Pasta Going
Start things off by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—tender but still holding a hint of bite. Drain it well, but don’t forget to scoop out about half a cup of that starchy cooking water. That little bit of liquid will be your secret weapon for tossing the finished pasta later, making the sauce glossy and perfect!
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner, even cutlets that cook quickly and evenly. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple trio locks big flavor into the chicken, ensuring every mouthful is seasoned to perfection.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully lay the chicken cutlets in the pan, searing each side for 4 to 5 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous, golden crust and fully cooked centers. Once they’re ready, transfer them to a plate to rest—don’t wipe out the pan, as you’ll want all those tasty browned bits!
Step 4: Build Your Flavorful Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic straight into the skillet. Give it just 30 seconds or so, stirring constantly—you want mellow, fragrant garlic, not browned. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting all their flavors infuse the oil. Now, pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if you like things a bit spicy. Let everything simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and turns creamy and dreamy.
Step 5: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Bring the chicken—and all those delicious juices—back into the skillet. Let the pieces simmer in the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to soak up the flavors. If you want, slice the chicken into strips to make serving easier. By this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible.
Step 6: Finish with Pasta and Garnish
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat every noodle. Drizzle in a little reserved pasta water if needed, just to loosen the sauce so it glides across the penne or fettuccine. Right before serving, shower the Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh, chopped basil or parsley. The green pops against the creamy sauce and gives each bite a refreshing finish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Garnishing is more than just the finishing touch—it’s how you make every bowl of Marry Me Chicken Pasta look as inviting as it tastes. I love scattering a generous handful of freshly chopped basil or parsley right before serving. If you want to take things up another notch, grate a bit of extra Parmesan over the top for even richer flavor and a snowy, restaurant-worthy look.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few thoughtfully chosen sides can really round out your meal. Crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or oven-roasted broccoli all pair beautifully here. And, of course, a warm loaf of crusty bread is never out of place—perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luxurious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want your Marry Me Chicken Pasta to feel extra special, serve it straight from the skillet at the table for a rustic, cozy vibe. Or, try twirling the pasta into pretty nests on each plate, then topping with slices of chicken and a scatter of herbs. For family-style meals, pile everything onto a big platter and invite everyone to serve themselves. It’s a recipe that delivers both comfort and a little bit of drama!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Marry Me Chicken Pasta tastes fantastic the next day, so don’t worry if you have extra! Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. If possible, store the pasta, chicken, and sauce together so the flavors continue to mingle and get even better with time.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can be a bit finicky when frozen, this pasta generally holds up well for a comforting meal down the line. Simply cool the dish completely, then freeze portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, and stir well after reheating to bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer your Marry Me Chicken Pasta to a skillet or saucepan and warm gently over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth, cream, or even a little reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Stir frequently until heated through, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of herbs just like the first time.
FAQs
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special?
This recipe is all about the combination of juicy chicken, luscious cream sauce, and the little extras like sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. It delivers big, comforting flavors with very little effort, making any meal feel like a celebration.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine are traditional favorites, but you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. Just cook the pasta until al dente, so it holds up nicely in the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
Yes! You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or sub in light cream cheese for a slightly less rich sauce. Choose low-sodium chicken broth and watch the amount of added cheese for a little more control over the finished dish.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Cutting the chicken breasts into thin cutlets ensures quick, even cooking. Searing at a hot temperature and then finishing in the sauce keeps every piece juicy and packed with flavor.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prep the chicken and the sauce a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh before serving and toss everything together at the last minute for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re aiming to wow someone special or just need a little comfort in your week, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that never fails to impress. Invite your favorite people to the table, pile on the fresh herbs, and get ready for smiles all around. Go on—give it a try and let those irresistible flavors speak for themselves!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful dish with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken cutlets in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes over perfectly cooked pasta – it’s a dish that might just lead to a proposal!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other:
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sear the Chicken: Season and sear chicken cutlets until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, then stir in cream, broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Serve: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, toss to coat, and garnish with basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is called ‘Marry Me Chicken’ because it’s so good it might just earn you a proposal!
- To make it even more decadent, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 630mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
