Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress with its smooth, luscious texture and irresistible flavor, the Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is calling your name. This recipe brings together perfectly seared chicken, silky cream sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and tender farfalle pasta to create a dish that feels decadent yet surprisingly approachable for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this pasta masterpiece wraps you in comfort with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. From the tender chicken breasts to the rich Parmesan cheese, these simple ingredients come together to elevate an everyday pasta dish into something truly spectacular.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that gets wonderfully juicy when perfectly seasoned and seared.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing all the flavors throughout the dish.
• Olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
• Garlic powder: Delivers warm, savory notes that infuse the chicken and sauce.
• Onion powder: Lends mild sweetness that rounds out the seasoning.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean flavors to the dish.
• Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce, adding depth without heaviness.
• Heavy cream: Creates the rich, luscious texture that makes this pasta impossible to resist.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a tangy sweetness and vibrant color that brightens the creamy sauce.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce for that quintessential cheesy tang.
• Farfalle (bowtie) pasta: Its shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly with each forkful.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, herbal hint that elevates the finished dish beautifully.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that contrasts wonderfully with the creaminess.

How to Make Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This step is the foundation for infusing the chicken with bold flavors that carry throughout the dish.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 5 to 6 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden crust and cook through. Once done, set the chicken aside—your sauce base awaits!

Step 3: Sauté the Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes to release their sweet, tangy aroma, which is key to balancing the richness of the cream.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, which allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening gracefully.

Step 5: Melt in the Parmesan

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy delight that clings beautifully to your pasta.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the farfalle pasta in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside—this pasta is ready to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 7: Slice and Simmer the Chicken

Slice the seared chicken into strips and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the creamy sauce flavors.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything gently until each piece of farfalle is luxuriously coated in the rich sauce.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Garnish your creation with fresh basil leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This final flourish lifts the dish with color and a burst of brightness.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Serve your Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe immediately while it’s warm and fragrant for the most indulgent experience. Trust me, it’s worth savoring every single bite.

How to Serve Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves add a vibrant pop of green and a fresh, peppery note that cuts through the richness beautifully. If you enjoy a touch of heat, a sprinkling of red pepper flakes brings a subtle spice that elevates the flavors without overpowering them.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus for a bit of earthiness and crunch. Garlic bread also makes a fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, twirling the farfalle neatly and placing chicken strips artfully on top. Garnish with basil and red pepper flakes for color and a welcoming aroma. Alternatively, bake the assembled pasta with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The rich creamy sauce holds up well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal again without losing any of its comforting flavors.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Be mindful that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, but with gentle reheating and stirring, they return to their delicious creamy state.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low to medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This ensures the texture stays smooth and inviting, just like the first time you made this Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work beautifully as well. Just choose a pasta shape that can trap the sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for coconut cream or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be different but still deliciously creamy.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken breasts are done when their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). They should also have a golden-brown crust and feel firm to the touch but not dry.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can season and sear the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. Also, pre-chopping sun-dried tomatoes helps speed up cooking, but for best flavor, make the sauce fresh just before serving.

What can I substitute if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes work well as alternatives, providing a touch of sweetness and texture. Just make sure they’re well drained to avoid watering down the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Rich Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough for entertaining, making it one of my absolute favorites to share. Give it a try and watch how this stunning creamy pasta becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen and heart.

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