If you’re looking for a dish so good it might just lead to a marriage proposal, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe to try! This creamy, rich, and flavor-packed pasta dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce to create a meal that’s simply irresistible.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! The creamy sauce, flavorful spices, and perfectly cooked pasta make it an ideal romantic dinner or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fresh basil (or 1/2 tsp dried basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional parmesan cheese
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze it.
- Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, oregano, and basil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta and mix everything together, coating the pasta in the sauce.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and creamy dish!
Read more: Best Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich Recipe
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – it should be juicy and tender.
- Add extra spice with more red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add tang and depth – don’t skip them!
- Fettuccine and penne work best for holding the creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- A fresh green salad
- A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They stay juicy and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If you need to prepare it in advance, store the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta and reheat before serving.
3. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
4. Can I Make It Lighter?
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese.
5. Is This Dish Spicy?
It has a slight kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or omitting them altogether.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings together rich flavors and creamy goodness in one dish. Whether you’re making it for a romantic date night or a cozy family dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Give this recipe a try, and who knows – it might just lead to a proposal! 💍🍝
Check out: Best Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
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Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. With its irresistible taste, this dish is said to be “so good, it might just inspire a proposal!” Perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half lengthwise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce & Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
4. Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the pan.
- Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Romantic Dinner, Easy Chicken Pasta