Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Seals The Deal

Succulent chicken drizzled with a creamy marry me chicken pasta sauce might just spark romantic culinary magic.

Tender pieces of poultry nestle perfectly among al dente noodles.

Herbs and spices dance through each delectable bite.

Mediterranean influences shine brightly in this irresistible dish.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes every forkful memorable.

Sun-dried tomatoes bring unexpected brightness to the plate.

You won’t be able to resist sharing this incredible meal with someone special.

What Makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta Irresistible

• Simplify Cooking: Master this restaurant-worthy dish with basic kitchen skills and minimal ingredients.
• Satisfy Cravings Quickly: Prepare a gourmet-style meal in less than a single hour from start to finish.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a restaurant-quality pasta that looks and tastes sophisticated without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Used in Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.

• Pasta, Chicken Broth: Classic ingredients that create a satisfying and comforting meal.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that add depth and a subtle kick of heat to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking oil that helps sauté the chicken and garlic.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides a rich and pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a concentrated, sweet, and tangy element to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that helps thicken and enrich the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy texture for the sauce.
• Fresh Basil: A bright and fresh herb used for garnishing and adding a final layer of flavor.

Steps to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set the pasta aside, keeping it warm and ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sear Juicy Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through.

Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Unleash Garlic Magic

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it becomes wonderfully aromatic, releasing its incredible flavor.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Red pepper flakes

Stir and simmer the mixture until it transforms into a thick, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add the prepared pasta and gently toss until every single piece is beautifully coated with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish With Fresh Flair

Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Serve immediately while the pasta is piping hot and irresistible.

Handy Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm bite and prevent mushiness when mixing with sauce.
• Keep heat low and stir sauce continuously to ensure smooth, creamy consistency without curdling.
• Toast sun-dried tomatoes briefly before adding to sauce to intensify their rich, concentrated taste.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta for dietary needs.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein option that complements the creamy sauce.

Fun Ways to Change Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Incorporate sautéed cremini mushrooms and swap Italian seasoning for fresh thyme to create an earthy, rich variation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with crispy pan-fried tofu or roasted chickpeas, maintaining the creamy sauce's signature taste.
• Seafood Version: Replace chicken with seared shrimp or scallops, enhancing the dish with a light, ocean-inspired essence while keeping the original sauce's core ingredients.

Best Dishes to Serve with Chicken Pasta

• Savor Wine Pairings: Crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
• Create Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce, adding a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Boost Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness, providing a fresh, peppery counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Elevate Dessert Match: Follow with a light, tangy lemon sorbet or tiramisu to conclude the meal, offering a refreshing end that complements the dish's creamy and savory profile.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta and chicken are completely cooled before sealing.

Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.

Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta really romantic?

This dish earned its name because it’s so delicious that it could potentially make someone fall in love with your cooking skills. The creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken create an irresistible combination.

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with traditional pasta, you can easily swap in penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni to suit your preference or what you have in your pantry.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick without overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit them completely for a milder flavor profile.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta delivers an irresistible Italian-inspired dinner that promises romance on every forkful. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll want to savor slowly and share with someone special.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or bowtie)

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain and reserve a small amount of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with Italian herbs, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, ensuring even coating.
3. Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board while preparing sauce.
5. Reduce skillet heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to enhance sauce flavor.
7. Whisk in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, allowing mixture to simmer and gradually thicken for 3-4 minutes.
8. Slice rested chicken into thin strips and return to the skillet with sauce.
9. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated and heated through.
10. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is al dente by cooking slightly less than package instructions to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
• Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for even cooking and faster preparation time.
• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and check broth ingredients for celiac-friendly adaptation of the recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 530
• Sugar: 3.6 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 22.4 g
• Saturated Fat: 8.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45.8 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 38.2 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg