Take dinner to enchanting new heights with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish that lives up to its swoon-worthy name. Imagine golden, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled in a creamy, Parmesan-laced sauce that’s studded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice. Tossed with tender pasta and fresh basil, this recipe is both comforting and undeniably elegant—just the kind of meal you’ll want to share with someone special or treat yourself to on a cozy night in. Whether you’re wooing a new love or simply craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to make hearts (and taste buds) flutter.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Marry Me Chicken Pasta plays a starring role in creating its irresistible flavor and creamy, dreamy texture. These simple staples come together in surprisingly magical ways—each adds something unique, from color and richness to depth and brightness.

Chicken Breasts: Lean, boneless, and skinless cuts soak up all the savory sauce while staying juicy and tender.
Olive Oil: Adds a rich base for cooking the chicken and infuses the dish with Mediterranean flair.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every layer of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Brings herby depth and a warm, familiar aroma that ties the sauce together.
Garlic: Fragrant and bold, sautéed garlic is the flavor spark that makes the sauce pop.
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and adds savory backbone—substitute half with white wine for extra depth.
Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to scoop up with every bite of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it melts into the sauce for a signature cheesy richness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet, tart, and chewy for little bursts of flavor and cheerful color in every forkful.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a touch adds subtle heat and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
Pasta (Penne or Favorite): The vehicle for capturing every drop of sauce—short tubes or shapes work especially well.
Fresh Basil (Optional): A shower of chopped basil brings freshness and a pop of green at the finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice—penne is classic for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, but feel free to use your favorite shape. Cook until al dente according to the package directions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. This way, it will be ready to swoop into the creamy sauce as soon as your chicken is cooked and sliced.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, take your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Make sure to coat them evenly on both sides. Seasoning the chicken at this stage locks in flavor and ensures each bite is delicious, right from the start.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil. Once it shimmers, lay your seasoned chicken breasts in gently. Cook them for 6–7 minutes per side, turning just once so you get that golden, flavorful crust. When they’re done, remove from the skillet and let them rest—you’ll slice and add them back later so they soak in all the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), add the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any golden bits left in the pan—that’s pure flavor. Now, lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce gently thickens and the cheese melts into silky perfection.

Step 5: Finish and Toss

Slice your resting chicken into bite-sized strips, then return them to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until every noodle and chicken piece is beautifully coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like, then serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm and watch the smiles light up around your table.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all about freshness and a little sparkle. Scatter chopped fresh basil or a handful of flat-leaf parsley over the top right before serving. For extra decadence, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few shavings on each bowl. Even a twist of freshly ground black pepper adds a final pop of aroma and flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with simple, bright sides that balance its richness. A crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette is always a hit, or opt for garlicky sautéed spinach or broccolini. Warm, crusty bread is practically a must, especially for mopping up the sauce that inevitably collects at the bottom of your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your loved ones by swirling the pasta onto plates with tongs, then artistically arranging the chicken slices over the top. For dinners with friends, try serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a large, rustic bowl in the center of the table family-style—let everyone help themselves. You can even garnish each plate with a sun-dried tomato and a fresh basil leaf for a bit of restaurant-worthy flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Marry Me Chicken Pasta left, lucky you—it’s just as wonderful the next day. Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mellow overnight, making lunch or dinner even more irresistible.

Freezing

While cream-based pastas are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta if needed. Cool it completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating also works—just be sure to cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, so everything warms evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful alternative and work beautifully in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs often take a little longer to cook through.

What other types of pasta can I use?

Feel free to swap in rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti—just pick a hearty pasta shape that can carry the creamy sauce and chicken. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is delicious with just about any noodle you have on hand.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, and it’s simple! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free (most are), and you have yourself a comforting gluten-free Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I add veggies or other mix-ins?

Definitely. Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even steamed broccoli make tasty additions. Fold them in during the last few minutes of simmering so everything mingles nicely without getting soggy.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

It has just a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste. Leave them out for a mild sauce, or add an extra pinch if you want more of a kick!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re out to impress or simply want to savor something special for yourself, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that turns any night into an occasion. Give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love at first bite!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a luxurious cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Sauce:

3 garlic cloves (minced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional:

8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic. Add chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Slice chicken, return to skillet. Add pasta, toss to coat. Top with basil and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use white wine instead of half the chicken broth.
This dish can be enhanced with spinach or mushrooms added towards the end of cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American