If you are looking for a dish that blends creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors into one irresistible plate, then the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender slices of chicken bathed in a dreamy sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This recipe will charm your taste buds and might just make you want to invite someone special over for a meal that truly impresses.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but play crucial roles in building the vibrant textures and flavors that make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe so unforgettable. Each one adds depth, from the rich creaminess of Parmesan to the sunshine sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes.

Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly to cook quickly and stay juicy.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced to infuse the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped, adding a bold, tangy punch that balances the creaminess.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup to create a flavorful base for the sauce that’s light and savory.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup providing a luscious, velvety texture to the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated for that salty, nutty richness.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon to give the sauce a fragrant blend of herbs.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional) for a subtle kick of heat.
Pasta: 8 ounces, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work beautifully to hold the sauce.
Fresh Basil: For garnish, adding a bright, fresh contrast in flavor and color.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This seasoning step is key to flavorful pasta, so don’t skip it! Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside so it’s ready to absorb the rich sauce later.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your thinly sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown crust. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell that delightful aroma, about 30 seconds. Then fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to add tangy sweetness, cooking together for another minute to marry those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously, allowing the cheese to melt completely and create a smooth, creamy sauce. This is also the moment to sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you love a bit of heat. The sauce should thicken up nicely and smell incredible.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Pasta

Return those perfectly seared chicken slices to the skillet, nestling them gently into the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, taking care to toss everything together so each bite is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. This part is pure magic where all the elements come together.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Finally, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of vibrant green. Add extra Parmesan if you like things cheesier. Serve this delicious dish hot and watch smiles grow around your table.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is a must-have garnish for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe; it adds freshness and a lovely aroma. If you want to be extra fancy, a light drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few more sun-dried tomatoes on top can elevate the plate visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides that balance the richness. Consider a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread for mopping up sauce, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli to bring texture and color to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling beautifully around the chicken and pasta. You can also sprinkle finely chopped nuts like toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch and a nutty twist that surprises the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce thickens as it chills, so when reheated, you might want to stir in a splash of cream or broth to bring back that saucy luster.

Freezing

The creamy texture of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe does not always freeze well, as the dairy can separate. If you choose to freeze leftovers, separate the pasta and sauce, freezing them in airtight containers. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently with added cream or broth.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent curdling and sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, giving the dish a good stir between intervals. Adding a little extra chicken broth or cream during reheating will help maintain that perfect silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more juiciness and flavor, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are classic choices because their shapes hold onto the sauce exceptionally well, but feel free to use any pasta you love.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the richness of the sauce. You can omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is sun-dried tomato necessary?

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a distinct tangy sweetness that’s central to this dish’s character, but if you don’t have them, roasted red peppers can be a tasty substitute.

Final Thoughts

There is truly something special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a standout favorite in my kitchen. It combines comforting creaminess with bold, vibrant flavors in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or simply treating yourself to a dish that’s a bit more special, this recipe delivers warmth and deliciousness in abundance. Trust me, once you try it, it may just become your new signature dish!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and combined with a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, served over your choice of pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress guests.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season & Sear Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor—just reduce the olive oil slightly.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American