If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that simply melt in your mouth, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This irresistible pasta dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy and a serious craving for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each element plays an important role, from the juicy chicken breasts providing hearty protein to the creamy sauce that lovingly coats every strand of pasta.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness perfect for searing chicken and sautéing garlic.
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender after searing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an aromatic Mediterranean touch.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with its signature savory punch.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan with savory notes and creates the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety and indulgent.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a nutty, salty finish that ties the sauce together.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Contributes a tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): The perfect canvas to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package directions. This ensures the noodles are perfectly al dente, so they complement without getting mushy when tossed in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the savory components.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms up, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear them in the hot oil for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm to rest. This searing step locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust that makes every bite unforgettable.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes, cooking briefly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step wakes up the palate with aromatic hints. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, carefully scraping up all those delectable browned bits stuck to the bottom. Then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Toss in the drained pasta and stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are drenched in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to marry all the flavors beautifully. This final stage is where the magic happens — blending textures and tastes into one harmonious dish.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pasta with freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving. The herbs add a pop of vibrant green and refresh the palate, balancing the richness of the sauce and brightening up the presentation. Plus, it makes your creation look as enticing as it tastes — perfect for impressing guests or loved ones.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides such as a simple mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. The fresh veggies offer a nutritious counterpoint and bring contrasting textures without stealing the spotlight from your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful sun-dried tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil or sprinkle additional Parmesan over the top. If you’re feeling festive, add a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over for a burst of citrus that livens up the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce holds up nicely, while the chicken remains tender. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. To prevent the sauce from separating, it’s a good idea to undercook the pasta slightly before mixing, then finish cooking after thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe slowly over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce silky. Microwaving is convenient but may cause the cream to separate, so stir often if you choose that route.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat and tend to stay juicier, which can add extra flavor to your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs might take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
If you want a meatless option, try substituting the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce still shines, and you’ll get a satisfying texture that works beautifully without the meat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken are naturally gluten-free, making this dish easy to adapt without sacrificing flavor.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil are preferred because they add extra richness and can be sautéed with garlic to deepen the flavor. If you use dried ones, be sure to rehydrate them in warm water first and drain thoroughly.
How spicy is the sauce with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle, gentle heat meant to enhance the flavor, not overwhelm it. You can easily omit or adjust the amount to suit your taste, making the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe perfect for all spice levels.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those special meals that feels both comforting and impressive, perfect for any occasion where you want to share something incredible. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it effortlessly delivers a rich, creamy, and vibrant dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and discover why this recipe quickly became a beloved favorite in so many kitchens!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh herbs. This comforting American main course is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a romantic meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or pounded thin)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce. Simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and serve the dish warm for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and sauté them with the garlic at the beginning.
- You can substitute fresh spinach for added greens by stirring it into the sauce at the end until wilted.
- Chicken thighs may be used instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the pasta with gluten-free varieties.
