Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe For Magical Nights

Creamy and indulgent, this marry me chicken pasta recipe promises to sweep you off your feet with its irresistible flavors.

Tender chicken bathed in a luxurious sauce captures the essence of romantic dining at home.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a vibrant burst of tanginess that perfectly complements the rich, velvety cream.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a decadent coating that clings to every strand of pasta.

Fresh basil sprinkled on top brings a bright, herbal note that elevates the entire dish.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your heart skip a beat.

You won’t be able to resist the charm of this culinary love letter on a plate.

FAQs

  • What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so popular?

It combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors that create an irresistibly delicious meal perfect for date nights or family dinners.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust or omit them to control the spice level according to your preference.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with most pasta shapes, fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that hold the creamy sauce well.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this dish?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly. With basic cooking techniques like searing chicken and making a simple sauce, anyone can successfully prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Dinner Table Hit: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Quicken Kitchen Magic: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy flavors that appeal to both adults and picky eaters, making family dinner a delightful experience.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or impressing guests with minimal preparation and maximum taste satisfaction.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Reduces cleanup time and simplifies cooking process by using a single pan for preparing this delectable pasta dish.

What You Need for Chicken Pasta Night

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender pieces of meat that form the protein base of this delicious pasta dish.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: The hearty foundation that carries the rich, creamy sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor and help in cooking the chicken.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense, sweet-tangy flavor that brings a rich Mediterranean touch to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds savory richness to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety texture for the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides classic Italian flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle, warm heat to the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Herbs: Bright, fresh topping that adds color and aromatic finish to the dish.

Directions for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping the pasta warm.

Step 2: Sear Chicken To Golden Perfection

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms on both sides.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce Base

In the same skillet, add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Sauté until fragrant.

Pour in:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir ingredients and sprinkle Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken With Sauce

Return seared chicken to the skillet.

Simmer gently until chicken is completely cooked through and sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated with the decadent sauce.

Step 6: Serve With Final Touches

Transfer to serving plates.

Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley.

Serve immediately while piping hot.

Tips for Rich, Flavorful Chicken Pasta

  • Select fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result.
  • Sear chicken quickly on high heat and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a richer texture or adding more broth if too thick.
  • Modify red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, reducing or increasing for personal taste.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley just before serving to boost aromatic flavors and visual appeal.

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fans

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based protein alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain creamy texture and flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy sauce.

Serving Chicken Pasta for Special Nights

  • Date Night Delight: Perfect for a romantic dinner at home, this pasta transforms an ordinary evening into a memorable culinary experience.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating: Arrange the pasta on elegant white plates, twirling noodles strategically and placing seared chicken on top with a generous sauce drizzle.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the creamy, rich flavors with a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that balances the dish's subtle spiciness and sun-dried tomato tanginess.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh dimension and elevate the visual appeal of the dish.

Best Storage for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
  • Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream-based sauce is used, as it may separate.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta delivers a romantic Italian-inspired culinary experience that promises to enchant dinner guests. Rich parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce create an irresistible combination you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 23 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Garnish:

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then generously season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and quickly sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor.
  6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
  7. Gently return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the meat. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to ensure chicken is heated through and sauce reaches desired consistency.
  8. Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing carefully to coat each strand evenly.
  9. Plate immediately, topping with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil or parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy sauce flavor.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising the delicious texture and taste.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance overall caramelization.
  • Add a splash of white wine during sauce preparation to introduce deeper complexity and richness to the flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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