If you’re searching for a dinner that oozes both comfort and wow-factor, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This dish takes juicy seared chicken, tosses it in a creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, and twirls it all up with silky pasta. The result is a showstopper that’s downright craveable—whether you’re serving it on a weeknight or for a date night where you want to seriously impress. The one-pan sauce clings to every bite, providing layers of flavor and a touch of romance in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is refreshingly simple but so essential—every item brings something special, from richness and savory depth to color and fragrance. Don’t be tempted to skip a thing; it’s the combination that creates magic!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and perfectly supple; they soak up all the buttery, creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For a golden, flavorful sear—use a good quality for best results.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning at every step so every ingredient shines.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and finishes each bite with mild heat.
- Garlic powder: Brings that deep, mellow garlic flavor right into the chicken.
- Paprika: Lends earthiness plus a gorgeous warm hue to your chicken.
- Garlic (fresh cloves): Nothing beats real garlic for aromatic “wow” when the skillet hits the heat.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and builds a savory base for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The magic behind that luscious texture—don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty, salty depth to every swirl of pasta.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): Bursts of tangy-sweet flavor and beautiful color—don’t drain too much oil off, those bits add extra richness!
- Italian seasoning: A classic mix that immediately reminds you of your favorite trattoria.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite; both shapes capture the sauce wonderfully.
- Fresh basil (optional): Chopped basil adds a fresh, peppery finish—highly recommended if you have some on hand.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil and cook your penne or fettuccine until perfectly al dente—just follow the package instructions. When it’s done, drain and set aside, tossing gently with a touch of olive oil if you want to keep the noodles from sticking. This step can be done first so your pasta is ready to dive into that creamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, massaging those spices in for full flavor. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering, then add your chicken. Let each side develop a deep golden crust (about 4 to 5 minutes per side) without moving them around too much. Once cooked through, remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Build the Sauce
In the same skillet—don’t wipe it clean!—drop in the minced fresh garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up those rich, browned bits from the pan. Now add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning; give it a good stir. Let everything simmer for around 5 minutes until thickened and irresistibly creamy.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add in your cooked pasta. Toss everything together so the sauce coats each strand or piece. Let it all simmer together for another 2–3 minutes—this lets the pasta drink up the sauce and the chicken stay extra juicy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Take a moment to check seasoning; add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. If you’re using fresh basil, sprinkle it generously over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped basil is my absolute favorite topper—its color and aroma are the perfect finishing touch. Add extra grated Parmesan for that classic cheesy crown, or a flutter of red pepper flakes if you want to give each bite a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta loves simple sides: a crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette is fantastic, as is some warm garlic bread to mop up those pools of sauce. For something veggie-forward, roasted broccoli or sautéed spinach nestles beautifully onto the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve the pasta family-style in a big, gorgeous serving dish with the chicken fanned on top, or plate it in individual bowls with a dramatic swoosh of sauce. You can also fill pasta shells or stuff cooked rigatoni with the chicken and sauce, then broil briefly for a fun baked take!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Marry Me Chicken Pasta left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce may thicken a little, but the flavors actually deepen, making the next-day bites just as delicious!
Freezing
This dish freezes pretty well—let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Give it a good stir and maybe a splash of extra cream or broth when reheating.
Reheating
Gently rewarm Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a spoonful of cream or broth to revive the silky texture. For smaller servings, the microwave works too, just use a lower power setting and stir halfway through to keep everything creamy and luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy and offer even more flavor. Just trim excess fat, and make sure they’re cooked through before slicing and adding back to the sauce.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine with freshly cooked pasta right before serving. Reheat the sauce gently and thin with a little broth if needed.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan, try roasted red peppers chopped finely, or fresh cherry tomatoes cooked down a little before adding. Both will add color and a touch of sweetness that compliments the creamy sauce.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?
While the base recipe is mild, you can always add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or even some hot paprika, for a gentle background heat that won’t overwhelm.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Lower, gentle heat is key; add a splash of heavy cream, half-and-half, or chicken broth while stirring constantly. This helps “loosen” the sauce and keeps things creamy without any graininess.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly memorable meal, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it—it’s pure comfort, loaded with flavor, and makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Gather your ingredients, share it with someone you love, and just wait for the compliments to pour in!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a romantic dinner. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together with pasta for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Other:
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Slice chicken, add to sauce with pasta. Toss to coat. Simmer briefly. Garnish with basil.
- Serve: Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce or spinach instead of sun-dried tomatoes.
- For added heat, include red pepper flakes in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
