If you’re searching for a dish that checks all the boxes for flavor, comfort, and a touch of indulgence, Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just sweep you off your feet! This swoon-worthy pasta blends juicy, golden-browned chicken with a dreamy, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that effortlessly clings to every strand of pasta. Impossibly easy yet luxuriously special, it’s the kind of recipe that transforms any night into an occasion. Whether you’re out to impress or just want a cozy night in, Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers big on taste and charm every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s truly amazing how a handful of kitchen staples can come together for something so delicious and memorable. Each element in Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a flavorful job to do — from the savory chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy sauce that brings it all together.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Halved lengthwise for faster cooking and a beautifully tender bite.
- Olive oil: The key to that irresistible golden sear on the chicken and a subtle richness in the sauce.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every flavor in the entire dish.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of understated heat and complexity.
- Garlic powder: A cozy undertone that quietly enhances the seasoned chicken.
- Italian seasoning: The blend that makes everything taste a little more like an Italian vacation.
- Garlic (fresh & minced): Sautéed briefly to bring a fragrant, mouthwatering base to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze all those tasty brown bits from the pan.
- Heavy cream: Responsible for that ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce that feels like a hug.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): A salty, nutty finishing touch that melts right into the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (drained & chopped): Bursts of tangy-sweet, deeply concentrated tomato flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you like just a little hint of a zingy kick.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): A sturdy shape that really grabs on to every glossy drop of sauce.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish): Just a sprinkle wakes up the entire meal with color and freshness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente. The salted water infuses the pasta with flavor, and cooking it to al dente keeps it sturdy enough to hold up to the rich sauce later. Drain and set the pasta aside, but don’t forget to reserve about a half cup of the cooking water just in case you want to loosen up your sauce at the end.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta’s bubbling away, it’s time to give your chicken some love. Sprinkle the halved chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, add the chicken; cook for about 4–5 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden and fully cooked through. Patience is key here — that gorgeous crust is what makes every bite irresistible!
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce Base
After removing the cooked chicken to a plate, lower the skillet’s heat to medium and toss in the minced fresh garlic. Just thirty seconds is all it takes to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Immediately add the chicken broth, giving everything a good scrape to capture all those savory pan bits left behind by the chicken. That’s where so much flavor is hiding!
Step 4: Build That Creamy Dreamy Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and, if you’re up for a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer gently for three or four minutes — the sauce thickens, the cheese melts, and the sun-dried tomatoes release their tang golden magic.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Pasta
Slice the cooked chicken into strips, then return it to the simmering pan along with your cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the penne or fettuccine is thoroughly coated in that luscious sauce, and every piece of chicken feels right at home. If things feel a bit thick, just splash in a little reserved pasta water. Finish it all with a sprinkle of your favorite chopped fresh herbs, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to steal the show.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with a generous shower of fresh basil or parsley right before serving. A little bit of grated Parmesan never hurts either! These garnishes bring brightness to the rich sauce and help the dish feel restaurant-level special in just a few seconds.
Side Dishes
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a big hunk of warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of sauce. For a veggie-packed spread, try roasted asparagus or garlic-sautéed spinach as easy sides that won’t compete with the star flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is already a stunner, but you can up the wow factor by twirling individual portions of pasta in shallow bowls, topping with fanned chicken slices, and sprinkling with extra sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. For an elegant dinner party, serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta on a platter garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a fresh, colorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the Marry Me Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight and you might even discover a new favorite “next-day” lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. While the creamy sauce may separate slightly after thawing, a gentle stir during reheating helps bring it back together. Enjoy within two months for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet over medium-low heat and gently warm the pasta, stirring occasionally. This keeps the sauce velvety instead of sticky. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and use short bursts, stirring in between. Either way, you’ll be diving back into creamy comfort in no time.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs might take a smidge longer than breasts.
What type Main Course
Pen or fettuccine are classic choices because their shape and texture hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but honestly, any pasta you love (rotini, rigatoni, even spaghetti) can step in and taste fantastic.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken a few hours ahead, then rewarm and toss with freshly cooked pasta right before serving. You’ll have all the freshness with none of the last-minute stress.
How can I lighten up the recipe?
For a lighter take, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less Parmesan or swap for a lighter cheese. You can also add lots of veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for a fresher feel to Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Definitely! Use a rich non-dairy milk such as cashew or coconut cream, and opt for a plant-based Parmesan alternative. The texture and savoriness will still be dreamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is so much more than just a recipe — it’s a guaranteed mood-lifter that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or just treating yourself, each creamy, savory, sun-dried tomato-studded bite feels like a celebration. Trust me, this dish belongs at the top of your “must-cook” list. Go on, whip up a batch, and fall in love with the magic for yourself!
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: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. It’s a perfect recipe for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Additional:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Combine: Slice chicken, add it back to the skillet with cooked pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a bit of the oil to the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
