If you are searching for a pasta dish that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious and comforting meal combines tender chicken, a dreamy parmesan-infused sauce, and fresh bursts of cherry tomatoes all tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile and has you dreaming about it long after the last bite. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. From the juicy chicken to the fresh parsley, every component adds something special.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Perfect for tender, protein-packed bites throughout the dish.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Elevates every other flavor, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without overpowering.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that imbue the chicken with Mediterranean warmth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering that signature creamy texture.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Balances richness with savory undertones and a touch of moisture.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fresh punch of aromatic flavor when sautéed.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings vibrant color and juicy bursts that brighten the dish.
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly while providing a satisfying bite.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh herbal note and lovely green contrast at the end.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. This step is essential to ensure your noodles are perfectly al dente, providing the right texture to complement the rich and creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it ready to mingle with all the delicious components later on.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
While your pasta is cooking, season the diced chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heating up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken pieces and cook them until they develop a golden exterior and are cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juicy flavor and ensures each bite is tender, making the chicken a standout protein in this creamy creation. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily.
Step 3: Make the sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant but not burnt. Then, stir in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to start thickening. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes lushly creamy and slightly thickened—the magic moment where all ingredients come alive together.
Step 4: Combine chicken and tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and the perfectly cooked chicken back into the skillet with your sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step lets the tomatoes soften just enough to release a touch of their sweetness while infusing the sauce with fresh bursts of flavor, and it warms the chicken back through, ensuring every element is harmoniously hot and delicious.
Step 5: Toss the pasta
Finally, add your cooked pasta right into the skillet and toss everything thoroughly. This ensures every strand of fettuccine is luxuriously coated in the creamy sauce, studded with tender chicken and juicy tomatoes. The key here is to combine with care while the sauce is still hot so it clings beautifully to the pasta, making each forkful buttery and rich.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Once the pasta is perfectly coated and piping hot, transfer it to plates and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This final flourish adds a touch of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish wonderfully. Now, you’re ready to dive into your luscious creamy masterpiece!
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding not just a splash of color but also a subtle freshness that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. For a little extra flair, a light sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or some cracked black pepper on top can take the experience up another notch, making every bite even more enjoyable.
Side Dishes
This delightful creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides that won’t overshadow it. Consider serving alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a nutritious crunch. Warm, crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic companion, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests visually, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls rather than on a shared plate. Garnish with whole cherry tomatoes and a sprig of parsley for a pop of color and elegance. For a cozy dinner party vibe, place small ramekins of freshly grated Parmesan on the table so everyone can customize their dish just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of this creamy goodness, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, making this recipe great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. Just know that the sauce might thicken up, so be ready to loosen it slightly when reheating.
Freezing
Though this dish tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Transfer the pasta and sauce into a freezer-safe container and seal tightly. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe slowly over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This helps revive its original silky texture. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly without overcooking the chicken or drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional here because it holds the creamy sauce so well, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work beautifully. Just cook your pasta according to package directions and toss it with the sauce as instructed.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe?
Yes! You can skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even artichoke hearts for a delicious vegetarian twist. The creamy, cheesy sauce remains the star and pairs perfectly with these veggies.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free adaptation, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a well-blended cashew cream, and try nutritional yeast as a Parmesan alternative. The taste will vary slightly, but it can still be wonderfully rich and satisfying.
How spicy is the dish?
The Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe is mild and flavorful without heat. If you love a bit of spice, add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce to give it a gentle kick that complements the creaminess.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weeknight meal that feels indulgent without demanding too much time in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe that brings comfort, joy, and a touch of elegance to your dinner table. From the first forkful to the last, this dish delivers rich, satisfying flavors that are easy to prepare and impossible to resist. Give it a try for your next meal—it might just become your new favorite pasta indulgence!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish featuring tender diced chicken cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes. This quick and easy pasta recipe is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner, combining simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Cook the chicken: Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine chicken and tomatoes: Add the cherry tomatoes and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften slightly.
- Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it thoroughly to coat every strand in the rich, creamy sauce until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy Marry Me Pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting, flavorful meal!
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer before adding the pasta.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the sauce more than pre-grated varieties.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
