If you’re searching for a show-stopping yet easy meal that’s packed with bold, creamy flavor, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This is the kind of dish you fix when you want every forkful to feel both special and comforting—a dinner that brings everyone to the table and has them reaching for seconds. Juicy, seasoned chicken is nestled in a sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with perfectly al dente pasta, creating a harmony of tastes and textures you just can’t resist. Whether you serve this for a cozy weeknight, a romantic dinner, or to wow your closest friends, Marry Me Chicken Pasta will quickly become a star in your recipe collection.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of Marry Me Chicken Pasta’s magic is how it turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Each element plays its own role in layering richness, color, and a subtle kick to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Olive oil: Gives the chicken a golden sear and helps the aromatics bloom in flavor.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These cook up quickly and absorb all the creamy sauce beautifully—slice them for maximum flavor in every bite.
Salt: Essential for bringing every flavor to life. Don’t be afraid to season generously!
Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth, balancing the creaminess with just enough bite.
Garlic powder: Deepens the savory profile of the chicken, ensuring it’s anything but boring.
Red pepper flakes: A pinch provides an addictive, subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings savory aromatics and melds beautifully into the sauce.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the base of a sauce that’s both rich and light.
Heavy cream: The key to that luxuriously smooth, creamy sauce that’s impossible to stop eating.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Brings depth, saltiness, and that signature Italian tang.
Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Tiny bursts of sweet-tart flavor and gorgeous red color in each bite.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape—these soak up every drop of sauce.
Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—this way, it’ll hold its shape and soak up the sauce without turning mushy. Drain and set aside, ready for its creamy chicken companion.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts flat and halve them horizontally for even cooking. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest—this ensures it stays juicy.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, drop in your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, and gently scrape up any delicious browned bits from the pan—those are pure flavor! Let it come to a gentle simmer, which will become the tasty foundation of your sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Sauce

Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and the sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. The aroma is irresistible at this stage—you’ll see those sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with their gorgeous color.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Slice your rested chicken into bite-sized strips and return them to the skillet, nestling them into that creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss until every piece is coated and the flavors come together. Allow everything to simmer for another 2 minutes—just enough time for the pasta to soak up the sauce and the chicken to get even juicier. If you love a pop of freshness, shower everything with a handful of chopped basil right before serving. Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to turn any dinner into a celebration!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

This dish truly shines with a final sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, which adds a bright, herbal note that pops against the rich, creamy sauce. For an extra layer of flavor, try shaving or grating a little more Parmesan over each plate. If you adore a hint of heat, a light dusting of red pepper flakes gives the perfect finish.

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is also welcome at the table, perfect for sopping up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans make elegant, veggie-forward additions that complement without overpowering the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, try twirling the pasta with tongs onto each plate, nestling the chicken slices upright on top, and drizzling some extra sauce over everything. Serve in shallow bowls for that cozy, bistro look or arrange on a large platter for easy family-style sharing. If you’re serving for an occasion, garnish with edible flowers or a few whole basil leaves—simple, but memorable touches for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (let’s be honest, it doesn’t happen often!), store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully, making those next-day lunches extra delicious. Just make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing it up.

Freezing

Marry Me Chicken Pasta freezes surprisingly well, though the sauce may thicken as it sits. Transfer cooled pasta and sauce to an airtight, freezer-safe container and store for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir gently and heat until warmed through. Microwave reheating works in a pinch—cover loosely, heat in short bursts, and stir between each to avoid overcooking. Garnish with fresh basil or a bit more Parmesan to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and quick-cooking, boneless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They’re extra juicy and tender, and pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Is there a vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can easily swap out the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower to create a vegetarian-friendly Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Both soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, and sun-dried tomatoes keep the flavor bold and satisfying.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but the heat level is mild overall. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply reduce the amount. On the other hand, spice lovers can always toss in a little more to dial things up.

What’s the best pasta shape for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Penne and fettuccine are outstanding choices because they cradle the sauce. Short shapes like rigatoni or farfalle also work well, as do longer noodles if you prefer more of a twirl. Ultimately, use your favorite—this dish is all about comfort and delicious adaptability!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! Prepare the chicken, sauce, and pasta ahead, but keep them separate until just before serving. This helps maintain the ideal sauce texture and keeps the pasta from getting too soft. When ready, simply reheat everything together in the skillet and finish with fresh basil for a stunning, stress-free main course.

Final Thoughts

If ever a pasta dish could guarantee rave reviews, laughter at the table, and maybe a little romance in the air, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This recipe is proof that you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to make something truly special. Go ahead—give it a try, and let every creamy, savory forkful remind you why the best meals are often the simplest. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that will win over your taste buds. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For the Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

For Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season and sear the chicken in a skillet until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, add chicken broth, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer.
Combine and Serve: Slice the chicken, add back to skillet with pasta, toss to coat, and simmer briefly. Garnish with basil if desired.