Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, dreamy dish pairs tender, golden chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and a velvety Parmesan sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of dinner that wins hearts, whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself after a long day. With flavor-packed ingredients and a one-pan approach, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is destined to become your new go-to for cozy nights in and celebratory meals alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each bring their own magic to the table. From the richness of cream to the tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes, every component plays a starring role in taste, texture, or color.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for quick, even cooking and juicy bites every time.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden sear on the chicken.
- Salt: Seasons every layer for a balanced, savory flavor.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with mellow, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika: Brings gentle heat and a lovely color to the chicken.
- Fresh garlic: Adds an irresistible punch when sautéed in the skillet.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a sweet, tangy burst that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy sauce you’ll want to scoop up with bread.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and deepens the savory notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for cheesy, salty goodness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a subtle kick of heat.
- Pasta (fettuccine or penne): Choose your favorite shape to cradle the sauce and chicken.
- Fresh basil or parsley: A finishing touch of color and freshness that makes the whole dish pop.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by tossing your sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This quick seasoning is key for building layers of flavor right from the beginning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and lay in the chicken strips. Let them sizzle away for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden on the outside and perfectly cooked through. Set the chicken aside on a plate—you’ll bring it back later!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet (no need to wash it—you want all those tasty browned bits!), add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for just a minute or two, letting their flavors bloom and fill your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. The sun-dried tomatoes will soften and infuse the oil, creating a sweet and savory base for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, using your spoon to gently scrape up any golden bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring everything to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld together. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it thickens slightly and turns silky.
Step 4: Combine Everything and Finish
Now it’s time for the magic: return your cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked and drained pasta. Toss everything together, making sure each noodle and piece of chicken is cloaked in that luscious sauce. Warm everything through for a minute or two, then get ready to serve—don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh basil or parsley really brightens up Marry Me Chicken Pasta, both in color and flavor. For extra decadence, add a little more grated Parmesan right before serving, or a drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil if you have it on hand. It’s all about those little touches that make each bowl feel special.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and deeply satisfying, so keep sides simple. A crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables make perfect partners, offering a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. And let’s be honest: warm, crusty bread for mopping up that extra sauce is always a good idea!
Creative Ways to Present
Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines as a main course, but you can get creative with how you plate it. Try serving it in individual bowls with a big swirl of pasta and chicken on top, or arrange it family-style in a large platter for sharing. For date night, light a few candles and pair with your favorite wine to turn dinner into a real occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. Transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze portions, let the pasta cool completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just note that the sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it comes right back together with a gentle reheat and a splash of cream or broth.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir well as it heats, and your Marry Me Chicken Pasta will taste just as creamy and delicious as the day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and add even more flavor. Just slice them into strips and cook as directed for a succulent twist on Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Fettuccine and penne are both fantastic choices because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well, but you can use any pasta you love or have on hand. Even spaghetti or rigatoni works great!
Is there a way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or spinach, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce is so flavorful that you won’t miss the meat at all.
Can I make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely. Prepare everything up to tossing the pasta and chicken in the sauce, then store separately. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, add the chicken and pasta, and finish with fresh herbs for a just-cooked taste.
How spicy is this recipe?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is mild as written, but you can easily dial up the heat by increasing the red pepper flakes. Or, leave them out entirely if you prefer a gentler flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become such a beloved recipe—it’s comforting, flavorful, and destined to impress every time. Whether you’re making it for someone special or just to treat yourself, I hope you’ll give this creamy, dreamy pasta a try and let it work its magic in your kitchen!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with your choice of fettuccine or penne pasta. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 1/2 pound pasta (fettuccine or penne), cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the spices for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze the pan and lift all the flavorful bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet along with the cooked and drained pasta. Toss everything gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a splash of the oil to the sauce.
- Substitute chicken with shrimp if preferred, or replace the chicken with spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Leftover pasta reheats well; add a splash of cream or chicken broth when reheating to maintain sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
