This rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken in a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The dish is so flavorful and comforting that it might just win hearts—hence the name! Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this pasta is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly creamy – A luxurious Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Full of flavor – A perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and spices.
- Easy to make – Simple steps with restaurant-quality results.
- Great for any occasion – Perfect for date night or a weeknight meal.
- Customizable – Works with different pasta types and protein choices.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the fresh basil and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 550 kcal per serving
Variations
- Use a different pasta – Swap fettuccine or penne with linguine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Make it lighter – Substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add more veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up – Increase the red pepper flakes for a little more heat.
- Try another protein – Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop to maintain the sauce’s texture.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The dish is said to be so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal!
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great. Just add it to the sauce before mixing with pasta.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
4. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, use half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
5. How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add a little reserved pasta water or chicken broth to maintain a smooth consistency.
6. Is this dish spicy?
Not really, but the red pepper flakes add a subtle kick. You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
7. Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and check that your seasonings are gluten-free.
8. What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pairs beautifully.
9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook it just until golden and no longer pink inside, and let it rest before slicing.
10. Can I add cheese besides Parmesan?
Absolutely! Pecorino Romano or Asiago would be delicious alternatives.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal, it’s sure to impress. Try it with your favorite variations and enjoy a rich, indulgent pasta that’s bound to be a hit!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish!
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. With bold flavors, a velvety texture, and a touch of spice, this dish is perfect for date night or a cozy family meal. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious—this pasta might just win hearts!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir and let simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
3. Combine Everything:
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the fresh basil and stir to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss until well combined.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Serve:
- Garnish with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Pasta Options: Try linguine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
- More Heat: Increase red pepper flakes for spice.
- Protein Swaps: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
