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Have you ever made a dish so incredibly delicious that it could inspire a proposal? That’s exactly how Marry Me Chicken Pasta got its name—it’s that irresistible! I first tried a version of this creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta at a friend’s dinner party, and let’s just say, it stole the show. The tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that rich sauce had everyone asking for seconds, and I knew I had to recreate it at home. What I love most about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how it combines comfort food vibes with a gourmet twist, making it perfect for date nights or weeknight wins. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that feels special, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is going to become your new go-to—trust me, I’ve made it a dozen times and it never disappoints.
In my experience, the key to nailing this dish is balancing the tangy sun-dried tomatoes with creamy Parmesan, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. I’ve tweaked it over time to make it quicker without losing flavor, and now it’s a staple in my kitchen. Here’s the thing: you don’t need fancy skills to pull off Marry Me Chicken Pasta; just follow along, and you’ll have a meal that’ll have your loved ones swooning. I’m excited to share this recipe with you—let’s get cooking!
Key Takeaways:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- This one-pan wonder minimizes cleanup while delivering restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients.
- The sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce creates an addictive richness that elevates everyday chicken and pasta.
- For best results, use fresh garlic and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to amp up the flavors.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Why You’ll Adore This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Irresistible Flavor Explosion: Imagine tender chicken bites swimming in a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce—it’s pure magic on a plate. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta bursts with savory garlic, tangy tomatoes, and nutty Parmesan that meld together beautifully. You’ll find yourself savoring every forkful, wondering how something so simple tastes this gourmet.
Quick and Effortless Prep: I know how hectic life can get, so I designed this recipe to come together in about 25 minutes from start to finish. No fussing over multiple pots or complicated steps—just sauté, simmer, and serve. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro chef without the stress.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a family gathering, Marry Me Chicken Pasta fits right in. The comforting pasta base paired with elegant flavors makes it crowd-pleasing and adaptable. Plus, it’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites but light on effort.
Healthier Twists Possible: Don’t let the creaminess fool you; you can lighten it up with swaps like Greek yogurt for cream. I’ve experimented, and it still delivers that wow factor. It’s rewarding to enjoy something indulgent yet customizable to your needs.
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star protein here, providing juicy tenderness when seared just right. I always slice them thinly for quicker cooking and even flavor absorption in the sauce. In Marry Me Chicken Pasta, they soak up the creamy tomato goodness, making each bite succulent and satisfying. Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken to elevate the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of sweet-tangy intensity that defines the sauce’s character. Rehydrate them if they’re oil-packed for extra richness, or use dry ones soaked in hot water. They’re what give Marry Me Chicken Pasta its signature “marry me” appeal—irresistibly bold without overpowering. Chop them finely for even distribution throughout the pasta.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan: The duo creates a luscious, silky sauce that coats everything perfectly. Heavy cream brings creaminess, while fresh-grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth. In this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, they balance the acidity of the tomatoes beautifully, resulting in a sauce that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Use full-fat for the best texture—it’s worth it!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian herbs—it’s a simple step that builds incredible flavor from the get-go. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally to get even browning. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines when the chicken is juicy, so don’t overcook it; remove it to a plate once it hits 165°F internally. The aroma alone will have your kitchen smelling like an Italian bistro, and trust me, patience here pays off in tenderness.
Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Using the same skillet for maximum flavor, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 30 seconds, no more, to prevent burning. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute, letting their oils release into the pan. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up those tasty browned bits, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and bubbly. Reduce the heat to simmer for 3-4 minutes, tasting and adjusting seasoning; the sauce should thicken slightly, coating the back of a spoon beautifully. Sensory-wise, watch for that glossy sheen and inhale the garlicky, tomatoey bliss—it’s when you know Marry Me Chicken Pasta is coming together perfectly.
Combine with Pasta and Serve
Meanwhile, boil your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente—don’t rinse it, as the starch helps the sauce cling. Drain and add the hot pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, tossing everything gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors. If it seems thick, splash in a bit of pasta water for silkiness. This final step in Marry Me Chicken Pasta ensures every strand is enveloped in that dreamy sauce; garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan for a pop of color and freshness. Plate it up hot, and you’ve got a dish ready to impress—simple as that!
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Instructions
- Season and sear chicken in olive oil until golden, about 5 minutes per side; set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then add broth, cream, and Parmesan; simmer until thickened.
- Cook pasta al dente, drain, and toss with sauce and chicken; heat through and serve garnished.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken first locks in juices and adds depth—it’s what makes this dish sing.
Fresh Grated Cheese: Use real Parmesan, not pre-shredded, for smoother sauce without that gritty texture.
Pasta Water Magic: Reserve some cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed; it emulsifies everything perfectly.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and totals around 550 calories per portion, balancing indulgence with satisfaction.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can vary in saltiness, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
- For gluten-free, swap regular pasta with your favorite GF alternative—it works seamlessly.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for the creamiest consistency.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating—it’ll last up to 3 days. For freezing, portion it out; it holds well for a month, though the cream might separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess, avoiding the microwave to prevent uneven heating. I’ve found this method keeps the flavors intact for quick weeknight meals.
Customizing Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re watching carbs, try swapping half the pasta for zucchini noodles—they add a fresh crunch that pairs wonderfully. For a spicy kick, stir in red pepper flakes during the sauce step, or use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. Vegetarians can sub tofu or mushrooms for the chicken, maintaining that hearty feel. In my Marry Me Chicken Pasta experiments, adding spinach at the end wilts beautifully and boosts nutrition without altering the core magic—check out our chicken broccoli rice casserole for more veggie inspo.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding freshness to balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are ideal for sopping up extras—simple and satisfying. For drinks, pair with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or keep it casual with iced tea. If you’re feeding a crowd, these sides round out the meal without overwhelming the star, the pasta.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a delightful meal.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 02 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 03 ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 04 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 05 1 Tablespoon butter
- 06 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 07 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 08 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 09 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 11 ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ½ teaspoon pepper
- 13 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 15 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 16 Basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add butter and chicken, season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until sauce thickens.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta, toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prep the components like cooking the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance, then refrigerate separately. When ready, reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep it al dente. This method saves time without sacrificing texture—I’ve done it for potlucks with great results.
How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Beyond that, the cream sauce might separate, but it’s still safe if reheated carefully. Always check for off smells before enjoying leftovers.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Not inherently, due to the pasta, but it’s easy to adapt with gluten-free noodles. Ensure your broth and other ingredients are GF-certified too. It comes out just as delicious—try it for a worry-free option.
What’s the origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta stems from the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, adapted into a pasta dish for extra heartiness. The name comes from its wow-factor flavors that supposedly inspire proposals. Dive deeper with our original Marry Me Chicken recipe for the backstory.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, whole milk works in a pinch, but the sauce will be thinner—stir in a bit of cornstarch slurry for thickness. Half-and-half is another good middle ground. It still tastes amazing, just lighter overall.
How do I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic for heat that builds nicely. For extra kick, a dash of hot sauce in the sauce ties it in without overpowering the sun-dried tomatoes. In Marry Me Chicken Pasta, this twist keeps things exciting—experiment to your taste.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Most kids love the cheesy pasta aspect, but the sun-dried tomatoes might be tangy for picky eaters. Blend the sauce smoother or chop tomatoes finely to ease them in. With tweaks, it’s a family hit in my house.
Can I add vegetables to Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Definitely—spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes stirred in at the end add color and nutrition. Sauté veggies with the chicken for tenderness. This keeps your Marry Me Chicken Pasta vibrant and balanced, like in our chicken with mixed vegetable stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping it up, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a recipe—it’s a ticket to effortless, flavor-packed meals that bring joy to the table. From the first creamy bite to the last, it’s designed to make cooking fun and rewarding. Give it a whirl tonight; I promise you’ll be hooked, and who knows, it might just spark some magic of its own. Head to the kitchen and make your version—share how it turns out!