This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is creamy, flavorful, and irresistible. Perfect for date nights or family dinners!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – A Dish Worth Falling For

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s as delicious as it is romantic, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the answer! Featuring tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is known to win over hearts with every bite. Whether you’re preparing it for a special date night, a family dinner, or simply to treat yourself, this irresistible pasta will leave everyone asking for more.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this indulgent and flavorful dish:

For the Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound, sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (50 g, freshly grated)
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water for boiling

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves (chopped)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

The Secret Behind the Name

This dish earned its romantic name for a reason! The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and pasta is said to be so irresistible that it could inspire a marriage proposal. While it’s perfect for date nights, it’s also a great way to show love to your family or friends by serving up something truly unforgettable.


Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for added flavor.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

3. Cook the Pasta

  1. While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

5. Serve and Garnish

  1. Plate the pasta, top with slices of chicken, and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Key Tips for Success

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and tastes better.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Searing the chicken at medium heat locks in the juices, keeping it tender and flavorful.
  • Save Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is perfect for thinning the sauce without diluting its flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences:

  • Pasta Alternatives: Try spaghetti, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.
  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a meatless version.
  • Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
  • Add More Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Pair this pasta with garlic bread or a fresh Caesar salad to complete the meal.
  • Wine-Free Pairings: Serve with sparkling water infused with lemon or a classic iced tea.
  • Presentation: Sprinkle the finished dish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
  • Freezing: The sauce freezes well, but the pasta may lose its texture when thawed. To freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately for up to 2 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed in the sauce.
  • Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken adds a depth of flavor to the dish, so don’t skip this step.
  • Using Low-Quality Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream to achieve a rich, creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While penne, fettuccine, and linguine work best, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes make a great alternative.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat them together and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.


Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. With its tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, your family, or yourself, this recipe is sure to steal hearts (and stomachs).

If you try this recipe, let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – A Dish Worth Falling For

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  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress! Tender chicken is smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether for a romantic date night or a cozy family dinner, this dish is irresistible and packed with bold flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Water for boiling

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Additional Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
  3. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

3. Cook the Pasta

  1. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for another 2–3 minutes.
  2. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water for a smoother consistency.

5. Serve and Garnish

  1. Plate the pasta, top with sliced chicken, and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan for a smooth, creamy sauce.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken—sear it just until golden brown to keep it juicy.
  • Save Pasta Water to thin out the sauce if needed.

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