If you’re in the mood to truly impress—whether it’s for a regular Tuesday night or a cozy date in—this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers spectacularly creamy, tangy, and savory flavors all wrapped up in one irresistible dish. Imagine golden-seared chicken nestled in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with a shower of fresh herbs. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but decadent enough to become an instant favorite. Once you taste this combination, you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe so wonderful is its approachable ingredient list—each item adds depth, color, or that extra pop of flavor that takes the meal from tasty to legendary. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every bite:

Chicken breasts: Lean, juicy, and the perfect canvas for all those bold flavors!
Olive oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden sear and infuses the sauce with richness.
Butter: Adds creamy, luxurious undertones to every bite.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor from both chicken and sauce.
Black pepper: Enhances the other seasonings with subtle heat.
Garlic powder: Layers in deep, savory flavor to the chicken from the start.
Paprika: Gives a gently smoky complexity and alluring color.
Garlic (fresh): When sautéed, brings a punchy, aromatic base to the sauce.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and lets you deglaze all those savory brown bits from the pan.
Heavy cream: Delivers the ultra-creamy, silky texture that coats every noodle.
Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for saltiness and nutty savoriness.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Packed in oil, these give an intense, slightly tart burst of flavor and vibrant color.
Italian seasoning: A quick way to bring that signature herby, Mediterranean flair to the sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a touch of heat if you like things with a gentle kick.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine): These shapes catch every bit of sauce—feel free to pick your favorite!
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): Finishes the dish with color and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to stop cooking just before “al dente,” since the pasta will finish in the sauce—it soaks up all that luscious flavor and achieves the perfect texture. Drain well and set aside for now.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta is bubbling away, pat the chicken breasts dry and generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful, golden crust and is cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and let it rest—resting helps it stay juicy and flavor-packed!

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same skillet (do not wipe it clean—you want those browned bits!), add your minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up all the caramelized goodness from the bottom. Let this simmer for a minute or two as it reduces slightly and deepens in flavor.

Step 4: Make it Creamy and Dreamy

Now, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The sauce will start to thicken and become beautifully velvety. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and, if you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer together for about 3–4 minutes, so the flavors meld and the sauce hugs a spoon.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Slice the rested chicken breasts into bite-sized strips or medallions. Return them to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together to ensure the chicken and noodles are thoroughly coated with that luxurious, creamy sauce. Let it all cook for another 1–2 minutes to warm through, then get ready to plate up something special!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe the finishing touch it deserves by showering it with a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. Not only do fresh herbs add a burst of vibrant color, but their flavor brings brightness to the rich, creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan never hurt anyone either!

Side Dishes

While this dish stands confidently on its own, a crisp green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables makes a lovely, contrasting side. For classic comfort, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of sauce—because trust me, you won’t want to waste a bit.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in individual bowls, topping each with a fan of sliced chicken and a generous scoop of sauce. Garnish artfully with more sun-dried tomatoes and big basil leaves. Or, for family style comfort, serve it in a big, shallow platter right at the table—everyone can help themselves and swipe the skillet clean!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (lucky you!), transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it cools. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as they sit, so get ready for possibly even tastier leftovers!

Freezing

To freeze, portion your pasta and chicken into individual containers. Make sure the sauce fully coats everything, as this helps keep it moist once reheated. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat as below.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir often so nothing sticks and everything heats evenly. The microwave works too, but stovetop yields better texture. Just remember to heat it until piping hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine work wonderfully because their shapes hold onto the sauce, but you can try rigatoni, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your pasta stays perfectly tender.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can swap in half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, or even a mix of milk and a tablespoon of extra butter in a pinch. The result will be a bit less rich, but still delicious and satisfying!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, simply leave out the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or your favorite plant-based protein. The sauce is hearty and flavorful enough to carry the dish without meat.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe spicy?

The base recipe is mild, but red pepper flakes let you tailor the heat to your preference. Add as much or as little as you like, or skip them entirely if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add even more juiciness and flavor. Just sear a bit longer if they’re thicker, and check for doneness before slicing and tossing with the sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has captured hearts and taste buds everywhere—it’s pure comfort, big flavor, and so easy to pull off. Give it a try next time you want to wow a crowd or treat yourself to something special. I promise you’ll fall in love with every creamy, savory forkful!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to please your taste buds. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and combined with a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Serve over pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For Serving:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear the chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic, then add chicken broth and simmer. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return to the skillet with pasta. Toss to coat in the sauce. Cook briefly until heated through. Garnish with basil or parsley and serve hot.

Notes

You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce or use spinach or mushrooms for added veggies.
This dish also works well with shrimp or boneless chicken thighs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American