If you have ever dreamed of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. Combining tender, juicy chicken with a luscious, creamy sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, this recipe is a perfect harmony of flavors that can turn any meal into a special occasion. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for weeknights, yet it’s impressive enough to serve when you want to wow friends or family. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why this dish earned the name that suggests it could inspire a proposal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is where the magic begins for this recipe. Each component is simple but essential, contributing key flavors, textures, and vibrant colors that bring the dish together beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that’s perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden crisp.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips): Tender and lean, these provide the hearty protein base of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the meal.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right touch of warmth and mild spice.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, comforting garlic undertone that complements the fresh garlic used later.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky depth and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with its unmistakable zesty aroma and flavor.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Boosts the sauce with a touch of sweetness and an irresistible chewy texture.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides the savory base that deglazes the pan and builds the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers the creamy, velvety texture that coats every bite.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to brighten the flavors.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): Acts as the perfect vehicle to soak up the indulgent sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh, herbal finish that brings brightness and color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Drain it well to avoid any sogginess later, then set it aside. This step ensures your pasta will be tender but still have a nice bite to sit perfectly under the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to infuse them with tons of flavor. Add the chicken to your pan and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them together for a couple of minutes to unlock their wonderful aromas. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and, if you like, red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop an irresistible richness.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and let them warm through in the creamy sauce for another 2 minutes, so they soak up those bright, savory flavors. Then, add your cooked pasta directly to the pan and toss everything together until every piece is luxuriously coated in the sauce. This ensures a perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe from delicious to stunning, finishing with chopped fresh basil adds a lively pop of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the richness of the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can add a salty, nutty touch that everyone will appreciate. For a bit of zing, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving makes the flavors really sing.
Side Dishes
This pasta is so rich and flavorful it can easily shine as the star of your meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded plate. Think simple mixed greens with a light vinaigrette or tender roasted asparagus to contrast the creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your guests? Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual, shallow bowls for an elegant touch. Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Alternatively, a rustic, family-style presentation in a large serving dish can create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, so it’s best to stir in a splash of cream or broth when reheating to restore its original luscious texture.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time. Place the cooled chicken and pasta mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor remains amazing.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving if possible, as low, gentle heat keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine work beautifully, feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so it’s al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any dairy-free cream alternatives and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a mild, pleasant warmth that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. You can easily omit or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish without sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique sweetness and texture, but if you don’t have them, cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can provide a tasty alternative.
What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with this creamy chicken pasta, balancing the richness without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to for cozy dinners and celebrations alike. Its blend of comforting, creamy sauce with tender chicken and the bright notes of sun-dried tomatoes and basil is a winning combination that you’ll want to make again and again. So go ahead and give it a try—your taste buds, and maybe even your loved ones, will thank you!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender strips of seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This comforting American main course is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be added later in the sauce.
- Season and Brown Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and 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 until fragrant, making sure to scrape up any browned bits for flavor.
- Deglaze and Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, loosening any stuck bits. Reduce heat to medium, then stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the dish nicely.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
