Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine recommended); Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of a dish so irresistible that it might just lead to a proposal, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor, this meal combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Every bite feels like a warm embrace, making it perfect for an intimate dinner or whenever you want to impress someone special with your cooking. It’s simple to make but spectacular in taste, an absolute favorite to have in your recipe collection.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, from the hearty chicken breasts to the creamy Parmesan-enriched sauce and aromatic basil garnish.

Chicken Breasts: Two large, boneless, skinless, and sliced thinly to cook quickly and evenly.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, essential to season the chicken perfectly and bring out all the flavors.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons used for searing, adding a subtle fruity richness to the chicken.
Garlic: Three cloves minced; this aromatic adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: One-third cup chopped; they give a sweet-tart pop that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Chicken Broth: Half a cup to deglaze the pan and create a savory base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: One cup for a silky, luxurious sauce that coats every strand of pasta flawlessly.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup freshly grated for sharp, umami-rich flavor that thickens the sauce naturally.
Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon to infuse classic herbs that tie the dish together.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon optional, added for a gentle kick of heat that wakes up your palate.
Pasta: Eight ounces of your favorite type like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine; these shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
Fresh Basil: For garnish, adding a fresh, peppery brightness just before serving.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente—which means firm to the bite, not mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up the indulgent sauce later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the thinly sliced chicken breasts liberally with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, place the chicken in the skillet and sear on each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates a beautiful crust. Remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—this quick step activates its aroma without burning. Immediately add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them cook for one more minute to release their sweet tang. This combination starts layering the sauce with complex, bold notes.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Add chicken broth to the skillet to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Pour in the heavy cream next, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and cook until it melts smoothly into a thick sauce. Season with Italian seasoning and, if you like heat, add crushed red pepper flakes for just the right amount of spice. The sauce should be velvety and rich.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything gently to make sure every piece is coated with that mouthwatering sauce. The magic happens here as flavors meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a handful of fresh basil leaves scattered on top for color and freshness. Feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent. Serve the dish hot and prepare for the compliments to roll in. This final step truly elevates your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe experience.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the ideal garnish, adding a burst of color and a herbal note that brightens the richness of the sauce. A little extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top adds depth and a slight salty contrast that your guests will adore.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess of the pasta. Garlic bread is another stellar choice, perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and making the meal wonderfully filling.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in individual shallow bowls and topping each serving with whole basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also serve alongside roasted vegetables or a light bruschetta for a vibrant, colorful table setting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This recipe can be frozen, but for best texture, freeze the sauce and chicken separate from the pasta. Store each in airtight containers and use within two months for optimal freshness.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it feels too thick. Avoid microwaving for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?

Absolutely! While Parmesan provides a classic sharpness, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives, offering unique flavors that still melt beautifully into the sauce.

Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before slicing and cooking to ensure even cooking and a nice sear without excess moisture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Sure thing! Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.

What type of pasta works best?

Any sturdy pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well because they hold the creamy sauce nicely, making sure every bite is flavorful.

How spicy is this recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that can be adjusted or left out entirely depending on your preference, so feel free to customize the heat level.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe enough! It’s one of those dishes that makes cooking at home feel special and comforting at the same time. Whether you’re impressing a date or just want to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen, this recipe hits all the right notes. Cooking it is a joy, and sharing it only adds to the experience. So grab your skillet and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a decadent yet easy-to-make Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, served over your favorite pasta. This comforting and indulgent meal promises to impress whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season & Sear Chicken: Pat the sliced chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavor.
Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.

Notes

A side green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this rich dish to balance flavors.
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes a perfect accompaniment to mop up the creamy sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt, though the sauce will be less rich.
You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor, but reduce additional olive oil accordingly.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid separating the cream sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American