Looking for a meal that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so delicious that it could make anyone fall in love! This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion when you want to impress.
The combination of juicy chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce makes every bite irresistible. Plus, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something fancy without the hassle.
Why you’ll love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe…
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts ,boneless, skinless (halved to make 4 thin pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic ,minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese ,grated
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes ,chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or any favorite pasta shape)
- Salt and pepper ,to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley ,for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Ingredients
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Prep and Sear the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce to medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes smooth.
Season and Combine
- Stir in the Italian seasoning and adjust the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and return them to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, using tongs to coat the noodles in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed hot, with extra Parmesan on the side!
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few sides:
🧑🍳 Expert Tips for Success
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Microwave heating is also an option, but be sure to stir occasionally to avoid drying out the sauce.
- Freezing: While cream sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this dish for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken is typically made with tender chicken breasts, cooked in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The rich sauce is what makes the dish irresistible, perfect for serving with pasta or rice!
How do you marry pasta with sauce?
To marry pasta with sauce, cook the pasta until slightly underdone, then add it directly to the pan with your sauce. Toss the pasta with the sauce over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta. Finish by adding a bit of butter or olive oil for extra richness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately, and when ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
What pasta works best with this dish?
Fettuccine or penne are great options as they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe brings together rich, creamy flavors with just the right amount of tang from sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of spice. It’s an easy and delicious meal that will have your guests asking for seconds—and maybe even proposing!
