There’s a reason the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has earned its swoon-worthy reputation—it’s the kind of dish that makes you want to drop everything and celebrate the moment. Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor from tender chicken, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, this pasta recipe delivers a full-on taste experience without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this recipe promises to impress with every bite and might just inspire a spontaneous marriage proposal in its honor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple but essential, the ingredients for this recipe work together like a dream team, balancing creamy, savory, and tangy flavors while offering a beautiful mix of textures and colors. Each item has its own star moment, ensuring this dish is as satisfying visually as it is delicious.
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice: Choose your favorite shape; it’s the base that carries all the saucy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and prevents sticking while sautéing.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor when cooked down.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is key for that warm, aromatic backbone in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that soaks up all the seasonings and sauce.
- ½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: A perfectly balanced spice blend that layers complexity and subtle heat.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the heavenly, velvety sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharpness and umami that makes the sauce sing.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intense bursts of tangy sweetness that elevate every bite.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: A fresh, herbal pop of color and flavor to finish the dish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside—this foundation will soak up all the luscious sauce later, so don’t skip this step. Choosing a pasta like penne or rigatoni helps trap the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté together until the onions turn soft and translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 2 to 3 minutes. This combination forms the flavorful base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Brown the Chicken
Add the butter and bite-sized chicken pieces to your skillet. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the chicken, then cook it until golden brown and fully cooked through. This seasoning blend brings warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This rich, silky sauce is what elevates the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce, allowing their punchy sweetness to meld in perfectly. Next, add the cooked pasta and toss everything thoroughly until every piece is beautifully coated with that luscious sauce. This mix ensures your pasta is bursting with flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, which add a vibrant color contrast and a fresh herbal note that brightens the dish beautifully. Serve immediately for the best creamy, saucy experience.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a classic match for this creamy pasta; adding a few leaves right before serving instantly lifts the presentation and the flavor profile. You could also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil for added richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This dish holds its own wonderfully but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—something no one should miss!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try plating the pasta in individual bowls and topping with a sprig of basil and a shave of Parmesan. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes adds unexpected texture and a pop of eye-catching color. It’s a dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld nicely, but the sauce may thicken—simply add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back the silky texture.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible, but it’s best to do so before adding pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy. Freeze the creamy chicken sauce on its own in a sealed container for up to two months, then thaw and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth helps restore the creamy consistency without thinning the flavor. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce and chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni work beautifully, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fusilli or farfalle, will be delicious. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly but remain wonderfully creamy and savory.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat that can be easily adjusted to your preference. If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the flakes and enjoy a milder but still flavorful version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and chicken portion a day in advance and refrigerate it. Add freshly cooked pasta just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes roasted until caramelized make excellent substitutes, giving a similar sweet and tangy boost.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the mood for a dish that feels like a warm hug in pasta form, you simply have to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. Its blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright sun-dried tomatoes creates a magical harmony of flavors you’ll want to come back to again and again. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s an instant classic on any dinner table.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and garnished with fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the chicken: Add the butter and bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni, for different textures.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated, tangy flavor—opt for oil-packed for extra richness.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness to your taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, a splash of pasta cooking water can help loosen it up.
- This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
