This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce that will have you falling in love with every bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a romantic meal, this recipe is sure to impress with its mouthwatering combination of ingredients and ease of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this pasta is the perfect way to make any meal feel special.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its name for a reason—it’s so delicious that it might just win someone’s heart! Tender chicken breasts are coated in a creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, then served over your favorite pasta. This recipe is perfect for a romantic evening, but it’s easy enough to make on any night of the week when you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish. The combination of savory, creamy, and tangy flavors makes this pasta a winner every time.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to prepare this delightful pasta, share some helpful tips, and answer some frequently asked questions. We’ll also provide the nutritional information for anyone watching their intake.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside. - Cook the chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. - Prepare the sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. - Deglaze and simmer
Add the chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. - Add sun-dried tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until well combined. - Combine the pasta and chicken
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the sauce. If needed, add the reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency. - Serve and garnish
Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Additional Tips
- Chicken alternatives: You can use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or skip them entirely for a more straightforward flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta! Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti all work well with this creamy sauce. - Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. The sauce will be less rich, but still delicious. - Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then reheat and add the pasta when you’re ready to serve. - How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it, or stir in a little more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta is a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a regular weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Enjoy this delicious dish with a side salad and a glass of wine for the ultimate meal experience!
More Recipe Suggestions:
Tender Chicken Medallions in a Rich Mushroom Sauce over Buttered Noodles
Chicken Spaghetti with Burrata and Lemon Butter Garlic Sauce
Chicken and Bacon Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes in Garlic
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 8 ounces pasta fettuccine, penne, or your choice
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
Boil pasta:
- Start by boiling your pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Cook the chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Deglaze and simmer:
- Add the chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add sun-dried tomatoes:
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and mix until well combined.
Combine the pasta and chicken:
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the sauce. If needed, add the reserved pasta water to create a smoother consistency.
Serve and garnish:
- Plate the pasta and top it with the sliced chicken. Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and extra flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Chicken alternatives: You can use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or skip them entirely for a more straightforward flavor.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
