Have you ever made a dish so irresistible that it could inspire a proposal? That’s the legend behind Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta that’s become my go-to for date nights at home. I first tried this Marry Me Chicken Pasta at a friend’s dinner party, and let’s just say, it lived up to the hype—the flavors are bold, comforting, and downright addictive. What I love most is how it combines tender chicken with al dente pasta in a sauce that’s rich yet not overwhelming, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
In my experience, whipping up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta doesn’t require fancy skills, just a few pantry staples and about 30 minutes. It’s that easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that always gets rave reviews from my family. I’m excited to share my version with you, complete with tips to make it your own—trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Key Takeaways:
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a quick, 30-minute recipe bursting with sun-dried tomato and creamy flavors that feel gourmet.
- It’s beginner-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely have on hand for effortless weeknight dinners.
- The rich, savory sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a harmonious blend of Italian-inspired tastes.
- For best results, sear the chicken first to lock in juices and enhance the overall depth.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently to keep the cream sauce silky.
Why You’ll Adore This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Irresistibly Creamy and Flavorful: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta wraps your taste buds in a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s both tangy and savory. I’ve made it countless times, and each bite reminds me why it’s a crowd-pleaser— the parmesan adds that perfect cheesy finish without overpowering the dish. You won’t believe how such simple elements create something so indulgent.
Quick and Family-Friendly: Let’s be honest, who has time for hours in the kitchen? This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings when you want something hearty. My kids devour it, and it’s versatile enough to tweak for picky eaters—pure magic on a plate.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a casual gathering, Marry Me Chicken Pasta fits right in with its elegant yet approachable vibe. The vibrant colors from the tomatoes and herbs make it look impressive, too. In my experience, it’s the kind of recipe that sparks compliments every time.
Healthier Twists Possible: Don’t let the cream sauce fool you; you can lighten up this Marry Me Chicken Pasta with swaps like Greek yogurt for a guilt-free version. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, keeping you satisfied longer. Here’s the thing: it’s delicious without feeling heavy, which is a win in my book.
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless chicken breasts are the star protein here, providing juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully. I always opt for fresh ones to ensure they stay moist during cooking—overcooking is the enemy. In this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, they get a quick sear for that golden crust, adding depth to every forkful. They’re versatile, too, letting you adjust portions easily for your crowd.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems bring a burst of sweet-tangy flavor that’s essential to the Marry Me Chicken Pasta’s signature taste. Packed in oil, they release richness into the sauce as they simmer. I’ve found that chopping them finely helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dish. Without them, it just wouldn’t be the same iconic recipe.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan: The duo that creates the velvety sauce in Marry Me Chicken Pasta— heavy cream for smoothness and parmesan for that nutty sharpness. Together, they coat the pasta like a dream, making each bite indulgent yet balanced. In my kitchen, freshly grated parmesan melts best, avoiding any grittiness. This combination is what elevates the whole Marry Me Chicken Pasta to proposal-worthy status.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep and Sear the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs—this sets the foundation for flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer to avoid steaming. Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally as the aroma fills your kitchen. In my experience, this step is crucial; it locks in juices and builds that base layer of taste. Remove the chicken and set aside, keeping the pan’s golden bits for the sauce—they’re flavor gold.
Build the Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Now, toss in diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet, sautéing until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes—these add a subtle sweetness that complements the tomatoes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up those tasty bits. Let it simmer for a minute before adding heavy cream and parmesan, whisking until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. The kitchen will smell amazing, like an Italian bistro; taste and adjust seasoning here for your perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Combine with Pasta and Serve
While the sauce simmers, boil your pasta according to package directions until al dente—penne works great as it holds the sauce well. Drain and add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet with the chicken, tossing everything together so the noodles get fully coated in that creamy goodness. Let it all mingle on low heat for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors; fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and freshness. This final step in making Marry Me Chicken Pasta is where the magic happens—serve hot with extra parmesan if you like. It’s ready to wow your diners in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, then pour in chicken broth to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream and parmesan, simmering until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook pasta al dente in boiling salted water. Drain and add to skillet with chicken, tossing to coat.
- Simmer together for 2 minutes. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken first caramelizes it beautifully, preventing dryness in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Freshly Grate the Cheese: Pre-grated parmesan can make the sauce grainy; fresh ensures a smooth, creamy texture every time.
Taste as You Go: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference for a customized Marry Me Chicken Pasta kick.
You Must Know
- This recipe serves 4 and is scalable for larger groups.
- Use full-fat cream for the richest sauce; low-fat may separate.
- Gluten-free pasta works seamlessly as a substitute.
- The sun-dried tomatoes should be oil-packed for maximum flavor infusion.
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months, though the cream sauce might separate slightly upon thawing. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, avoiding the microwave to prevent uneven heating. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but these methods keep it tasty for meal prep.
Customizing Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Feeling adventurous? Swap chicken for shrimp or veggies like spinach for a lighter twist on Marry Me Chicken Pasta. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream works surprisingly well in place of heavy cream, maintaining that luscious texture. For extra veggies, stir in broccoli or mushrooms during the sauce step—they blend right in without overpowering the flavors. These tweaks keep the essence of Marry Me Chicken Pasta while suiting your dietary needs; check out our chicken broccoli rice casserole for more veggie ideas.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding freshness to balance the meal. Crusty garlic bread is a must—it’s ideal for sopping up any extra sauce from your plate. For a light touch, pair with roasted asparagus or a simple cucumber salad. If you’re feeling fancy, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the Italian notes without overwhelming the dish.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a delightful meal.
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 02 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 03 ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 04 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 05 1 Tablespoon butter
- 06 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 07 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 08 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 09 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 10 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 11 ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 ½ teaspoon pepper
- 13 1 cup heavy cream
- 14 ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 15 ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 16 Basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add butter and chicken, season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until sauce thickens.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta, toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta up to the combining step, then refrigerate the components separately for up to 24 hours. Reheat the sauce and pasta together on the stove for best results, adding a bit of cream if needed. It’s a great option for entertaining without last-minute stress.
How long does Marry Me Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, Marry Me Chicken Pasta stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Beyond that, the cream sauce might start to separate, affecting texture. Always reheat thoroughly to ensure safety.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?
Not inherently, but the red pepper flakes add a mild kick you can adjust to taste. If you prefer no heat, simply omit them for a smoother flavor profile. It’s flexible for all palates.
Can I use a different pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes, while penne is classic, fettuccine or rigatoni also hold the sauce well in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair, as they can get lost in the creamy mixture. Experiment to find your favorite.
What’s the origin of the name Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The name comes from the original Marry Me Chicken dish, said to be so delicious it could prompt a proposal. This pasta adaptation keeps the charm with its irresistible flavors. It’s become a viral sensation for good reason.
How do I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and ensure your broth is gluten-free too—Marry Me Chicken Pasta adapts easily this way. The sauce remains creamy and intact. For more gluten-free inspiration, see our creamy Cajun chicken pasta.
Can I bake Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Sure, after combining everything, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until bubbly. It adds a golden crust for variety. Great for crowds.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?
Most kids love the cheesy, pasta elements, but you can reduce the garlic or tomatoes if needed. In my experience, it’s a hit with minimal tweaks. Pair it with their favorite sides for success.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the ultimate guide to creating your own Marry Me Chicken Pasta that captures hearts and taste buds alike. From the first sear to the final toss, every step builds toward that comforting, flavorful bowl that’ll leave everyone asking for seconds. I encourage you to give this recipe a whirl tonight; it’s simpler than you think and oh-so-rewarding. If you try it, drop a comment below—I’d love to hear how your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turned out!