If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish so irresistible that it practically whispers sweet nothings with every bite, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta combines all the best elements of comfort and elegance in one skillet. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but special enough to turn any evening into a celebration. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your go-to recipe for impressing guests or spoiling yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a vital role in building the rich, luscious layers of flavor in the dish. From the savory chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan, these essentials come together effortlessly to create that unforgettable taste and texture.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise): Slicing chicken thin helps it cook evenly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness for perfectly seared chicken.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing every flavor.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives just the right touch of gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes in the meat and sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean flair.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is the aromatic heart of the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce flavorful and light.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The luxurious, silky base that makes the sauce deliciously creamy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature cheesy tang.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): Bursts of tangy sweetness for a perfect balance.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick that wakes up the palate if you like a bit of spice.
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine): The perfect noodle to capture the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright finish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until it’s just al dente. This ensures your noodles have the perfect bite to stand up to the creamy sauce later. Once cooked, drain and set aside so they’re ready to join the party in the skillet.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta’s cooking, season your halved chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. The searing locks in juiciness and builds flavor with those beautiful browned bits.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits stuck to the pan – this is flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the sauce gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly and melds all those flavors together.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return them to the skillet, nestling them into the luscious sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything so the noodles are fully coated with that creamy, savory sauce. This is where all your hard work comes together into a brilliant, comforting meal.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. The bright green garnish not only makes the dish look stunning but adds a fresh herbal note that perfectly balances the rich creaminess.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil or parsley is the classic go-to, but don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan or a few more red pepper flakes for extra flavor and visual appeal. A touch of lemon zest can also add an unexpected brightness that’s divine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with light sides to balance its richness. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also make wonderful companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party vibe, serve individual portions in shallow bowls garnished with whole basil leaves and a drizzle of good quality olive oil. Alternatively, plate the chicken strips artistically atop a twirl of pasta. Presentation is an easy way to elevate this already impressive Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually mellow and deepen after a day, making it an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but be mindful that the cream sauce might separate slightly when reheated. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the chicken tender and the sauce smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine work wonderfully, you can swap in rigatoni, linguine, or even farfalle depending on your preference. Just be sure to cook it until al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Definitely. You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the fat content, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Also, using chicken breasts without skin helps keep it lean.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, try replacing the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings will still shine through wonderfully.
What can I do if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t on hand, roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes (added at the end) can provide a similar punch of sweetness and color, though the flavor will be a bit different.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth and gentle kick. You can easily omit them if you prefer no heat or adjust the amount to your spice tolerance—it’s very forgiving!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dish to wow your taste buds and maybe even inspire a proposal, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer. It’s comforting yet elegant, richly flavored yet surprisingly easy to make. Give it a try and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. This easy stovetop recipe combines perfectly seasoned chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic and herbs, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a comforting and romantic meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the chicken and sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to flavor the meat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Deglaze and Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the dish for a fresh taste and color. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a bit of the oil to the sauce.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
