If you are looking for a meal that feels like a warm, delicious hug in a bowl, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender strips of seasoned chicken, a luxuriously creamy sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a combination that’s both elegant and comforting. It’s a wonderful way to impress your loved ones or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dinner at home without the fuss. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me” — it’s truly love at first bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward ingredients come together beautifully to make a sauce that shines with bold flavor, perfectly cooked chicken, and pasta with just the right bite. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the aromatic garlic, the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, or the rich Parmesan that pulls everything together.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips: Choosing breast meat ensures lean, tender chicken that cooks evenly and quickly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity, smooth base for browning the chicken and building flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the chicken with classic Italian flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Garlic lends its unmistakable aroma and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds a flavorful sauce base with savory richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, indulgent texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped: These add a sweet and tangy burst that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it sharp, nutty undertones.
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni: Firm pasta shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully for every bite.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic for a more mellow flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Provides a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh basil for serving: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes and a pop of color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta of choice according to the package directions until it is perfectly al dente. This is key because the pasta will continue to soak up the sauce later. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside so you can focus on building the luscious sauce without worry.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While your pasta is cooking, combine salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to coat your chicken strips evenly. The bold seasoning adds layers of flavor that transform simple chicken into the star of the dish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the chicken pieces for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate to rest briefly.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
To the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, cooking for just about a minute until fragrant. This short step lets the garlic release its flavor without getting bitter. Next, stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes now to infuse the sauce with tangy sweetness and a subtle spicy kick. Let it gently bubble for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to marry perfectly.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Chicken
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, thickening the sauce further and adding its signature nutty flavor. Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and simmer everything together for an additional 2 minutes. This step melds the chicken with the sauce, making every bite juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta back into the skillet with your creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in that divine sauce. When you see the glossy finish enveloping every noodle, you’ll know you’ve nailed the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in all its glory.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves on top adds the perfect touch of color and a fresh herbal aroma that makes this dish pop visually and aromatically. For an extra flourish, a little more Parmesan or a crack of black pepper is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can complement it with a light side such as a crisp green salad or steamed asparagus to balance the meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also fantastic if you want to soak up every last bit of that heavenly sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, drizzling a bit of extra sauce on top and finishing with a sprig of basil. Alternatively, you could plate the chicken strips neatly on one side and mound the pasta alongside to highlight the components separately before mixing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep well for 3 to 4 days. The flavors develop even more as it rests, making next-day meals just as delightful.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture and tender chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally will help maintain that silky creaminess you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and moisture, which can enhance the flavor, especially in creamy dishes like this one.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal since their tube shapes catch the creamy sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer, just be sure it holds sauce well.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
They are a key ingredient here that add a tangy sweetness and chewiness that balances the creaminess. Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor, though the sauce texture will be slightly different.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild kick, not overpowering heat, making it accessible to most palates while adding a nice depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe offers such a satisfying and flavorful meal that anyone can pull together in about thirty minutes. It’s the type of comfort food that feels fancy without fuss and leaves your dinner guests wondering whether they should propose instead of just complimenting. Give it a try; I promise it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep close for every occasion that calls for a little extra love at the dinner table.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a rich sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne or rigatoni pasta. This comforting and easy-to-make recipe is ideal for a family dinner or special occasion and garnished with fresh basil for a fresh finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce and Pasta
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse bold flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium, add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to provide a subtle heat. Let the sauce simmer gently over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes to meld flavors and slightly reduce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return cooked chicken strips to the skillet and simmer together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through and absorb the sauce’s flavors.
- Toss with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce and evenly distributed with chicken and tomatoes.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving immediately for a fragrant and tasty finish.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, allow the sauce to simmer a few extra minutes before adding the pasta.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful protein option.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best texture and enhanced flavor.
