Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors that make any dinner feel special. This dish features tender chicken simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce tossed with pasta. It’s one of The Best Dinner Ideas for busy nights and one of those Meals Husbands Love that’s both simple and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for two or serving a family, this recipe transforms Dinner Made With Chicken into a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
The Story Behind the Recipe
Hi, I’m Barbara Anderson the creator behind KoyaRecipes.com. This is where I share my love for simple, flavorful meals that make everyday cooking easy and joyful. My passion began in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the beauty of family recipes and comfort food made with love. Now, as a busy mom, I design dishes like this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to bring warmth, simplicity, and flavor to your table.
Key Reasons This Recipe Stands Out
What makes this pasta irresistible is its luxurious, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. The flavor combination balances savory chicken, tangy tomatoes, and fresh herbs. It’s one of the best Dinner Recipes For Two Pasta because it feels fancy yet takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Plus, it’s part of those Suppers With Chicken that work for any occasion from weeknight dinners to romantic date nights.
Ingredients
Ingredient List with Tips and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 large | Can substitute chicken thighs for richer flavor |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | Adds richness and helps brown chicken |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 | Fresh garlic enhances aroma |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped | ½ cup | Adds tangy depth to the sauce |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | Use low sodium to control saltiness |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Substitute with half-and-half for lighter version |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup | Freshly grated gives best flavor |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ tsp | Optional for mild heat |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Adds depth and balance |
| Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni) | 12 oz | Any shape that holds sauce works well |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp | For garnish and freshness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Season at each stage for best results |
Ingredient Notes and Pro Tips
- For richer sauce, simmer a few extra minutes after adding cream.
- Add a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce if it’s too thick.
- Try swapping Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper edge.
- Want extra protein? Add crispy bacon or grilled shrimp for variety.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season and sear chicken in olive oil until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet for 1 minute.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until thickened.
- Add seasoning Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Return chicken to the sauce, simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked.
- Toss in pasta and coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Finish with fresh basil and more Parmesan before serving.
Common Variations or Flavor Adjustments
- Make it spicier with more red pepper flakes or crushed chili.
- Turn it into a baked pasta by topping with mozzarella and baking for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- For Easy Work Recipes, cook the chicken ahead and store the sauce separately.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Serve this dish with a side of roasted asparagus, garlic bread, or a fresh Caesar salad. It pairs beautifully with white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon. For a romantic touch, light candles and serve with dessert from our Pasta Dishes Recipes Chicken collection.
How to Make It Look Beautiful on the Plate
Twirl the pasta neatly onto plates, place sliced chicken on top, drizzle sauce, and garnish with basil and Parmesan. For an elegant finish, sprinkle cracked pepper and serve on white dinnerware for contrast.
How to Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be slightly firm to hold the sauce.
- Use room-temperature cream to prevent curdling.
- Sear chicken properly for rich caramelized flavor.
- Add sauce to pasta gradually to achieve your desired consistency.
Troubleshooting Advice
- Sauce too thick? Add reserved marry me chicken pasta recipe water a tablespoon at a time.
- Sauce too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Chicken too dry? Slice thinner pieces or use thighs for juiciness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Typical Cooking or Prep Errors
- Not seasoning chicken well before cooking.
- Adding cream too soon before deglazing the pan.
- Overcooking pasta or reheating with high heat.
How to Fix or Prevent Them
- Always season at each step.
- Deglaze with broth before adding dairy.
- Reheat gently over low heat to keep the sauce creamy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Best Way to Store Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze portions for up to 2 months for easy Dinner Recipes Pasta Chicken on busy nights.
Reheating Methods That Maintain Flavor and Texture
Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the chicken tender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce ahead and store separately. Combine when reheating for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but fettuccine gives a luxurious touch.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What makes this recipe “Marry Me Chicken”?
The rich, creamy flavor is so irresistible it’s said to inspire marriage proposals it’s that good!
If you want a dinner that’s both simple and impressive, Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer. It’s comforting, flavorful, and quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for date nights. Try it once, and it’ll become one of your go-to Foods To Make With Chicken every time.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wins Hearts Every Time
A deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta dish with seared chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a special weeknight dinner.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine recommended)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken slices with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
4. Pour the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
5. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to ensure it is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
– Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
– Bread: Garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the sauce.
– Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh element.
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 42
- Cholesterol: 115
