Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and the kind of richness that’ll have you wanting seconds (and maybe even thirds). Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and pan-seared to perfection, then coated in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a touch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Paired with pasta, this dish is an easy way to impress with minimal effort, making it perfect for date nights, special occasions, or any night you want to feel a little extra.

I first made this dish when I wanted something indulgent but quick to prepare. The chicken is seasoned and cooked in a skillet, then bathed in a creamy sauce that’s rich but not heavy, with the sun-dried tomatoes adding a tangy, umami-packed burst of flavor. The pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully, creating a comforting meal that feels both luxurious and satisfying.

What I love most about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how it combines all the best flavors—creamy, savory, spicy, and just a touch of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that’s easy to make but feels like something special. You can adjust the heat level with more or less red pepper flakes, or add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for additional flavor. Whether for a romantic dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is always a winner.

Perfect for:

Date nights
Family dinners
Special occasions
Chicken and pasta lovers
Comfort food cravings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will become your go-to dinner dish:

Irresistible Flavor: A blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs create a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are seared to perfection, ensuring a tender, juicy bite in every forkful.
Creamy Sauce: The sauce is rich and silky, with a subtle tang from sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
Perfectly Balanced: The creaminess of the sauce is balanced with the slight acidity of the tomatoes, making each bite refreshing.
Customizable: Add vegetables or switch up the pasta to suit your preferences.
One-Pan Wonder: Most of the cooking is done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Impressive Yet Simple: Despite being easy to make, this dish looks and tastes impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.
Comforting: It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 600-650 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 30g

Ingredients

the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta
Salt, for pasta water

the Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredient Highlights

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a burst of umami flavor to the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth: Helps form a flavorful base for the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, silky texture in the sauce.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add a subtle heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Make the Sauce:

Cook Garlic and Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Finish the Sauce: Add Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens.

Assemble the Dish:

Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
As a Date Night Dinner: Perfect for impressing a loved one on a special evening.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
For Family Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.
As a Meal Prep Option: Portion out for easy, delicious lunches throughout the week.
For Leftovers: This pasta reheats beautifully, so enjoy it for days to come.
With Steamed Veggies: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
For a Cozy Dinner: Enjoy this hearty dish as the ultimate comfort food on a cold evening.
As a Party Dish: Make a big batch for a pasta bar at your next gathering.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the sauce than pre-grated versions.
Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less red pepper flakes to control the heat level in the sauce.
Make It Creamier: For an even richer sauce, add more cream or a splash of half-and-half.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook your pasta just to al dente for the best texture in the dish.

Recipe Variations

Pasta Variations: Swap penne for fettuccine, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
Spicy Chicken: Marinate the chicken in a spicy marinade for a kick of heat.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
Lemon Zest: Add a bit of lemon zest to the sauce for a refreshing citrusy note.
Gluten-Free Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant guests.

Special Equipment

Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the sauce.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Tongs or Spatula: For flipping and handling the chicken while cooking.
Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: To accurately measure the ingredients.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then just reheat before serving.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Yes, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some hot sauce for extra heat.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan to accommodate the extra portions.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The name says it all—this dish is so delicious that it might just make someone pop the question! A blend of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s bursting with flavor, while the chicken stays juicy and tender. Perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or whenever you want to treat yourself.

The magic of this recipe is in the creamy, savory sauce that envelops the chicken and pasta. The sun-dried tomatoes add a subtle tang, while the garlic and fresh herbs bring depth and fragrance to every bite. The Parmesan gives the sauce a rich, nutty flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

I’d love to see your Marry Me Chicken Pasta creations! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your creamy, flavorful pasta masterpieces. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any creative twists or side dishes that made your dish uniquely yours!