The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe For Love-Filled Dinners

Chicken breasts drizzled with a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce can absolutely marry you in culinary love.

Passionate flavors dance across your plate with unexpected elegance.

Herbs and parmesan cheese create a sophisticated harmony that whispers romance.

Mediterranean influences shine through each delectable bite of this irresistible dish.

Weeknight dinners deserve something spectacular that makes everyone swoon at the table.

Comfort meets gourmet in a recipe promising pure deliciousness.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this magical pasta creation.

Keeping Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Tasty Later

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently and consistently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Questions Answered

• What makes the chicken tender and flavorful?

Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking and searing it in hot olive oil helps lock in moisture and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior that keeps the meat juicy and delicious.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or bow-tie pasta that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t spicy. The paprika and Italian seasoning provide depth of flavor without heat, making it a mild and creamy pasta dish that’s suitable for most palates.

Top Reasons To Try Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Rescue Weeknight Dinner: Conquer busy evenings with this quick, delicious pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust spice levels, or add vegetables to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a creamy, flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free and enjoyable experience for everyone at the table.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that delivers maximum flavor without creating a mountain of dirty dishes to wash afterward.

Everything Inside Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Chicken Pieces: A lean protein that provides the main body and heartiness of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that perfectly holds the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: A rich and creamy combination that creates a luxurious sauce base.
• Butter: Adds depth and smoothness to the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian taste.
• Paprika: Introduces a subtle warmth and mild smokiness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: A bright and fresh herb that adds a final layer of aroma and color.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and adding a light, fruity undertone.

Simple Way To Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set pasta aside while preparing other components of the dish.

Step 2: Season Chicken Generously

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes until completely cooked through and no pink remains. Move cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Aromatic Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until garlic releases its delightful fragrance.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Roux

Incorporate flour into the butter-garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Whisk Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Blend until sauce becomes silky and uniform.

Step 7: Enhance Sauce with Robust Flavors

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning

Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Simmer Sauce to Perfection

Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes, watching it thicken slightly and develop deeper flavors.

Step 9: Combine All Components

Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Good Tips For Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Boost Chicken Tenderness: Pound chicken pieces to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Perfect Pasta Texture: Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining to help create a silky, clingy sauce if the mixture seems too thick.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Secret: Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute their intense flavor more evenly throughout the creamy sauce.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast the Italian seasoning in the butter for 15-20 seconds before adding garlic to release deeper, more complex herb notes.
• Quick Cream Sauce Trick: Warm the heavy cream slightly before adding to prevent potential curdling and achieve a smoother, more stable sauce.

Fun Spins On Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Vegetarian Marry Me Pasta: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch for thickening the sauce, ensuring same rich flavor and texture.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and select plant-based butter for a lactose-free adaptation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, keeping the signature sauce and protein elements intact.

Best Matches With Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Refresh with Side Salad: Arugula Citrus Blend – A zesty green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the pasta's heaviness, adding bright, peppery freshness to each bite.
• Crusty Bread Dipping Delight: Garlic Herb Focaccia – Soak up the luxurious sauce with warm, herb-infused bread, creating a perfect vehicle for capturing every delicious drop of the creamy chicken pasta.

Devoted Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible marry me chicken pasta delivers a romantic culinary experience that promises pure comfort and flavor. Creamy parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a passionate dish you cannot resist sharing with someone special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 10 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon pepper
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Additional parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare penne pasta according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper for robust flavor.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat, drizzle with olive oil, then sear chicken for 6-8 minutes until golden and thoroughly cooked. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium, melt butter, and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
5. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, continuously stirring to develop a smooth roux for 1-2 minutes.
6. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes silky and uniform.
7. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the sauce, creating a rich flavor profile. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Allow sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes, gently thickening and concentrating flavors.
9. Reunite cooked chicken and pasta with the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
10. Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, easy-to-cook protein that absorbs sauce flavors perfectly.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce, ensuring a delightful texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce without compromising taste or texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 576 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 46 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg