Passionate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Most Heavenly Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Ever Created

Culinary magic happens when you dive into this marry me chicken pasta that promises to steal hearts with every delectable bite.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among ribbons of pasta, creating a symphony of flavors.

Creamy sauce coats each strand, delivering a romantic dinner experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together, promising a meal that sparks conversation and connection.

Rich parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes add depth and complexity to this irresistible dish.

Fragrant herbs whisper promises of love with each aromatic spoonful.

Savor this recipe, and you might just hear wedding bells ringing in your kitchen.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Always A Win

  • Conquer Dinner Quickly: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills and straightforward steps anyone can master.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to suit personal preferences, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to different tastes and dietary needs without compromising deliciousness.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend cooking.

What Goes Into Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Pieces: Tender protein that provides the core flavor and substance of the dish.
Pasta Base:
  • Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that captures and holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy base that creates a rich and luxurious sauce texture.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory base note.
  • Butter, Flour: Creates a smooth roux that helps thicken the sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the overall taste.
  • Paprika, Italian Seasoning: Provides depth and complexity to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: Bright herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

How To Cook Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside in a colander.

Step 2: Season Chicken Generously

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Creamy Garlic Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 5: Develop Silky Sauce Foundation

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux.

Step 6: Whisk Luxurious Sauce

Gradually whisk in these ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Continue whisking until sauce becomes completely smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Stir in:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Simmer Sauce

Allow sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens and develops rich flavor.

Step 9: Combine Final Dish

Return cooked chicken to skillet and add drained pasta. Stir thoroughly to coat everything with creamy sauce.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Pro Tips For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality penne pasta and cook it al dente for the best texture and flavor absorption.
  • Chicken Brilliance: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
  • Sauce Smoothness: Whisk the sauce ingredients slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy consistency.
  • Flavor Boost: Crush sun-dried tomatoes slightly before adding to release more intense, concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Freshness Finale: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and aromatic essence.

Ways To Customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, cubed and pan-fried until golden for similar texture and protein content.
  • Gluten-Free Edition: Use gluten-free penne pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to thicken the sauce without compromising flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and choose a dairy-free butter alternative for a creamy, allergen-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Option: Swap penne pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the rich, creamy sauce while reducing overall carbohydrate content for keto-friendly meal.

What Pairs With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Elevate Flavor Combinations
  • Pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Refreshing Salad Sidekick
  • Serve alongside a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a bright, peppery contrast to the dish.
  • Crusty Bread Companion
  • Accompany the meal with warm, garlic-rubbed Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.

How To Keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fresh

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using fresh cream or delicate herbs.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of liquid if sauce looks dry.

Common Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • What is the origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The dish originated in the United States as a trendy recipe that gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok, known for its creamy and flavorful combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe is not inherently spicy. It uses paprika and Italian seasoning for flavor depth, but you can adjust the heat level by adding red pepper flakes if desired.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for penne, you can easily substitute with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or fettuccine that hold sauce well.

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Passionate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Passionate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic culinary journey through creamy Italian-inspired flavors. Tender chicken nestled in a luxurious sauce guarantees to sweep you off your feet with its irresistible charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein and Pasta:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 10 ounces (280 grams) penne pasta

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente at 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat around 375°F. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes, ensuring golden brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Remove chicken from skillet, keeping warm on a separate plate.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Melt butter and quickly sauté minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
  6. Sprinkle flour into butter-garlic mixture, creating a light roux. Stir continuously for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.
  7. Slowly incorporate chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create smooth consistency.
  8. Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper levels to enhance flavor profile.
  9. Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  10. Reintroduce chicken and pasta into sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
  11. Finish dish with fresh basil leaves and additional parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before serving immediately.

Notes

  • Choose tender, thin chicken breasts for quicker and more even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth if it becomes too dense during simmering.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories.
  • Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or white beans for protein-rich alternative.
  • Gluten-free adaptation: Use cornstarch instead of flour for sauce thickening and gluten-free pasta.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavor profile and add vibrant color to the final presentation.
  • Create a spicier version by adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during sauce preparation.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 678 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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