Savory Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Worth Falling For

Culinary magic happens when you whip up this irresistible marry me chicken pasta that sparks instant romance.

Whispers of creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes dance across each perfectly twirled bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked so seductive or felt so effortless.

Tender chicken nestles between al dente noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that could melt even the most guarded heart.

Silky sauce coats each strand with decadent richness that promises to impress.

Kitchen chemistry turns simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that speaks volumes without saying a word.

You won’t be able to resist sharing this delectable dish that might just lead to a proposal.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta That’s Full Of Love And Cream

Marry Me Chicken Pasta That’s Full Of Love And Cream
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whips up a delicious meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving restaurant-quality dinner without extensive cooking skills.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combines creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken for a mouthwatering combination that satisfies multiple taste preferences in one dish.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for date nights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, appealing to both adults and kids with its rich, comforting flavors.
  • One-Pan Convenience: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining ingredients, making this recipe a time-saving dream for home cooks.

Pasta Mix for Marry Me Chicken Dish

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: Base of the dish, provides hearty texture and satisfying carbohydrates. Choose a type that holds sauce well like penne or fettuccine.
  • Chicken: Protein-rich main component that adds flavor and substance. Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.
Sauce Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps cook chicken and adds subtle flavor. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.
  • Butter: Creates rich, smooth sauce base with deep flavor. Unsalted butter gives better control of salt levels.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce. Full-fat cream ensures maximum richness.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce. Low-sodium broth allows better seasoning control.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic, sharp flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves offer best taste.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings sweet, tangy complexity to the dish. Pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal, Mediterranean flavor profile. Blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning chicken and balancing overall taste.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and spice. Adjust quantity based on heat preference.
  • Fresh Basil or Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and herbal notes. Optional but recommended.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Preparation

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Preparation

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water following package directions.

Once al dente, drain thoroughly and set aside, letting steam escape.

Step 2: Sizzle and Season Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Transfer to a cutting board and slice into tender strips.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Melt butter in the same skillet.

Add minced garlic and sauté until wonderfully aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 1 minute.

Step 4: Create Flavorful Base

Add to the skillet:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Chicken broth

Scrape bottom of pan to release delicious browned bits.

Allow mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 2 minutes.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

Whisk in:
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes

Simmer sauce until it thickens and becomes luxuriously smooth.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Gently fold cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley.

Serve immediately while hot and gloriously aromatic.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Tips With Creamy Perfection

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Tips With Creamy Perfection
  • Cut chicken into even, thin pieces for faster, more uniform cooking and better sauce coating.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet before adding chicken to release deeper, more robust herb flavors.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker texture or adding extra broth for a lighter consistency.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich taste.
  • Prepare chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.

Chicken Pasta That Stores for Date Night Again

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Cream-based sauces and pasta tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, so consume within the recommended refrigeration timeframe.

Balanced Picks For Chicken Pasta

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the sun-dried tomatoes’ tangy flavor.
  • Create Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s richness and provide a refreshing contrast with peppery greens.
  • Match with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a complementary garlicky note that enhances the dish’s overall flavor profile.
  • Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a simple side of roasted zucchini or asparagus with olive oil and herbs to add a nutritious, light element that doesn’t compete with the pasta’s bold taste.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Versions

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms, marinated in Italian herbs and pan-seared for a protein-packed alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version of the dish.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

FAQs

  • What makes this dish different from other chicken pasta recipes?

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out with its rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of other chicken cuts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are evenly pounded to about 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which you can adjust by adding more or less according to your spice preference. It’s generally considered a mild, flavorful dish.

  • What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can create a substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. Most home cooks already have these herbs in their pantry.

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Savory Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Savory Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises a romantic culinary journey through creamy Italian-inspired flavors. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create an irresistible dinner that will sweep you off your feet and into kitchen bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Fats and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Cream Components:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 pound (225 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture. Carefully drain and set aside.
  2. Create a flavor profile for the chicken by generously coating with aromatic seasonings. Warm olive oil in a skillet and carefully sear the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and slice into elegant strips.
  3. Utilize the same skillet to create a rich flavor base, melting butter and introducing minced garlic. Allow the garlic to release its aromatic essence, creating a fragrant foundation for the sauce.
  4. Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, using a wooden spoon to capture all the delectable browned bits from the chicken. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop depth of flavor.
  5. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a subtle kick of red pepper flakes. Gently reduce the sauce until it reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  6. Reunite the perfectly cooked pasta with the sliced chicken, delicately coating each element in the creamy, vibrant sauce. Ensure every morsel is thoroughly enveloped in the rich flavors.
  7. Elevate the dish with a final flourish of freshly chopped basil or parsley, providing a burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Serve immediately to capture the peak of culinary perfection.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken beforehand by pounding it to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and juiciness.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the dish milder or spicier according to personal preference.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt for a lighter, lower-calorie version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal that everyone can enjoy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 850
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 56g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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