Introduction
If you love creamy, rich, and savory pasta dishes, then Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a must-try! This dish features tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with parmesan and garlic, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s so good that it might just get you a proposal!
In this article, we’ll walk you through the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, variations, and storage suggestions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Rich and Creamy: A luxurious combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible sauce. ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner. ✅ One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes to clean up, meaning more time to enjoy your meal. ✅ Versatile: Easily adjustable for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half for cutlets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little spice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional for balance)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne (cooked according to package instructions)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half to create thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and honey (optional) to balance flavors.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, allowing it to simmer in the sauce for another 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with fresh basil for an added touch of freshness.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Cooking Tips
- For extra creaminess, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- To make it spicy, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
- Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Want a lower-carb option? Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Variations
🔸 Keto Version: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. 🔸 Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. 🔸 Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or serve over rice. 🔸 Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to scoop up the sauce.
- Caesar Salad – Light and refreshing to balance the richness.
- Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- The sauce freezes well for up to 2 months, but pasta texture may change.
- Store sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
The dish got its name because it’s so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal! It became popular due to its rich, creamy flavor and ease of preparation.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cook fresh pasta before serving.
3. What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or linguine work best because they hold the creamy sauce well.
4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide a more intense flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, sauté them longer to bring out their sweetness.
5. Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Use the sauté function to cook the chicken, then add the sauce ingredients and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Stir in cooked pasta at the end.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an irresistible, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or just want an easy yet impressive dinner, this dish is a guaranteed winner!
Try this recipe today, and who knows—you might just get a marriage proposal after serving it! 💍🍽️
Share Your Experience
If you tried this recipe, let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. 🍝❤️
