Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and romantic dinner dish that just might inspire someone to pop the question. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious garlic cream sauce over pasta, every bite is rich with flavor and comfort. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for date night, family dinners, or whenever you need something extra special.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting & Rich – Creamy, cheesy, and full of savory flavor.
Easy to Make – Comes together in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
Restaurant-Worthy – A gourmet dish with minimal effort.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for date night, special events, or weeknight dinners.
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta or add veggies for a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally to make cutlets)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Salted water for boiling

For Garnish & Serving:
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan
Fresh cracked black pepper

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Medium pot for pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula
Tongs
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1–2 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
6. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
3. Place sliced chicken on top and gently mix everything together.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
2. Serve hot with fresh cracked black pepper on top.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Chicken Cutlets – Thin slices cook faster and stay juicy.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente holds up better in the creamy sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water – Helps thin the sauce if needed without losing flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil – For extra richness, sauté garlic in the oil from the tomatoes.
Fresh Basil – Adds a bright, herby contrast to the rich sauce.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Simple Side Salad – A fresh green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try roasted broccoli or asparagus for a healthy addition.
Lemon Sparkling Water – A refreshing, bubbly pairing for a creamy dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not ideal due to the cream sauce separating upon reheating.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream.
Microwave: Use 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to avoid overheating the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
   Try half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.
3. Is this dish spicy?
   It has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes, but you can leave them out for a milder taste.
4. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   Yes! Just slice it and stir it into the sauce to warm through.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and cheese are gluten-free certified.

Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a catchy name—it’s a creamy, dreamy dish that’s big on flavor and super satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself, this pasta brings a little romance to the dinner table. Try it once, and it just might become your new go-to comfort meal.

Let me know how it turned out and don’t forget to share your creation on social media or leave a review. Happy cooking!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 620mg

Print