Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Looking for a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that will have everyone asking for seconds? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender, juicy chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—it’s rich, savory, and irresistibly delicious. Make it for a date night, family dinner, or just because you deserve something amazing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Dreamy – Silky sauce made with cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Restaurant-Quality – Elegant enough for a special dinner, easy enough for any night.
Full of Flavor – Garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat make every bite pop.
Perfectly Balanced – Rich sauce, savory chicken, and hearty pasta in one dish.
One-Pan Friendly – Cook the chicken and sauce in the same skillet for easy cleanup.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• Water and salt for boiling

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan cheese for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

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

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil if needed.
Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Stir well and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat with sauce.
If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Nestle the sliced chicken into the pasta and simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy chicken (165°F internal temp).
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and gives a richer flavor.
Pasta Shapes – Penne or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce well, but use any pasta you like.
Sun-Dried Tomato Tip – Use the ones packed in oil for more flavor and tenderness.
Adjust the Heat – Skip the red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice, or add more if you love it hot.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Green Salad – A simple arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try roasted asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini for a veggie boost.
Lemon Water or Iced Tea – Refreshing and cleansing after a creamy meal.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the pasta and chicken separately from the sauce for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just adjust cooking time.

2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Try roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft for a different twist.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a plant-based cream and dairy-free parmesan substitute. The result will still be rich and creamy.

4. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes, but you can omit them for a milder version.

5. Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Cook the components separately and combine when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name—rich, comforting, and totally swoon-worthy. Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner at home or impressing someone special, this dish is sure to be a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Try it tonight and let the magic happen in your kitchen. Share your creations online and don’t forget to leave a review!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 480 | Protein: 29g | Carbohydrates: 34g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 560mg

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