Enchanting “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta Recipe That Wins Hearts

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this irresistible marry me chicken pasta that promises to steal hearts at first bite.

Creamy, decadent sauce cascades over tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a culinary experience that sparks romance.

The dish blends sun-dried tomatoes, rich parmesan, and a harmonious blend of herbs into every forkful.

Fragrant garlic and savory spices infuse each bite with extraordinary flavor that feels both comforting and elegant.

Packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this recipe transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

This simple yet impressive plate comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking something special.

Prepare to fall in love with every single delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 726 kcal

Servings: 5

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: Ingredient Checklist

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs rich sauce flavors, choose fresh, organic cuts for best texture and taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance chicken's natural flavor, use freshly ground for maximum impact.

• Butter: Creates silky base for sauce, select high-quality unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
• Onions: Adds depth and sweetness, choose firm, golden-colored onions for robust flavor.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic intensity, select firm, plump cloves without green sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear chicken and adds subtle richness, opt for extra virgin variety.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Delivers concentrated tangy sweetness, choose oil-packed for extra moisture.
• Chicken Broth: Builds savory undertone, select low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, velvety texture, use fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes, grate fresh wheel for maximum flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Introduces herbal complexity, choose blend with balanced dried herbs.
• Paprika: Provides warm, subtle heat and beautiful color, select sweet or smoked variety.

• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, fresh contrast, choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Pasta: Serves as delicious vehicle for sauce, select medium-sized shapes like penne or farfalle.

Kitchen Tools That Help Marry Me Chicken Pasta Shine

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and space.
• Large Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken and creating creamy sauce in one pan.
• Cooking Tongs: Great for flipping chicken and tossing pasta with sauce.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir sauce and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Cutting Board: For chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required to chop garlic, onions, and basil.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cook Up Marry Me Chicken Pasta for Date Night or Not

• Fire Up the Pasta

Boil a pot of water with a generous pinch of salt. Drop in your pasta and cook until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Season your chicken with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and create a golden-brown crust on each side. Cook until the chicken is fully done, then set it aside to rest.

• Craft the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and dance some onions and garlic around until they’re soft and fragrant. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, pour in chicken broth and cream, and let everything bubble gently.

• Enhance the Flavor

Sprinkle in Parmesan, add a dash of paprika and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce thicken and develop a rich, luxurious personality for a few minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning as you like.

• Bring It All Together

Reunite the chicken and pasta with the velvety sauce, tossing everything until perfectly coated. Scatter some fresh basil on top and extra Parmesan for that final touch of deliciousness. Serve hot and enjoy your culinary masterpiece.

Add Your Own Flavor Story to Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta irresistible with these pro tips!
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform, juicy results that melt in your mouth.
• If sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to restore silky consistency.
• Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy pasta.
• Transform this dish for various dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta, dairy-free cream alternatives, or swapping chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Serve With Garlic Bread, Wine, or a Big Smile

• Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair this rich, indulgent pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the dish's heaviness and add fresh, light notes.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or homemade focaccia on the side to soak up the delicious, creamy sauce and enhance the meal's overall experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
• Veggie Boost Bonus: Roast some seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers as a colorful and nutritious side dish to add more texture and nutrition to the plate.

Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta for Tomorrow’s Lunch

• Keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta tasting amazing with these smart storage tricks!
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture from making pasta soggy.
• Separate sauce and pasta before freezing to prevent texture breakdown. Place in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning and maintain original texture.
• Divide meal into individual meal prep containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Layer pasta and chicken separately to keep ingredients fresh and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• What makes this chicken tender and flavorful?

The chicken is first seasoned with salt and pepper, then seared at medium-high heat until golden brown, which locks in moisture and creates a delicious crispy exterior.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while the recipe works best with penne or fettuccine, you can substitute with similar shapes like rigatoni or linguine that hold sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. The paprika and Italian seasoning provide flavor depth without heat, making it mild and creamy.

• How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills like sautéing, seasoning, and creating a simple cream sauce, making it accessible for most home cooks.

Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers irresistible flavors from Italian-inspired cuisine. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes create a romantic meal promising culinary seduction.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 tbsps butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 10 oz (283 g) penne pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted, vigorously boiling water until al dente. Drain completely and set aside for later integration.
2. Chicken Searing: Generously season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, creating an ideal golden-brown environment. Cook chicken thoroughly until exterior achieves a rich, caramelized finish. Remove and reserve on a separate plate.
3. Aromatics and Base Development: In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, then incorporate sun-dried tomatoes to build a robust flavor foundation.
4. Sauce Creation: Stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, whisking to create a smooth, cohesive mixture. Simmer gently, allowing flavors to meld and intensify. Fold in Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning, continuously stirring to develop a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce seared chicken into the enriched sauce, then carefully fold in prepared pasta. Ensure complete coating and thorough warming. Plate the dish, garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a delightful texture that complements the creamy sauce.
• Chicken Searing Technique: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Sauce Consistency Mastery: Simmer sauce slowly, stirring frequently to prevent burning and allow flavors to meld together seamlessly without becoming too thick or thin.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut cream to create a lighter version, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 726
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 862 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 191 mg