Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a showstopping dinner recipe that will both impress and comfort, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. Creamy, savory, and loaded with flavor, this dish brings together juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety parmesan sauce all tossed with pasta for a meal that’s downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to something truly special, you’ll soon understand why Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become a viral sensation—it’s the kind of recipe that wins hearts, one forkful at a time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part—from the sun-dried tomatoes that add tangy depth to the parmesan that melts into creamy bliss. Here’s what you’ll need and why these staples simply can’t be skipped.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Using 1 ½ pounds cut into bite-sized pieces ensures every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape clings to all that luscious sauce, making every mouthful a perfect bite.
- Salt and pepper: These essentials build the foundation of your seasoning and balance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: Provides a golden sear on the chicken, infusing the dish with light, Mediterranean notes.
- Butter: Adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce while enhancing the overall depth.
- Minced garlic: Just a couple teaspoons for that irresistible aromatic lift—it wouldn’t be the same without garlic!
- All-purpose flour: A key step for thickening the sauce to that perfect, silky texture.
- Chicken broth: Brings a savory, umami boost to the cream sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is your ticket to luxurious, velvety sauce that tastes restaurant-worthy every time.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Savory, salty, and utterly delicious—it’s the backbone of the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their sweet-tart punch cut through the richness and offer gorgeous color.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a subtle smokiness you’ll love.
- Dried Italian seasoning: These herbs tie the whole dish together with classic Italian flair.
- Fresh basil: A sprinkle of chopped basil brings the perfect pop of freshness and color just before serving.
- Additional parmesan cheese (optional): Because a little extra sprinkle on top never hurt anyone!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start simple by cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. You want it just al dente so it holds up beautifully when tossed with the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll come back to it soon!
Step 2: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Generously season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here—well-seasoned chicken is the secret to the deep, savory flavor that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta irresistible.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Pour the olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping as needed, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Move the chicken to a plate and set it aside so it stays juicy and tender for the final dish.
Step 4: Make the Flavorful Base
Without cleaning the skillet, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds—it should be fragrant but not browned. This is where the kitchen really starts to smell amazing!
Step 5: Create the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, then stir constantly for about 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks off the raw flour taste and forms the base for your creamy sauce.
Step 6: Whisk in the Sauce
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth; don’t rush this step, as it’s what guarantees a luscious, lump-free sauce.
Step 7: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasonings
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and add a little more salt and pepper, if needed—the punchy sun-dried tomatoes create a beautiful tang that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special.
Step 8: Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened and everything is fully combined. Watch for that perfect creamy consistency—it should cling to a spoon.
Step 9: Bring It All Together
Return your cooked chicken and penne pasta to the skillet, stirring until every piece is coated in that incredible parmesan-cream sauce. Take a minute to admire the rich colors and heavenly aroma!
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Top everything with loads of chopped basil and extra parmesan, if you like. Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while the sauce is perfectly creamy and the flavors are at their best.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a generous shower of chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan right before serving. Not only does this boost the flavor, but the colorful green and white make the dish totally photo-worthy. For a hint of zest, a little lemon zest or a crack of black pepper works wonders too!
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple so the pasta can really shine. I love serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in Italian dressing, or alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a platter of mixed olives make terrific accompaniments for a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile your Marry Me Chicken Pasta into individual bowls and top each with a basil sprig and a parmesan tuile. Hosting dinner guests? Serve family-style in a big skillet set in the center of the table for a rustic, inviting vibe. Or, portion it into ramekins and bake with a little extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if!), store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic lunch the next day!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta—just be sure the dish has cooled completely first. Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to two months, though the cream sauce may separate a little when reheated (a good stir usually brings it back together).
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. If you’re microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring between each one. Avoid high heat, which can curdle the sauce or dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, making them a delicious alternative in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just trim any excess fat and cook until fully done before adding to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce. The result will be just as creamy and satisfying.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes work best?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are my go-to—they’re soft, full of flavor, and stir seamlessly into sauces. Just drain them well before adding so the sauce doesn’t get greasy.
Can I lighten up the sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk in place of heavy cream, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For a lighter take on Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider reducing the parmesan slightly or incorporating steamed veggies.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken should be cooked through until it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cutting into a larger piece to check is a foolproof way to be sure!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, you’re ready to experience why so many people have fallen for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect for special occasions, cozy nights in, or when you just crave something extra delicious. Give it a go and let this dish win over your kitchen and your heart!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 10 ounces penne pasta
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional parmesan cheese, optional (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil until fully cooked. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Stir in flour and cook to create a roux. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Adjust seasoning. Simmer sauce until slightly thickened. Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, coat in sauce. Garnish with basil and additional parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as spinach or roasted bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Parmesan Cream Sauce, Sun-Dried Tomatoes
