Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that impresses and delights, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will deliver. It’s called "Marry Me Chicken" because it’s so good, some say it could inspire a marriage proposal! This creamy chicken dish is a delightful combination of flavors, textures, and ingredients that will make anyone swoon after one bite.

The rich, velvety sauce, juicy chicken, and al dente pasta combine perfectly in this heartwarming dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic evening or just want to spoil yourself with something special, this recipe has everything to satisfy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (you can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness)

-2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

-1 teaspoon paprika

-1 teaspoon garlic powder

-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For the Sauce:

-1 tablespoon unsalted butter

-4 garlic cloves, minced

-1 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)

-1 cup heavy cream

-½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

-½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

-1 teaspoon dried basil

-1 teaspoon dried oregano

-½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

-Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

-12 ounces of pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or your preferred variety)

-Salt for pasta water

-1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Optional Garnishes:

-Fresh basil leaves, chopped

-Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1-Season the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps achieve a good sear in the pan. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes for an added kick if desired.

2-Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot, so the chicken sears nicely and locks in the flavor.

3-Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. If you’re using chicken thighs, they may take a little longer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

4-Let the Chicken Rest: Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it on a plate to allow it to rest. Cover with aluminum foil and let it rest while you work on the sauce. Resting helps keep the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1-Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet (don’t clean it out — those browned bits left from cooking the chicken add flavor!), melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until it becomes fragrant.

2-Add the Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This stage is crucial for building a lot of the flavor.!

3-Pour in the Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The cream makes the sauce rich and luscious, while the Parmesan adds a salty, savory element that blends beautifully with the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.

4-Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Herbs: Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5-Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and modify the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1-Boil the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente, meaning it should be firm to the bite.

2-Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

3-Drain the Pasta: Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil if you want to prevent it from sticking together.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1-Slice the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering and the pasta is cooking, slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2-Combine Pasta with the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the skillet with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it completely with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

3-Add the Chicken: Stir the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce. Make sure everything is well combined, and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Finish and Garnish: Once the chicken is reheated through and the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, remove the skillet from the heat. Top with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if you like.

Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use High-Quality Chicken: The better the chicken, the juicier and more flavorful your dish will be. Try to use organic or free-range chicken if available.

Customize the Spice Level: If you like your food spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for the chicken. If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Adjust the Creaminess: For an even creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or Parmesan. If you find the sauce is too rich, try balancing it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to cut through the richness.

Leftover Sauce: The sauce thickens as it cools, so if you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Serving Suggestions

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish, but there are plenty of delicious sides that complement it perfectly:

Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with this creamy pasta. Use a crusty baguette or ciabatta, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden brown for the perfect accompaniment.

Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the pasta. You can toss together arugula, spinach, or mixed greens with a lemon-based dressing for a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Vegetables: If you’re looking for a healthy side, roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers add color and texture to the meal. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender and caramelized.

Wine Pairing: For a sophisticated touch, serve this pasta with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity will help cut through the creamy richness of the sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

This dish is perfect for leftovers, making it great for meal prep or an easy lunch the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Storage: Store any remaining portions in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, so when reheating, you may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of extra cream or broth as needed to get the sauce back to the right consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Freezing: If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to freeze just the sauce and chicken. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and toss it with the thawed sauce and chicken for a freshly made taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason why Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a viral favorite — it’s comforting, easy to make, and bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken and creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce is irresistible. It’s a great dish for impressing guests, celebrating special occasions, or even just treating yourself to something indulgent.

The ease of preparation and the flexibility of the ingredients make it accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks alike. Plus, it’s versatile — you can customize it to your preferences, whether by adding greens like spinach or kicking up the heat with extra spice.

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta will be an instant hit with anyone you serve it to. Whether you're cooking to impress or simply making a cozy dinner for yourself, this creamy, dreamy dish is sure to win hearts and become a staple in your kitchen.