Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to Savor Now
Discover the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a delightful dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal that truly deserves a spot in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special someone, this dish promises a wonderful blend of textures and tastes that keep everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The dish features a creamy, garlicky sauce packed with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of savory goodness.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry basics and fresh items that are easy to find, making it perfect for last-minute dinners.
- Quick Preparation: Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Versatile Meal: It’s great as a cozy solo dinner or scaled up for sharing with guests or a loved one.
- Comfort Food Appeal: Creamy pasta and tender chicken come together for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a creamy, aromatic finish. From the protein-packed chicken to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every item boosts flavor, color, or texture.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and stay juicy when seared just right.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce without overpowering.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce a fragrant boost of flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add vibrant color and a slightly sweet, tangy bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The base for the luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty depth and thickening the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the sauce, balancing the creaminess.
- Dried Italian herbs: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme takes the sauce to the next level.
- Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape for catching every bit of sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that livens up the dish without overwhelming the creaminess.
Variations for Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Personalizing this recipe is a breeze, whether you’re adapting for dietary needs, ingredient availability, or craving a little twist. Feel free to explore these variations to make it your own.
- Use chicken thighs: Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty plant-based meal.
- Spice it up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to bring a bold heat to the creamy sauce.
- Swap pasta types: Try gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini for a low-carb twist that still tastes great.
- Add fresh herbs: Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or chives to brighten the rich flavors just before serving.
How to Make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and cook the chicken
Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the pan bottom.
Step 3: Make it creamy
Lower the heat, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add grated Parmesan and continue stirring until the cheese melts, forming a smooth, silky sauce. Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine pasta and chicken
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the sauce along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the delicious creamy sauce.
Step 5: Final touches before serving
Let the combined pasta and chicken simmer for a minute to absorb all the flavors, then remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or extra Parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips for Making Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Perfectly cook chicken: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear and seal in juices.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it without curdling the cream.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor; avoid powder to keep the sauce bright.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta provides the best texture to complement the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Add a splash if the sauce becomes too thick to loosen it up naturally.
How to Serve Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add a pop of freshness and color, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan brings even more cheesy goodness to every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a rustic pasta bowl for a homestyle feel, or plate elegantly with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a lemon wedge for a bit of brightness and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, so stir in a little milk or broth when reheating.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Freeze pasta and sauce separately if possible to maintain texture, then thaw overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency without scorching.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle all work well and hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and can be portioned for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the creamy texture.
How spicy is the dish?
The recipe is only mildly spicy if you include red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a game-changer when you want a meal that’s both indulgent and effortless. Once you try its creamy, flavorful magic, you’ll want to make it again and again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and savor every delicious bite—you won’t regret it!
PrintBest Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Discover the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a creamy and flavorful dish combining tender seared chicken, a rich garlic and sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, this comforting meal is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion, offering irresistible flavors and a cozy texture that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Can be adapted for Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to season
Fresh Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh herbs for garnish (basil, parsley, or chives) – optional
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or favorite variety)
Instructions
- Prepare and cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Build the sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to release their flavor. Pour in chicken broth, scraping any browned bits off the pan bottom.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat, then slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Add grated Parmesan and continue stirring until the cheese melts, forming a smooth, silky sauce. Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta and chicken: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the sauce along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the delicious creamy sauce.
- Final touches before serving: Let the combined pasta and chicken simmer for a minute to absorb all the flavors, then remove from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs or extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Perfectly cook chicken: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a nice sear and seal in juices.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer the sauce gently to thicken it without curdling the cream.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic has the best flavor; avoid powder to keep the sauce bright.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta provides the best texture to complement the creamy sauce.
- Reserve pasta water: Add a splash if the sauce becomes too thick to loosen it up naturally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, quick chicken dinner, comfort food pasta