When a recipe is called “Marry Me Chicken”, you know it’s going to be something extraordinary. Now imagine taking that irresistible dish and combining it with pasta. The result? Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a one-pan wonder that’s creamy, savory, and absolutely love-worthy. This dish is a perfect combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with al dente pasta.
The name might be bold, but it’s earned—this dish is so good it could seal the deal on any romantic evening. I first made it for a special date night, and let’s just say it became an instant favorite in our house. It’s indulgent yet simple to make, and it has that magical quality of turning an ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience.
This recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or even a family gathering. Let’s get cooking and create a dish that’s truly love at first bite!
Recipe Resume: Todd Wilbur Style
- This Marry Me Chicken Pasta features juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with tender pasta.
- Infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice, it’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home.
- Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply want to impress.
- With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s a recipe that truly lives up to its name.
Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
- Rich & Creamy: The Parmesan sauce is velvety smooth and packed with flavor.
- Perfectly Balanced: A hint of sun-dried tomatoes and spices cuts through the creaminess.
- Date-Night Approved: Elegant yet simple, it’s sure to impress your loved one.
- One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more time to enjoy!
What You Need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken breasts (or thighs), thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add Fresh Basil:
- Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear it golden and let it finish cooking in the sauce for tender, juicy results.
- Fresh Parmesan: Grate your Parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s a secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast as a dairy-free alternative.
- Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for added nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a twist.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use whole-grain or chickpea pasta for added fiber.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
- Use less oil and skip the Parmesan for a lower-calorie option.
Closing: Todd Wilbur Style
And there you have it—a dish so good it’s named Marry Me Chicken Pasta! With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and basil, this recipe is sure to win hearts and stomachs. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, it’s a meal worth savoring. Don’t forget to explore more recipes for inspiration. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture. - What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or linguine hold the sauce beautifully. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I freeze this dish?
Cream-based sauces don’t freeze well, but you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce and skip the searing step. - What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes make excellent substitutes. - How do I make it spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. - Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a bit of cornstarch to thicken if needed. - What’s the serving size for this recipe?
This recipe serves 4–6, depending on portion size. - Can I add wine to the sauce?
Absolutely! Replace half the chicken broth with white wine for extra depth of flavor. - Is fresh basil necessary?
It’s highly recommended for flavor, but you can use dried basil in a pinch. - How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Stir constantly when adding the cream and cook over low heat to prevent curdling.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Course: All Word Recipes4
servings30
40
minutes300
kcal0
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 oz 12 pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
1 1/2 lbs 1 1/2 chicken breasts (or thighs), thinly sliced
1 tsp 1 salt
1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
3 cloves 3 garlic, minced
1/2 cup 1/2 sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
1 tsp 1 Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp 1/4 red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 cup 1 chicken broth
1 cup 1 heavy cream
3/4 cup 3/4 grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup 1/4 fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add Fresh Basil:
- Stir in the fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Follow US on Pinterest
Follow @middleeastsector on Pinterest