If you are on the hunt for a comforting yet impressive dish, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become your go-to. This creamy, flavorful pasta combines tender chicken, luscious sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce that hugs every strand of pasta perfectly. It’s a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to treat someone special—but honestly, it’s so delicious you might just make it for yourself again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple but essential, playing a key role in building the dish’s layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From aromatic spices to creamy cheese, you’ll see how everything comes together to make this meal truly unforgettable.
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice: Pick your favorite shape, whether it’s penne, fettuccine, or even rotini, to soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness while helping soften the onions and garlic for a tender base.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped: Provides a gentle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that is simply essential in any creamy pasta.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star of the show, providing lean protein and a satisfying bite.
- ½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper: A blend of spices that layers heat, smokiness, and herbaceous notes for a complex flavor profile.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Infuses a sharp, nutty taste that enriches the sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a chewy texture and tangy sweetness that balances the creaminess.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish and a burst of green color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt your water generously like the sea—this is your chance to season the pasta from within. Once cooked al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the delicious sauce and chicken.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking gently until they soften and release their wonderful fragrance. This step forms the aromatic base that will flavor every bite.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to add butter and the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. These spices will create a beautiful crust on the chicken and infuse it with warmth and a subtle kick. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce gently simmer, stirring occasionally so it thickens to a luscious consistency that will cling to your pasta and chicken. This velvety sauce is the heart of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, bringing richness and comfort in every spoonful.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated with the thick sauce, and the tomatoes are evenly distributed, adding vibrant bursts of color and flavor.
Step 6: Final Touches
Before serving, garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, which add a fresh herbal note and a lovely pop of green. The dish is best enjoyed immediately for the most satisfying texture and flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic finish here, but don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or some cracked black pepper for that gourmet touch. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top can add an extra layer of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette for sopping up any leftover sauce is always a welcome sidekick as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and top with extra sun-dried tomatoes and freshly torn basil leaves. If you’re hosting, consider plating with a lemon wedge on the side for a subtle citrus squeeze that brightens the dish just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it chills—adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating helps restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently, then toss with freshly cooked pasta to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Reheat on medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring often to prevent sticking and to warm evenly. Add a little cream or milk as needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through to avoid hot spots.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is very versatile. Penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can be great choices—the key is to have pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce well.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, try using cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft or even roasted red peppers. Both will add a sweet and tangy element, though the texture will be different.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook thoroughly, as thighs take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. If you prefer no spice at all, leave them out for a milder but still flavorful dish.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or decadently creamy. Another option is to use a non-dairy creamer or coconut milk for a different twist, though the flavor will vary.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those magical meals that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly impressive. Creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find that it’s the recipe you want to keep close forever!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with a blend of Italian spices, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Add butter to the skillet along with the bite-sized chicken pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use any dried pasta you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni for versatility.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative, but expect a less rich sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide a deeper flavor than dry ones. If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste to control the heat level of the dish.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
