Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan garlic sauce tossed with pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and quick enough for a weeknight dinner—yet impressive enough for a date night. This dish gets its name from being so irresistibly delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal!
ingredients
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
chicken breasts
olive oil
salt
black pepper
paprika
garlic cloves
chicken broth
heavy cream
parmesan cheese
sun-dried tomatoes
crushed red pepper flakes
Italian seasoning
pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
fresh basil (for garnish)
directions
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
Add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, allowing it to warm through in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until evenly coated.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The name comes from how flavorful and comforting it is—some say it’s good enough to inspire a marriage proposal!
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, but searing fresh chicken adds the best flavor and texture.
What pasta works best?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Is it very spicy?
No, but you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Can I make it ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat before tossing with pasta.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an indulgent yet easy dish that turns any night into a special occasion. With its creamy texture, savory chicken, and sun-dried tomato richness, it’s a recipe that wins hearts and cravings alike. Try it once, and it might just become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a romantic, comforting meal perfect for date nights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Slice cooked chicken and return to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add more flavor—drain them before chopping.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine.