Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Swoon-Worthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy and irresistible, this marry me chicken pasta sparks culinary romance with every bite.

Tender chicken nestles among perfectly cooked noodles, creating a meal that promises pure delight.

Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes weave magical flavors through each forkful.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious depth that makes this dish truly special.

Herbs scattered generously bring fresh, vibrant notes to the plate.

Home cooks will adore how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

You might just fall head over heels for this incredible pasta that could potentially seal a romantic commitment.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Notes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Notes
  • Easily swap ingredients to match dietary needs or pantry supplies, making this recipe super adaptable for different tastes and preferences.
  • Perfect for beginners or home cooks with basic kitchen knowledge, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
  • Creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken creates an irresistible meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.
  • Streamlined cooking process means fewer dishes to wash, saving time and reducing kitchen cleanup, making this recipe a stress-free dinner solution.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A versatile base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides hearty texture.
  • Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a deep, savory foundation for the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and intense flavor component that adds complexity to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that contributes depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creamy element that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce texture.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that bring additional warmth and Mediterranean flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Basil: Garnishes that provide a final layer of flavor and freshness to the dish.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta How-To

Marry Me Chicken Pasta How-To

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop the pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready to join the flavor party later.

Step 2: Sear Chicken with Flavor

Grab your chicken and give it a generous seasoning of salt and pepper.

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet until it shimmers with anticipation.

Carefully place the chicken in the hot pan and cook it until golden brown and cooked through.

You’ll want those beautiful caramelized edges that scream deliciousness.

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet that’s still holding all those magical chicken flavors, toss in the garlic and let it dance around for a quick 30 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Now add your sauce ingredients:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Dried oregano
  • Red pepper flakes

Let everything simmer and mingle together, creating a sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and watch it melt into the creamy sauce.

Slice the rested chicken into beautiful strips.

Reunite the pasta with the sauce, adding the chicken strips.

Toss everything together so each bite is coated in that incredible creamy goodness.

Step 5: Serve with Love

Plate up your masterpiece and shower it with fresh basil leaves.

Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for good measure.

Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready to steal hearts and win compliments!

Top Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Top Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • Slightly undercook pasta during boiling since it will continue absorbing sauce, preventing mushy texture.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure beautiful golden-brown exterior and lock in delicious flavors.
  • Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent sauce from breaking and maintain smooth, silky consistency.
  • Toast red pepper flakes in skillet briefly before adding other ingredients to enhance their spicy, aromatic profile.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, adjusting consistency as needed.

How to Save Marry Me Chicken Pasta

How to Save Marry Me Chicken Pasta
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

Pair Marry Me Chicken Pasta with These

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through its richness.
  • Refresh with Cocktail: Mix a Basil Vodka Spritzer using fresh basil, vodka, and sparkling water to mirror the dish's herbal notes and provide a light, zesty counterbalance.
  • Enhance Side Dish: Serve a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and create a refreshing contrast against the pasta's creamy, savory profile.
  • Balance Bread Choice: Offer warm garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a complementary texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

New Takes on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like crispy tofu, roasted chickpeas, or grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles, quinoa pasta, or brown rice pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Option: Transform the dish by using spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce that's equally delicious.

FAQs

  • What's the origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The dish gained popularity through social media as a romantic, flavor-packed meal that’s supposedly so delicious it could make someone propose marriage.

  • Is this pasta dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted to your preference. You can reduce or omit them for a less spicy version.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While the recipe works best with longer pasta like fettuccine or linguine, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta shape you enjoy.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use less Parmesan, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan-coated pasta and juicy chicken create a luxurious meal that will make loved ones swoon and request seconds.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or your favorite pasta

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Fresh basil for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare a large pot of generously salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Pat chicken pieces dry and season comprehensively with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board.
  4. Reduce skillet heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic, approximately 30-45 seconds. Quickly incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, creating a fragrant base.
  5. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously. Sprinkle oregano and red pepper flakes, allowing sauce to gently simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the sauce, ensuring smooth integration. Slice chicken into elegant strips and reintroduce to the skillet.
  7. Fold pasta into the creamy sauce, coating each strand meticulously. Ensure even distribution of chicken and sauce throughout the dish.
  8. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve piping hot for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Customize pasta types to suit dietary needs, such as gluten-free or whole wheat options for added nutrition and variety.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice level, making the dish milder for sensitive palates or bolder for heat lovers.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer, more authentic taste compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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