Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistible
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and absolutely indulgent pasta dish, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just what you need! Featuring juicy, seasoned chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, this dish is so delicious that it just might earn you a marriage proposal!
With a combination of buttery garlic, fragrant herbs, and a luscious cream sauce, this pasta is packed with flavor in every bite. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, romantic date nights, or a family dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Creamy – The sauce is ultra-luxurious, made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – Tastes like something from a high-end Italian restaurant!
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, this dish delivers.
✔️ Pairs Well with Any Pasta – Use penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin fillets or strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet to deglaze and capture all the flavors.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle in basil and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
✅ Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking until just done.
✅ Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer longer.
✅ Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick!
✅ Use a High-Quality Pasta – It makes all the difference in texture and taste.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nutritious touch.
- A Glass of White Wine – A Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate upon reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or omit them altogether.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Just store the sauce separately and reheat before adding to freshly cooked pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible! Whether you’re making it for a special date night or a comforting family meal, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
With rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and hearty pasta, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. Try it today and watch your loved ones swoon over every bite!
Will this dish get you a marriage proposal? Try it and find out!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy & Irresistible
Description
If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, and absolutely indulgent pasta dish, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just what you need! Featuring juicy, seasoned chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, this dish is so delicious that it just might earn you a marriage proposal!
With a combination of buttery garlic, fragrant herbs, and a luscious cream sauce, this pasta is packed with flavor in every bite. It’s an easy, one-pan dinner recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, romantic date nights, or a family dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into thin fillets or strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the skillet to deglaze and capture all the flavors.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well coated.
- Sprinkle in basil and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Notes
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking until just done.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, simmer longer.
Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes for a bolder kick!
Use a High-Quality Pasta – It makes all the difference in texture and taste.
I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
