Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Seals a Deal

Curiosity strikes when you encounter this surprisingly named chicken pasta that might just lead to a proposal.

The dish bursts with creamy, sun-dried tomato magic that could melt anyone’s heart.

Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a culinary experience beyond ordinary weeknight meals.

Each forkful promises rich, tangy flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected charm.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious dimension to this deceptively simple recipe.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients come together in a way that feels both comforting and exciting.

Trust me, this pasta could seriously spark some romantic conversations at your dinner table.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Everyone’s Loving

  • Packed with rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers a mouthwatering taste experience that will impress everyone at the table.
  • Easy to customize with additional vegetables or swap proteins, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Minimal cleanup required with this streamlined recipe that prepares chicken, sauce, and pasta in the same pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after cooking.

Ingredient Breakdown for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that becomes the main star of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, preferably freshly grated for best taste.
Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, medium-sized shapes like penne or rigatoni work best.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides depth and liquid base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce texture.
  • Butter: Helps build the sauce's rich foundation.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that add depth to the sauce.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring intense, sweet-tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning chicken and balancing overall taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds herbaceous notes to complement the chicken.
  • Paprika: Provides subtle warmth and slight color to the sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh garnish that adds final aromatic touch.

Dishes to Pair with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the rich chicken flavors.
  • Prepare crusty garlic bread with herb butter to soak up the delicious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, tangy contrast to the heavy, creamy pasta dish.
  • Serve chilled sparkling water with a fresh lemon slice to cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the taste buds.

Creative Versions of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Harmony: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Vegetarian Fusion: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes, keeping the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce intact.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta to create a lighter, keto-friendly meal that still delivers incredible taste.

Instructions for a Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook Tasty Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt. Drop pasta into bubbling water and cook until perfectly tender but still has a slight bite. Drain pasta in a colander, then set aside while preparing other components.

Step 2: Sizzle The Chicken

Grab your chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place chicken into hot pan, allowing each side to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains in the center. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter until it starts to shimmer. Add:
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Minced garlic
Saute until onions become translucent and fragrant. Introduce these ingredients:
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream

Stir and let mixture come to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Boost Sauce Flavor

Incorporate these flavor enhancers:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Paprika
  • Italian seasoning

Allow sauce to thicken and develop rich flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Add cooked chicken and pasta directly into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every piece is luxuriously coated. Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while sauce is warm and inviting.

Pro-Level Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Perfection

  • Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
  • Chicken Searing Secret: Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and juiciness.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding liquids to intensify the herbs' aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste profile.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect creamy texture without compromising flavor intensity.

Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Ease

  • Transfer leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir gently until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when the dish is steaming hot.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Irresistible marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan-coated perfection promises to sweep anyone off their feet with one delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Pasta and Seasonings:

  • 10 ounces (283 grams) penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 0.5 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta in a generously salted, rolling boiling water until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve to the side.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with a robust blend of salt and ground pepper. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal searing environment. Cook the chicken until it develops a golden-brown exterior and reaches complete doneness. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
  3. Utilize the same skillet and introduce butter, allowing it to melt seamlessly. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich foundational layer.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, developing depth and complexity.
  5. Introduce Parmesan cheese, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the simmering sauce. Let the mixture reduce and thicken, periodically tasting and adjusting the seasoning profile with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Reunite the seared chicken with the luxurious sauce, then fold in the prepared pasta. Ensure each element is thoroughly coated and warmed through.
  7. Present the dish garnished with freshly torn basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the rich, creamy sauce profile.
  • Reduce cream and use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that keeps the dish’s luxurious texture.
  • Control sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt additions during seasoning stages.
  • Gluten-free adaptation works perfectly with alternative pasta like chickpea or zucchini noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 800
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star