When a recipe earns a name like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you know it’s bound to be special. This dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor—tender chicken simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of comforting meal that feels indulgent but comes together easily enough for a weeknight dinner. The first time I made this, I swapped heavy cream for half-and-half, and it still turned out velvety and delicious. The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs creates a sauce so good, it might just inspire a proposal—or at least a request for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and tangy. The sun-dried tomatoes add a slight sweetness, while the Parmesan cheese and garlic bring depth and richness. It’s one of those dishes that looks impressive but takes minimal effort to make. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, family meal, or a special occasion, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to impress. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite pasta shape or even a touch of spice for an extra kick.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Irresistible Dish That Wins Hearts
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy, flavorful ‘Marry Me Chicken Pasta’ featuring tender chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce tossed with pasta — so delicious it might just win someone’s heart.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 10 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to let flavors combine.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- For an extra cheesy twist, top with mozzarella and broil for 2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts
Tender, juicy chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Slice them into cutlets or pound thinly so they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce.
Pasta
Choose a pasta that holds sauce well—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work perfectly. I’ve also tried it with spaghetti, and it was equally delightful.
Olive Oil and Butter
Used together to brown the chicken and build a flavorful base for the sauce. Butter adds richness, while olive oil prevents burning.
Garlic
Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its signature aroma and savory punch.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce beautifully.
Heavy Cream
The foundation of the luxurious sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Chicken Broth
Adds depth and helps loosen the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and a nutty flavor.
Italian Seasoning
A classic blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that ties everything together.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
A pinch of heat enhances the richness of the sauce without overpowering it.
Salt and Black Pepper
Essential for balancing the flavors of the dish.
Fresh Basil
Adds a bright, aromatic finish that makes the dish taste fresh and vibrant.
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors.
- Toss in the cooked pasta until fully coated in sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it may cause the sauce to separate. You can also freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a fiery version.
Mushroom Marry Me Pasta
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, hearty addition.
Bacon Lovers’ Version
Crispy bacon bits add a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Spinach and Tomato Twist
Stir in fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
Pesto Marry Me Pasta
Add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce for an herby, aromatic twist.
Cheese Lover’s Edition
Mix in mozzarella or fontina for extra gooey richness.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sauce ingredients are gluten-free.
Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and replace it with roasted vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives.
FAQs
1. Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
The dish is so delicious that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals—or at least deep admiration!
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness.
3. What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great choices because they hold the creamy sauce well.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken in advance; combine with pasta just before serving.
5. Can I substitute the cream with milk?
You can use milk, but the sauce will be thinner—half-and-half is a better alternative.
6. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
7. Is this dish spicy?
Only mildly—adjust red pepper flakes to your preference.
8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding broth for extra depth.
9. Can I use sun-dried tomato pesto instead?
Yes, it adds a concentrated tomato flavor—just reduce the Parmesan slightly.
10. What sides go well with this dish?
Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad make perfect accompaniments.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a declaration of love in the form of creamy, garlicky perfection. With tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and a hint of spice, this recipe delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even your hand in marriage.
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