Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, just a little bit fancy, and absolutely unforgettable, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with hearty penne pasta for a dinner that’s truly love at first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Marry Me Chicken Pasta serves a purpose, layering deeper flavor and luscious texture with each step. Keep it simple—no fancy tricks, just classic staples that build this iconic creamy, crave-worthy pasta.

• Boneless skinless chicken: Use chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites throughout.
• Penne pasta: Its ridges and tube shape hold onto all that dreamy sauce—feel free to swap with another short pasta if you like.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out the best in every other flavor.
• Olive oil: For browning the chicken and infusing the pan with rich, savory undertones.
• Butter: Adds plush flavor to the sauce, making the base silky and luxurious.
• Garlic: Minced fresh or from a jar, it’s the aromatic backbone of the entire dish.
• Flour: Helps the sauce thicken so that every strand of pasta is enveloped (not swimming) in creaminess.
• Chicken broth: Provides depth and savory notes without being heavy.
• Heavy cream: The secret to that lush, restaurant-style sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best—adds salty umami and a little body to the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Their chewy texture and concentrated tangy flavor are the heart of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and lovely color to the finished sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs (like oregano, basil, and thyme) that gives the dish its signature Italian flair.
• Fresh basil: For garnish! Bright green freshness to finish things off with a burst of color and flavor.

Variations

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily you can make it your own. Don’t be afraid to swap, add, or adjust based on what’s in your pantry, your cravings, or dietary needs!

• Add spinach or kale: Stir in a few handfuls of baby spinach or chopped kale right at the end for extra color and nutrients.
• Make it spicy: Give the sauce a subtle kick by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use another protein: Try swapping the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a twist.
• Try a different pasta: Rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine all work beautifully—just pick your favorite shape!
• Lactose-free or lighter option: Substitute half-and-half or a dairy-free cream for the heavy cream if you wish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Drain it once it’s perfectly al dente and set aside—don’t toss with oil, so it can really absorb all the glorious sauce later on!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut your chicken into small, even pieces and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken pieces. Cook them for 6–8 minutes, turning often, until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm—those flavorful pan bits are gold for the next step!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt, scraping up any golden chicken remnants. Sauté the minced garlic for just 30 seconds—it should smell amazing but not burn! Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook it out—this forms a flavorful base to thicken your sauce.

Step 4: Add Cream, Broth & Cheese

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. The sauce will look thin at first but thickens as it simmers. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning, then season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Let it bubble for a few minutes so all the flavors meld together and the sauce turns beautifully silky.

Step 5: Toss Together & Serve

Gently return the chicken (plus any juices!) to the sauce, along with the drained pasta. Stir everything to coat evenly, making sure every bite is smothered in that luscious Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce. Let it heat through for just a minute, then garnish with plenty of fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra parmesan.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a shower of freshly chopped basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese—these simple touches add bright color, an herbaceous aroma, and a final flourish of flavor that makes the dish look as special as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pasta is plenty hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette or a serving of garlicky roasted broccoli makes a wonderful, balanced pairing. And if you’re like me, warm crusty bread is a must for scooping up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a big shallow bowl for family-style comfort, or layer it neatly in individual pasta bowls for a dinner party vibe. For a romantic touch, top each plate with a sprig of basil and a swirl of olive oil, or serve in a cast iron skillet right at the table for dramatic effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for a fantastic next-day meal (I swear it gets even better!).

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the cream sauce may change texture slightly. For best results, freeze cooled portions in individual containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. A quick zap (with a cover) in the microwave works for smaller portions—just take care not to overcook the chicken.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it’ll earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation—promise! This cozy, craveable pasta is the ultimate way to show a little extra love, whether you’re feeding family or friends. Gather your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to make everyone at the table fall in love with dinner all over again.

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