Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy, dreamy, and downright irresistible, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that might just inspire a proposal. It combines tender chicken breast with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and just the right amount of herbs and spice. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a special occasion, or simply want to wow your weeknight dinner crowd, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every comforting bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Romantic & Comforting – A luxurious dish perfect for date night or family dinners.
One-Pan Sauce – Easy cleanup with restaurant-quality flavor.
Creamy with a Kick – Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper add depth.
Versatile – Use your favorite pasta and customize the spice level.
Ready in Under an Hour – Elegant enough for company, easy enough for weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried basil or 1 tbsp fresh chopped basil

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan for serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/75°C).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and dried basil.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
2. Slice the chicken into strips and return to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
4. Let everything warm together for 2–3 minutes.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs.
2. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds rich flavor.
Adjust Heat – Leave out red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Rest the Chicken – Allows juices to redistribute and keeps it tender.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep it al dente to absorb the sauce perfectly.
Add a Veggie Boost – Spinach, mushrooms, or peas blend beautifully into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Great for scooping up the creamy sauce.
Side of Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
A Crisp Salad – A simple vinaigrette helps balance the richness.
Glass of Sparkling Water or Lemonade – Refreshing next to the creaminess.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not recommended as cream sauces can separate when thawed.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring often to keep creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay juicy.

2. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
You can, but making it fresh gives you much better flavor and texture.

3. Is it spicy?
Only mildly. Omit the red pepper flakes for a no-heat version.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check the broth for GF labeling.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but the flavor will be different.

Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything a comfort food should be—creamy, flavorful, and full of irresistible charm. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy dish at home, this pasta is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your dish turns out.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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