If you’re searching for a dish that truly delights the senses and feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your go-to meal. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, all perfectly twirling around al dente pasta. It’s a dish that feels fancy yet comes together with ease, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special meal to impress someone you love. The rich flavors and creamy texture will have you craving seconds while offering a beautiful balance of colors and tastes that brighten any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a critical role. From the juicy chicken to the vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan, every element contributes to a perfectly balanced dish that’s bursting with flavor and pleasing textures.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: This is the star protein that stays tender and juicy when cooked properly.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Sturdy pasta shapes that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory base that elevates the entire dish.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a slight sweetness and tang, brightening up the sauce with their concentrated flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty element that enriches the sauce and ties all ingredients together.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This searing locks in juices and develops a beautiful crust. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm while you prepare the sauce and pasta.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta of choice—penne or rigatoni work best here. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve half a cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid will help adjust your sauce consistency later.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another one to two minutes, letting their bright, savory flavors infuse the oil and create an aromatic base for the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream to the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding that irresistible cheesy depth. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy, silky consistency that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together carefully to ensure every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy, ready to wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil can add a vibrant splash of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness. You could also grate a little extra Parmesan on top for that final cheesy kiss.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner party vibe, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with the chicken artfully arranged on top. Adding a few sun-dried tomato halves and a basil leaf as garnish elevates the presentation instantly. Consider individual ramekins to portion out the pasta for a charming, restaurant-style serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even better after a day, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes can sometimes separate when frozen, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes fairly well if stored properly in a freezer-safe container. Consume within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more richness and stay juicy, making them a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal because their tubular shape holds the creamy sauce nicely, but you can also use fusilli or farfalle for a fun twist.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free Parmesan alternatives, you can enjoy a creamy, delicious version without dairy.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers can be stirred into the sauce for extra color, texture, and nutrition.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default but adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté will give it a gentle kick if you like things a little fiery.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it a comforting, crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or simply craving a rich, satisfying dinner, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors home with ease. Don’t hesitate to try it—you might just find yourself adding this creamy, flavorful pasta to your regular dinner rotation!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts tossed with al dente pasta in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. This comforting Italian-inspired recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until they develop a golden brown crust, approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use. Drain the pasta well.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to deepen their flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Adjust the sauce consistency by gradually adding the reserved pasta water if it seems too thick.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use pasta types like penne or rigatoni that hold the sauce well.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; the starch helps thicken and bind the sauce.
- For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
- To reduce cooking time, pound chicken breasts to even thickness before searing.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
