Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a romantic dinner, or just to treat yourself, this dish is sure to impress.
This recipe gets its name from the joke that it’s so good it might lead to a marriage proposal! It’s easy to make, yet packed with deep flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta perfectly.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making it even better.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
To make this irresistible dish, you’ll need:
1- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
2- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
3- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir for another minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift the flavors.
- Reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken slightly.
- Add dried oregano and stir well.
4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let everything simmer for a couple of minutes.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
5: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and adds more flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
- Sear the Chicken Properly – A golden-brown crust adds more flavor to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook it al dente so it holds its texture in the sauce.
- Adjust Spice Levels – Add more red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, or leave them out for a milder taste.
- Make It Even Creamier – Add a small amount of cream cheese or butter for an even richer sauce.
Variations and Customizations
- Make it Spicier – Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Add More Vegetables – Spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make great additions.
- Use Different Pasta – While penne and fettuccine work best, you can try rigatoni, bow-tie, or even whole wheat pasta.
- Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different twist.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread – A crispy side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- White Wine – A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy yet impressive dish that’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions. Its creamy texture, flavorful chicken, and delicious pasta make it an irresistible meal that everyone will love.
Try this recipe today and share it with your loved ones! Save this for later, and let us know how it turned out for you.