Ever wondered what makes a pasta dish unforgettable? Enter Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a creamy, garlic-rich recipe featuring succulent chicken and a touch of sun-dried tomato flair. Known for its proposal-worthy reputation, this meal blends comfort and flavor effortlessly. I learned about it from a friend who credited it for winning her partner’s heart on date three. Curious, I tested it myself and discovered a standout dish. Unlike typical pasta recipes, it’s beginner-friendly yet boasts restaurant-quality taste. Ideal for cozy nights or impressing guests, it’s packed with info worth knowing. In this article, I’ll detail the steps, share expert insights, and clarify common questions. Ready to explore Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Let’s begin!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Here’s why marry me chicken pasta deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Unbeatable Flavor: Juicy chicken meets a rich, creamy sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a taste explosion!
- Super Simple: No chef skills needed—just basic ingredients and about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s versatile enough for picky eaters or a romantic dinner. Everyone loves it!
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, keeping costs low.
- Customizable: Tweak it to your taste—spicy, light, or veggie-packed. It’s your call!
This easy marry me chicken pasta recipe proves you don’t need hours or fancy tools to create something unforgettable.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Here’s everything for your marry me chicken pasta. Simple, right?
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil (a handful, chopped, for garnish)
Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter dish, use gluten-free pasta, or try chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Steps
Ready to make the best marry me chicken pasta? Follow these steps, and you’ll be eating in no time.
Prep and Cook the Pasta
- Boil the Water: Pour water into a big pot, toss in a hearty pinch of salt, and crank it to a full boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Drop in the penne and cook according to the package—usually 10–12 minutes—until al dente. Drain and set aside. Tip: Save a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
Sear the Chicken
- Season It Up: Sprinkle the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat the Pan: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken in a single layer. Sear for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F inside). Remove to a plate. Note: Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Start the Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in chopped garlic and cook for 60 seconds until it releases a mouthwatering aroma.
- Build the Flavor: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly and let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the Parmesan until it melts into a smooth sauce. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Trick: Grate your own Parmesan for better melting—it’s worth it!
Bring It All Together
- Reunite Chicken with Sauce: Add the seared chicken back into the skillet for a tasty mix. Stir to coat it in that creamy goodness.
- Add the Pasta: Toss in the drained penne. Mix everything until the pasta’s fully coated. If the sauce gets too dense, thin it with a dash of saved pasta cooking water.
- Finish with Flair: Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt or pepper if needed. Top with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant look and burst of taste.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate It Up: Spoon your marry me chicken pasta into bowls. Serve hot and watch the compliments roll in!
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy marry me chicken pasta recipe that feels fancy without the fuss. Want to avoid soggy pasta? Don’t overcook it in the pot—it’ll soak up sauce later. If the sauce thickens too much, that pasta water trick saves the day. You’re in control here, so tweak it to your liking!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Tips, Tricks, and Flavor Variations
Top Tips for Success
- Perfect Pasta: Cook it al dente—it holds up better in the sauce.
- Fresh Is Best: Use fresh garlic and basil for maximum flavor.
- Control the Heat: Start with less red pepper flakes and add more later if you like spice.
- Even Chicken: Cut pieces the same size so they cook uniformly.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Fun Variations to Try
- Veggie Twist: Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a nutrient boost. Toss them in with the tomatoes.
- Spicy Upgrade: Double the red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce for a fiery marry me chicken pasta.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream and whole wheat pasta for a healthier spin.
These tweaks make this marry me chicken pasta recipe endlessly adaptable. Love herbs? Try oregano or thyme. Feeding kids? Skip the spice. It’s forgiving and fun to play with!
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your marry me chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, pop it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—though the sauce might separate a bit when thawed.
For reheating, warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Microwave works too—just cover it and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Fresh basil? Add it after reheating for that just-made taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I Freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes! Freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a little milk to smooth the sauce.
What Pasta Shapes Work Best?
Penne’s ideal—it catches the sauce perfectly. But fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti are great too. Use what you have!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Definitely. Thighs add extra juiciness. Cook them a bit longer until they hit 165°F internally.
How Do I Make It Dairy-Free?
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and opt for a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. It’ll still be creamy and delicious.
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce a day early, store separately from the pasta, then combine and heat when ready.
These answers tackle common marry me chicken pasta queries, making your cooking stress-free!
Simple Marry Me Chicken Pasta to Try
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil (a handful, chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook penne until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cream and broth. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then add Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add chicken back to the skillet, then toss in the pasta. Mix until coated in sauce.
- Garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with basil and serve hot. Enjoy!
Notes
Calories: 650 kcal
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
Time to Enjoy Your Creation!
There you go—an easy marry me chicken pasta recipe that’s sure to impress. It’s quick, affordable, and packed with flavor—everything you want in a weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for a date or just treating yourself, this dish delivers. Test this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below! Loved it? Rate it below or check out my blog for more inspiration. Here’s to delicious dinners and happy hearts!