If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s rich, savory, and guaranteed to win hearts at the dinner table, look no further than Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With a luscious sauce laced with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a gentle kick of spice, this classic Italian-American pasta delivers pure comfort in every forkful. It’s the ideal recipe for impressing guests, spicing up a weeknight, or simply treating yourself to something unforgettable.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in how simple ingredients become something truly special together. Each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that shines in the final dish.

Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these provide hearty protein and soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Salt and black pepper: The essential seasonings for bringing out the chicken’s natural flavor.
Garlic powder: Subtle, warm notes that infuse the chicken with a gentle, earthy aroma.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden, delicious crust on the chicken.
Fresh garlic: Just three cloves, but they’re the backbone of the dish’s aromatic base.
Chicken broth: Provides a savory bed for the sauce and deepens the overall flavor profile.
Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, dreamy texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Bursts of tangy-sweet flavor add cheerful pops of color and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: Just the right touch of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully for a punch of savory depth.
Fettuccine or penne pasta: Sturdy, sauce-loving noodles that hold up superbly with all the creamy goodness.
Fresh basil: Sprinkled on at the end, for a bright, herbal flourish.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add your choice of pasta—fettuccine or penne both work perfectly. Cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. A well-cooked pasta gives the dish its perfect bite and helps soak up every drop of the delectable sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, lay the chicken breasts flat and sprinkle both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add your chicken. Sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until they’re deeply golden and cooked through. This caramelized crust is what locks in all the juicy flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and, in the same skillet, toss in minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—making sure not to let it burn. This quick step turns the oil aromatic and ready for the next layer of flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let everything come to a gentle simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. The sun-dried tomatoes will soften, the cream will thicken slightly, and all the flavors will start to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Parmesan and Creamy Goodness

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce turns irresistibly creamy. This is the heart and soul of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta—the moment where simple cream and cheese transform into a sauce you’ll want to spoon straight from the pan.

Step 6: Return Chicken and Bring it All Together

Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes, spooning the rich sauce over the top so every bite is coated. Finally, add your cooked pasta and toss everything together until the noodles are enveloped in creamy perfection.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Snip or tear up plenty of fresh basil to sprinkle over each plate. The basil’s fresh aroma contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce, and its bright green color makes a stunning presentation. For an extra touch, add a final snow of grated Parmesan on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is so rich and luscious that it loves a little balance from the sides. I love serving Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted broccoli. Fresh crusty bread is also fantastic—perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, slice the chicken breasts before laying them on the pasta and drizzle a bit of sauce over the top. Serve in shallow bowls for that rustic trattoria vibe or pile high on a large family-style platter for everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores wonderfully. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get richer as they mingle, making for a fantastic next-day lunch.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or want to batch cook, this pasta can be frozen too! Let it cool, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or extra cream to re-loosen the sauce. Stir gently until it’s hot and creamy again. Microwaving works in a pinch but go slowly so the sauce doesn’t separate.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as delicious, adding even more juiciness and rich flavor. Just adjust the cooking time so they’re cooked through.

Is it possible to make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free fettuccine or penne. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!

What if I want the sauce a little lighter?

You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. For an even lighter touch, try using evaporated milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Of course! Baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed asparagus are all fantastic additions. Just stir them into the sauce before adding the chicken back, and you’ll have a boost of color and nutrients.

How spicy is the sauce, and can I adjust the heat?

The red pepper flakes give just a mild warmth, but you can definitely add more or less according to your preference. If you want it extra mild, simply skip the pepper flakes altogether.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a recipe that’s as impressive as it is easy, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s packed with the kind of flavors that make people swoon and ask for seconds. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new signature dish!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sear in olive oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic in the same skillet. Add broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer, then stir in Parmesan until creamy.
Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet, simmer, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat. Garnish with basil.