If you’re looking for a way to impress someone—or just want a little comfort in a bowl—Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your golden ticket. Imagine tender slices of juicy chicken bathed in a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce enriched with bursts of sun-dried tomatoes, all clingingly wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. This is the dish friends request when they visit and why it’s always a contender for date nights or special family dinners. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a signature, and you’ll find yourself looking for excuses to make it again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is all about simple yet robust ingredients, each pulling its weight in flavor, texture, and color. These kitchen staples combine to create a dish that is far more than the sum of its parts.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Slice them into cutlets for speedy, even cooking and guaranteed juiciness in every bite.
Olive Oil: Helps develop that crave-worthy golden sear on your chicken while adding a hint of richness.
Butter: Melts into the pan to build a nutty, luscious base for the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of savory depth—don’t skimp on this!
Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan and layers in savory notes without heaviness.
Heavy Cream: The secret to a truly silky, decadent sauce that hugs every noodle.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty finish and maximum melt-ability—pre-grated just can’t compare.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offer just the right whisper of heat to balance the richness.
Italian Seasoning: Brings herby complexity so the flavors really sing together.
Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and eye-catching color to the chicken.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For little pops of tangy sweetness that make the dish truly special.
Penne Pasta (or favorite pasta): Penne’s perfect for catching all that sauce, but any shape you love will work beautifully.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the pasta water—it brings everything to life.
Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and brings the flavors into balance.
Fresh Basil: A sprinkle on top adds fresh, aromatic brightness that completes this showstopper.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by preparing your pasta according to the package directions—aim for al dente, since it will finish cooking in the luscious sauce. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later, and set the noodles aside. Starting with warm, ready-to-go pasta keeps things moving seamlessly.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season your sliced chicken cutlets generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for sizzling, golden edges and no pink left in the center. Once they’re perfectly cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest on a plate—those savory juices will get locked in, making every bite of Marry Me Chicken Pasta extra succulent.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the garlic. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned chicken bits—they’re flavor gold. The garlic will infuse the butter, laying down a gorgeous, aromatic base that’s irresistible.

Step 4: Simmer the Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the pan, swirling and scraping to get all those caramelized bits up. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and those deeply flavorful sun-dried tomatoes. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of Marry Me Chicken Pasta in the making. The sauce will thicken slightly and take on a creamy blush from the tomatoes.

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Return your cooked chicken—and any tasty juices—to the pan, nestling each piece in the sauce so it’s well coated. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until each noodle gets a generous hug of sauce and the chicken is evenly distributed. If you want a silkier sauce, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling festive.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A dish this beautiful deserves a finishing touch—scatter a handful of torn fresh basil leaves over the top for a pop of color and that herby, just-picked fragrance. For even more flair, a little extra freshly grated Parmesan or a dusting of cracked black pepper brings a touch of restaurant polish to your homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Side Dishes

Keep sides simple to let your Marry Me Chicken Pasta shine. Crusty garlic bread is a must for swooping through every last spoonful of sauce, and a crisp green salad—think arugula or romaine with a fresh vinaigrette—balances the richness perfectly. If you’re serving a crowd, roasted asparagus or blistered green beans make ideal accompaniments.

Creative Ways to Present

For something special, try plating Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls, topped with extra sun-dried tomatoes and a shower of microgreens. Or, portion it in mini cast iron skillets for a fun, bistro-inspired look. For date night, pair individual servings with long-stemmed wine glasses and flickering candles to really set the mood.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Just let it cool first, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, so don’t be surprised if tomorrow’s lunch tastes even better than tonight’s dinner.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, go ahead—though for best texture, consider freezing just the sauce and chicken, then cooking fresh pasta when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge and finish off your meal with pasta cooked the day of.

Reheating

Gently reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a skillet over low-medium heat. Add a splash of cream, broth, or even a bit of water to loosen the sauce and stir until everything’s warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken—gentle and patient is the way to go!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work like a charm and offer even more tenderness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time so they’re cooked all the way through but still juicy. You could even use leftover rotisserie chicken in a pinch—it’s all about convenience and what you have on hand.

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

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. The creamy sauce has no flour, so the whole dish easily adapts to gluten-free needs without sacrificing delight or comfort.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If sun-dried tomatoes are missing from your pantry, try tossing in roasted red peppers or a handful of cherry tomatoes (sautéed for a few minutes). You’ll still get lovely pops of color and bursts of sweetness, keeping the feel of Marry Me Chicken Pasta intact.

Can I lighten up the sauce?

Definitely! Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a can of evaporated milk for a lighter version. It won’t be quite as rich but will still hug the pasta beautifully. Consider adding extra chicken broth if you want to make it even lighter.

How can I make it vegetarian?

For a vegetarian spin, replace the chicken with pan-seared mushrooms or crispy tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The savory, creamy flavors of Marry Me Chicken Pasta pair brilliantly with hearty veggies, making this dish as adaptable as it is irresistible.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that always delivers—Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings laughter, good conversation, and plenty of “just one more bite” moments to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or savoring a cozy night in, it’ll make any meal feel memorable. Give it a try and watch how quickly it wins hearts (and appetites)!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken cutlets in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect option for a cozy date night in.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

For the Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish:

Fresh basil

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear in olive oil in a skillet until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic, add chicken broth, then mix in the cream, Parmesan, seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, coat in sauce. Toss in cooked pasta until well coated.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.