If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, loving hug on a plate, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked pasta. The balance of flavors from garlic, Italian seasoning, and just a hint of red pepper flakes creates a symphony of taste that is downright unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing someone special, this recipe brings that irresistible combination of elegance and home-cooked warmth all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe relies on a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each play a vital role. From the richness of butter and cream to the punch of sun-dried tomatoes, every component adds its own magic, creating layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and easy to cook, they serve as the heart of the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity base for sautéing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, luscious texture of the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives that sharp, savory kick that elevates the whole dish.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide bursts of tangy sweetness that brighten the creamy sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and aroma that make the sauce irresistible.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that layers in classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds just a touch of heat to balance the richness.
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to soak up the sauce deliciously.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a fragrant, fresh garnish that brings color and vibrance.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese: For topping and extra cheesiness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides and cooked through — about 5 to 7 minutes per side. This step builds the foundation of flavor and ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy. Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter to melt and then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those browned bits—they bring incredible flavor. Next, stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently until the sauce thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon. This sauce is the luscious heart of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, marrying tangy, creamy, and savory notes beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta of choice in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly but reserve a small cup of pasta water just in case you want to loosen your sauce a bit at the end. Perfectly cooked pasta ensures the ideal bite and the best vehicle for soaking up that incredible sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Slice the rested chicken breasts and lay them over the bed of hot pasta. Pour the silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce generously on top, making sure to cover the chicken and pasta. The visual appeal of this dish with the bright reds of the tomatoes against the creamy sauce and golden chicken is truly mouthwatering.
Step 5: Garnish to Finish
Finish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe by sprinkling fresh basil leaves over the top along with extra grated Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add freshness, color, and a pop of herbal brightness, making every bite as vibrant as it is comforting.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan are your go-to garnishes because they add both color and layers of aroma and richness. If you want a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or chopped parsley also work beautifully. These simple touches elevate the presentation and flavor to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, crisp green salads with lemon vinaigrette or steamed roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make excellent companions. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce—never let that creamy goodness go to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, serve the chicken sliced and arranged fan-like atop the pasta with a drizzle of sauce artistically pooled around the plate edges. Alternatively, you can toss the sliced chicken and pasta directly into the sauce for a rustic, family-style dish that encourages sharing. Either way, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is guaranteed to impress with its inviting appearance and delicious entire experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this luscious dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken moist, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even better. Consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the cooked chicken and pasta with sauce, but keep in mind creamy sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. To minimize this, cool the dish completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often to bring back its creamy consistency. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much during storage. Avoid microwaving directly as it might separate the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and remain juicy, which pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are all great options because their shapes hold the sauce well. Feel free to use your favorite pasta—you really can’t go wrong.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
While they add a lovely tang and chewiness, you can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes if needed. Just roast them beforehand to intensify their flavor.
Is this dish very spicy?
Not at all. The red pepper flakes provide just a subtle warmth that balances the creaminess without overpowering. You can adjust or omit them according to your heat preference.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Keep in mind the texture and taste will be a bit different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become a beloved classic for a reason. It feels indulgent and special, yet comes together with straightforward ingredients and simple steps that anyone can follow. If you’re looking to impress your family or treat yourself to a truly comforting meal, this dish is pure magic in a bowl. Go ahead and try it—you might just find it becomes your new favorite weeknight dinner staple.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and served over a bed of perfectly al dente pasta. The luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes, brings a delightful depth of flavor. Finished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese, this comforting recipe is perfect for a special weeknight dinner or a romantic meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and cook the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let rest.
- Prepare the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce: In the same skillet, add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the dish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them over the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce but expect a slightly less creamy texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness; if using dry, rehydrate them in warm water first.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
