Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Introduction
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something special. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, with tender seared chicken coated in a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Why the name? Legend has it that this dish is so irresistible it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, one thing’s for sure—it’s the perfect comfort meal for date nights, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something cozy and indulgent. This is comfort food at its most charming.
Pro Tip
For restaurant-style creaminess, whisk the Parmesan in slowly over low heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, smooth sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Simple Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a bright, fresh contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for added texture and balance.
- Candlelit Dinner: This dish is made for special evenings—pair it with a glass of chilled white wine and soft music for an at-home date night.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta; penne or fusilli work well.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
- Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in fresh baby spinach or kale just before serving for extra greens and nutrients.
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot – For boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
- Large Skillet – Essential for browning chicken and building layers of flavor in the sauce.
- Tongs – Helpful for mixing the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – To keep ingredient amounts consistent.
- Microplane or Grater – Best tool for finely grating fresh Parmesan.
Tips for Success
- Season Early: Salt your chicken before cooking to build flavor from the start.
- Reserve Pasta Water: It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s thickness.
- Low Heat for Cream: Keep the heat medium-low when adding dairy to prevent separation.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear chicken in batches if necessary for the best browning.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley brightens up the final dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is secretly simple. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, how easily it impresses, and how versatile it can be with different add-ins or variations. The creamy, savory sauce hugs every piece of pasta, while the sun-dried tomatoes add just the right amount of tang and sweetness. It’s cozy, flavorful, and destined to be on repeat in your kitchen.
Recipe Card
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer for 4–5 minutes to slightly thicken.
- Reduce heat to low, then gradually whisk in the Parmesan until smooth. Add red pepper flakes, if using.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving, Estimated)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 37 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add a little broth or water when reheating to loosen the sauce.
3. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly. If freezing, let it cool first and store in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
4. What pasta works best?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
5. What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for a different but still delicious flavor profile.
