If you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly combines creamy indulgence with the perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors, then the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This recipe is exactly what its name promises—a meal so deliciously charming that it could easily inspire a proposal! Tender chicken breasts nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that is both comforting and elegant. Trust me, once you try this lovingly crafted dish, it will hold a special spot in your dinner rotation and impress anyone lucky enough to share it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component has a purpose, whether it is to add creaminess, a punch of zest, or a beautiful color contrast that makes the dish as stunning as it tastes.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide juicy, tender protein that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and is perfect for sautéing the chicken.
- Unsalted butter: Brings a silky smoothness that enriches the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and infuse depth of flavor into the sauce.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient for that decadent, velvety sauce texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty richness that beautifully rounds out the flavors.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a tangy sweetness and vibrant color that shine throughout the dish.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with its warm, aromatic essence.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in herbs like oregano and basil.
- Red pepper flakes: Bring a gentle heat to brighten the sauce.
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite pasta to carry all that glorious sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: Add a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling over the finished dish for extra indulgence.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning to lock in flavor. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, making sure the chicken stays nice and juicy. Once cooked, set the chicken aside to rest—this keeps it tender and ready for the sauce.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the remaining fat to release their bold flavors. Quickly deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, then let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a rich, silky consistency that will coat every strand of pasta beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to drain the pasta well but save a little pasta water—adding a splash later helps marry the sauce and pasta together seamlessly.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Slice the rested chicken breasts into thick strips and lay them directly over the cooked pasta. Pour that luscious sun-dried tomato sauce all over the top, making sure every bite is coated in creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen and integrate everything perfectly.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Finish off by sprinkling chopped fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese over the entire dish. This not only enhances the flavors but adds a fresh and vibrant touch that turns this meal into a true showstopper on the dinner table.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are absolutely essential to add a burst of color and fragrant herbiness that brightens the entire dish. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan cheese on top—it melts slightly into the warm pasta and adds that irresistible salty richness we all crave.
Side Dishes
Pairing the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette helps cut through the creamy sauce and adds refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is another fantastic option to scoop up any remaining sauce, making every bite a joy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta twirled into neat nests on each plate with sliced chicken artfully arranged on top. Adding a sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes on the side garnish plate elevates the dish visually and gives a hint of the rich flavors inside.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken when chilled, so it’s perfect if you enjoy richer flavors the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. This way, the pasta won’t become mushy upon reheating, and the sauce maintains its creamy texture when thawed gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating—stove reheating preserves the dish’s original silky smooth texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work wonderfully, feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it holds up well to the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative and use a vegan Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The dish will still be rich and flavorful.
How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes, which adds a gentle heat that complements the creaminess nicely without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust this amount depending on your spice preference.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate separately. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to keep everything fresh and delicious.
What wine pairs best with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully balances the creamy sauce and bright sun-dried tomatoes. For red wine lovers, a light-bodied Pinot Noir is a lovely choice that won’t overpower the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that makes it more than just a meal—it’s an experience to savor and share. From the incredibly tender chicken and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes to the irresistibly creamy sauce that hugs every bite, this recipe will quickly become your comfort food go-to or your secret weapon to impress guests. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every luscious forkful as much as I do!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and creamy chicken pasta dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, perfectly paired with al dente pasta and garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Season and cook the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken and let rest.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer on low heat until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the dish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips. Place the pasta on serving plates, top with sliced chicken, and generously spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for a fresh and flavorful finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Chicken breasts can be pounded slightly to even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
