Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Irresistible, and Ready in 30 Minutes
If you’ve ever wanted to make a dish so good it feels like a love story in a pan, this is the one. The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I honestly didn’t expect much—just another creamy chicken dinner, right? But when that golden chicken hit the silky garlic-Parmesan sauce and tangled up with the pasta, I knew it was something special. It’s rich but not heavy, indulgent yet easy, and it somehow feels like comfort food and date-night food all at once.
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so unforgettable isn’t just the cream or the cheese—it’s the perfect balance of flavors: tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a hint of garlic, and that savory kick of Parmesan that brings everything together. It’s the kind of meal you make once and crave again the next night.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
If you’ve seen the viral “Marry Me Chicken” floating around social media, this pasta version takes it up a notch. It transforms the creamy, herby sauce from the original dish into something even more irresistible—thanks to tender noodles that soak up every last drop of flavor.
The name “Marry Me Chicken” supposedly came from the idea that this meal is so delicious, it could make someone fall in love with you after just one bite. And once you try this pasta, you’ll see why. Imagine juicy pan-seared chicken coated in a luscious sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and heavy cream, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every forkful is indulgent, cozy, and downright romantic.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy American-Italian dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a silky garlic cream sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for a romantic dinner, offering the perfect mix of comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Deglaze with chicken broth and stir well.
Add cream and cheese: Pour in heavy cream, stir, then add Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Cook pasta: In a separate pot, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated, using pasta water as needed to adjust sauce thickness.
Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Keep the heat low after adding cream to avoid curdling.
Great leftovers—reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, weeknight dinner, romantic dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Ingredients & Flavor Building Blocks
When it comes to Marry Me Chicken Pasta, simple ingredients come together to create restaurant-quality flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
These ingredients create layers of richness, spice, and depth. The sun-dried tomatoes give that sweet-tart pop, while the cream and Parmesan form the base of a sauce that’s both velvety and bold. The Italian herbs add aroma, and the garlic ties everything together with a savory backbone.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, set it aside on a plate.
Build the Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Lower the heat to medium and let the sauce gently simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and glossy.
Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the sauce coats every piece. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve right away. You’ll notice how the pasta absorbs the flavors, creating a dish that feels like something you’d get at a fancy Italian restaurant—but made in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Results
Even a simple recipe like Marry Me Chicken Pasta can go from good to unforgettable with a few extra touches.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Thin slices cook quickly—keep an eye on them to stay juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated versions often have fillers that prevent smooth melting.
- Control the heat. If the sauce boils too hard, it might separate. Gentle simmering gives that dreamy texture.
- Add pasta water slowly. It’s the secret to silky, glossy sauce that clings perfectly.
- Play with add-ins. Try tossing in a handful of spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and color.
Dietary Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily you can adapt it to your dietary needs without losing flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for a gluten-free brand like Banza or Barilla GF. The sauce naturally works with it—just make sure to stir gently, as GF pasta can break easily.
- Low-Calorie or Lightened-Up: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce Parmesan to ½ cup. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but stir it in off the heat to prevent curdling.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut cream and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. For the chicken, plant-based fillets or sautéed mushrooms make great substitutes.
- Halal-Friendly: Stick to halal-certified chicken and make sure your Parmesan doesn’t contain animal rennet.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta and serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash—it still delivers that creamy, comforting flavor with fewer carbs.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty garlic bread. If you’re planning a dinner for two, light some candles and pour a glass of crisp white wine—Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For a family meal, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli balance the richness.
You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top or drizzle a touch of olive oil before serving for that final restaurant-worthy finish.
When you serve this dish, expect a table full of smiles—and maybe even a few marriage proposals. Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just about the creamy sauce or the tender chicken; it’s about how it brings warmth and joy to the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this pasta promises one thing: love at first bite.
FAQ
What does “Marry Me” mean in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it could make someone fall in love with you after one bite. The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and savory sun-dried tomatoes create a flavor combination that feels indulgent and romantic—perfect for date nights or special dinners.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. You can cook the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then store them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked noodles and a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
If your sauce feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or stir in more grated Parmesan cheese. You can also mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in warm broth for a quick fix that keeps the sauce creamy.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great for Marry Me Chicken Pasta because they stay juicy and flavorful. Just trim any excess fat before cooking and follow the same searing and sauce steps.
How should I reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?
Warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, broth, or even water. Stir often to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the chicken tough and the pasta sticky.
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