Let’s be real: sometimes, all you need is a meal that hits the trifecta—easy, delicious, and totally swoon-worthy. Enter the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a dish so irresistible it’s rumored to have inspired marriage proposals.
Why all the hype? Picture tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick, and perfectly cooked pasta all coming together in a symphony of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for date night, family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this easy pasta dinner is a guaranteed win.
What Makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Special?
What sets this dish apart from other chicken pasta recipes? It’s all in the details. The sauce is rich and creamy, with garlic and Parmesan giving it depth, while sun-dried tomatoes bring a bright, tangy balance.
The chicken is seared to golden perfection, locking in all those juices, and the pasta? Well, pasta is always the MVP. This isn’t just food—it’s a whole mood. And the best part? It’s surprisingly quick to make, making it one of the ultimate fast dinner recipes for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your checklist for the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe:
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, and ready to steal the show.
- Pasta – Fettuccine, penne, or your go-to for the best pasta dinner recipes.
- Heavy cream – For that velvety, luxurious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for maximum flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Sweet, tangy, and absolutely essential.
- Garlic – Because every good pasta recipe starts with garlic.
- Chicken broth – Adds flavor while keeping the sauce light.
- Italian seasoning – A simple way to elevate your pasta with chicken.
- Red pepper flakes – Optional, but a little heat never hurt anyone.
- Salt and pepper – The cornerstones of good seasoning.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re just steps away from creating a dish that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is easy-peasy. Here’s how to make it happen:
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Set the chicken aside but don’t clean the skillet—those browned bits are liquid gold for the sauce.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes for a burst of flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is coming together, cook your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s the secret weapon for perfect pasta sauces.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding pasta water as needed to get that creamy, glossy finish.
Step 5: Serve and Swoon
Plate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a garnish of parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Prepare for applause.
Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Sear it right: A golden crust on the chicken adds flavor and texture.
- Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt the same way.
- Pasta water saves lives: Add a splash to the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Customize the spice: Love heat? Add more red pepper flakes. Prefer mild? Skip them.
These tips will ensure your pasta with chicken is always on point.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dinner game. Here’s what I recommend:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect tool for scooping up extra sauce.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp, fresh, and a great contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus or broccoli pair beautifully with this dish.
- A Glass of Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors perfectly.
These pairings will turn your easy pasta dinner into a feast to remember.
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s pretend), this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a splash of cream or chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
For meal prep, cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This way, every bite tastes just as good as the first.
Similar Recipes to Try
If this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has you hooked, here are more dishes you’ll love:
- Marry Me Chicken Soup Recipe: A cozy, creamy twist on this classic dish.
- Creamy Marry Me Chicken Recipe: All the flavor of the pasta version without the noodles.
- Marry Me Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Comfort food at its finest.
- Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: A zesty, satisfying option for soup lovers.
- Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe: Creamy, spicy, and oh-so-flavorful.
- Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe: A hearty, Tuscan-inspired favorite.
Check out even more chicken pasta recipes for your next culinary adventure.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or preferred type
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Sear the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add olive oil to the skillet and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, or until fully cooked. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit if desired.
- For leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re trying to impress someone special or just indulging in some self-care cooking, this dish is guaranteed to deliver.
So grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine, and get ready to fall in love—one bite at a time. And hey, if someone proposes mid-meal, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
