Table of contents
Introduction
The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta for my boyfriend, he looked up from his plate after the first bite, eyes wide with delight, and said, “If I wasn’t already planning to propose, this would definitely do it.” Three months later, he did just that—though I like to think it wasn’t entirely because of my culinary skills!
There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that irresistibly creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs. This dish has earned its playful name for a reason—it’s so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal on the spot!
If you’ve been searching for that perfect Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that will impress your special someone (or just make an ordinary Tuesday night feel extraordinary), you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how to create it in your own kitchen.
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a modern Italian-American fusion dish that combines two beloved comfort foods: the famous “Marry Me Chicken” (a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dish) and perfectly cooked pasta. The original “Marry Me Chicken” earned its name from an old wives’ tale suggesting that serving this dish to your partner might lead to a marriage proposal because it’s just that good.
The dish features golden-brown chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce flavored with garlic, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese. When combined with pasta, it creates a complete meal that’s both elegant and comforting.
What sets this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors—tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory garlic, sweet cream, and fresh herbs create a symphony of taste that’s truly unforgettable.
The Essential Ingredients
To create the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need quality ingredients that work harmoniously together:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1.5 pounds | Pounded to even thickness |
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine work best) | 12 ounces | Any shape works, but short or flat pasta holds the sauce best |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | For the richest sauce |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup | Adds depth to the sauce |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/2 cup | Oil-packed, drained and chopped |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves | Freshly minced |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup | Freshly grated, plus more for serving |
| Fresh basil | 1/4 cup | Chopped |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Or a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and basil |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/4 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For searing the chicken |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Adds richness to the sauce |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | For seasoning |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Create the cream base: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Slice the chicken: While the sauce thickens, slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips.
- Combine: Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Add the sliced chicken back to the pan and gently fold to combine. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish: Remove from heat and stir in most of the fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with remaining fresh basil and additional grated parmesan.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Take your Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to the next level with these expert tips:
- Pound the chicken: Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to a uniform thickness.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook it slightly less than al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
- Use room temperature cream: This prevents the sauce from potentially breaking when added to the hot pan.
- Deglaze properly: Don’t skip scraping up those flavorful browned bits when adding the broth—that’s where the magic happens!
- Low and slow with the cheese: Add cheese off the heat or on very low heat to prevent it from becoming grainy.
- Make it ahead: For special occasions, prep components separately: cook chicken and make sauce up to a day ahead, then reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.
- Rest the chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a more flavorful and forgiving option. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Q: How can I make this dish lighter? A: You can substitute half-and-half or even milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for the heavy cream. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta without sun-dried tomatoes? A: Yes, while they’re a signature ingredient, you can substitute roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes (added earlier in the cooking process to break down).
Q: Is this dish spicy? A: The standard recipe has just a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust or omit this ingredient based on your preference.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Delicious Variations to Try
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake
Transform this stovetop favorite into a comforting casserole:
- Prepare the pasta and sauce as directed
- Mix with chicken in a baking dish
- Top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden
Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For those who love heat:
- Double the red pepper flakes
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of calabrian chili paste to the sauce
- Garnish with fresh jalapeño slices
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Spinach
Add nutritional value and color:
- Stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach when combining pasta with sauce
- Let wilt naturally from the residual heat
Lighter Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A more everyday-friendly version:
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Reduce parmesan to 1/4 cup
- Increase chicken broth slightly for a thinner but still flavorful sauce
Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a Twist
My personal favorite variation:
- Add 8 oz of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or portobello)
- Include 1/4 cup of white wine when deglazing the pan
- Finish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Marry Me Chicken Pasta (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fiber: 3g
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Perfect Pairings
Complete your Marry Me Chicken Pasta meal with these perfect accompaniments:
- Wine: A buttery Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Bread: Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Dessert: Keep it Italian with tiramisu or panna cotta to end your meal on a sweet note.
Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Works
The magic of this dish lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tender chicken provides satisfying protein, while the al dente pasta adds substance. The star, however, is undoubtedly the sauce—creamy yet tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, with depth from garlic and herbs.
The dish manages to feel both special occasion-worthy and comforting enough for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe delivers every time.
Remember, the real secret ingredient is love—so take your time, enjoy the process, and watch as this magical dish works its charm on anyone lucky enough to taste it!
Have you tried making Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Share your experience in the comments below! Did it lead to any special moments around your dinner table? We’d love to hear your stories!
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