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You know those meals that are so rich, so creamy, and so downright delicious that they make you fall in love with the first bite? That’s exactly what this BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe does. It’s more than just food—it’s an experience, a dish so indulgent and flavorful that it has the power to turn an ordinary night into something truly special.
The name “Marry Me Chicken” isn’t just catchy—it comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. While we can’t promise that, we can guarantee one thing: after making this once, you’ll be hooked. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a comforting bowl of pasta, this recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients: What You Need for the BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s make sure you have everything ready. This dish is made with simple, yet flavor-packed ingredients that come together for a rich and creamy pasta experience.
Pasta & Protein Base
Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Dried pasta (your choice) | 8 oz | The base of the dish—penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best. |
Chicken breasts | 1 lb, cut into bite-size pieces | The star protein, tender and juicy. |
Flavor Enhancers & Seasonings
Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | Helps sauté the aromatics and brown the chicken. |
Butter | 1 tbsp | Adds richness and depth to the sauce. |
Onion | ½ cup, finely chopped | Provides a mild sweetness and base flavor. |
Garlic | 3-4 cloves, minced | The heart of any flavorful dish! |
Italian seasoning | ½ tsp | Infuses the dish with a blend of herbs. |
Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Adds a subtle smoky depth. |
Red pepper flakes | ½ tsp | Optional, but adds a bit of heat. |
Garlic powder | ½ tsp | Enhances the garlicky taste. |
Salt & pepper | To taste | Balances and enhances the flavors. |
Sauce & Toppings
Ingredient | Measurement | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates the rich, creamy texture. |
Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated | Melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, cheesy flavor. |
Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup, chopped | Brings a slight sweetness and tangy depth. |
Fresh basil leaves | For garnish | Adds color and freshness to the dish. |
How to Make the BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have an unforgettable meal ready in no time.
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Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water—this can be used later to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics & Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft (about 2 minutes).
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting them release their flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and thickens the sauce.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot, and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
🔹 Best Pasta Choices – Penne, fettuccine, and rigatoni work best because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
🔹 How to Adjust Thickness – If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer.
🔹 For Extra Creaminess – Add an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese or a spoonful of cream cheese to make it even richer.
🔹 Don’t Overcook the Chicken – To keep it juicy and tender, cook it just until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
Variations & Customizations
Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Here are a few ways to make it your own:
🌶️ Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
🥦 Vegetable Add-Ins – Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
🥑 Low-Carb Version – Swap out regular pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
🥛 Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy sauce.
- Side Salad – A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad adds freshness and balance.
- Wine Pairing – A Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir complements the dish beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, store the sauce separately from the pasta—this keeps the texture perfect when reheated.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
✔️ The dish is so good that it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy!”
❓ Can I use a different pasta?
✔️ Absolutely! Any pasta shape works, but penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce best.
❓ How do I make it extra creamy?
✔️ Add more Parmesan cheese, a dollop of cream cheese, or a splash of pasta water.
❓ Can I make this ahead of time?
✔️ Yes! You can make the sauce ahead and store it separately, then cook fresh pasta when ready to serve.
❓ Is there a gluten-free version?
✔️ Just swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
❓ How do I make it vegetarian?
✔️ Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or roasted cauliflower for a delicious meat-free version.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is everything you want in a meal—rich, creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Try it tonight and let us know—did this recipe win your heart? Leave a comment below! ❤️
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The BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – A Must-Try Comfort Dish!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy, and ultra-flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds! Made with tender chicken, a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the ultimate comfort meal for a cozy dinner or a romantic date night.
Ingredients
For the Pasta & Chicken:
- 8 oz dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Flavor & Seasoning:
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Sauce & Toppings:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
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- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Sauté the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onions and garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add chicken pieces, seasoning with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, letting their flavor infuse.
- Pour in the heavy cream, bringing it to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and thickens the sauce.
4️⃣ Combine Everything:
- Toss in the cooked pasta, coating it in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve hot and enjoy the irresistible creamy goodness!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add an extra ¼ cup of Parmesan or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Make it spicy by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for mushrooms, tofu, or roasted cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American