Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy, Flavorful Dish That Wins Hearts

Introduction

If you’re looking for a dish that will impress your loved ones and leave them asking for more, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe. Known for its creamy, rich, and flavorful sauce, this pasta dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and a luscious garlic cream sauce to create a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

Legend has it that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal—hence the name! Whether or not that’s true, one thing is certain: this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that belongs in your recipe rotation.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, including step-by-step instructions, variations, storage tips, and serving suggestions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: A garlic parmesan cream sauce that’s irresistibly delicious.
• Restaurant-Quality Meal: Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or family dinners.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
• One-Pan Dish: Fewer dishes mean easier cleanup!
• Customizable: Make it spicier, gluten-free, or low-carb to fit your preference.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside. Save ½ cup pasta water for later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
5. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
2. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
3. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Return the sliced chicken to the pan, coating it in the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Expert Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded versions.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Remove once golden brown to keep it juicy.
• Thin Out the Sauce: Add extra pasta water or chicken broth if it thickens too much.
• Make It Creamier: Stir in a little cream cheese for an ultra-rich sauce.

Delicious Variations

1. Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Increase red pepper flakes and add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
• Top with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

2. Low-Carb/Keto Version

• Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
• Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

3. Gluten-Free Option

• Use gluten-free pasta or serve over mashed cauliflower.
• Ensure all seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free.

4. Bacon Lover’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Add crispy bacon bits to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Garnish with crumbled bacon and chives.

5. Extra Veggie Version

• Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
• Add peas for a touch of sweetness.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini pair well.
• White Wine: A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce may separate.

Reheating Instructions:

• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish.

2. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add reserved pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out.

3. What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine work best to hold the creamy sauce.

4. Can I make this dairy-free?

Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce separately and mix with pasta just before serving.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort.

With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and see why it’s called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta! 🍝❤️

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