If you are searching for a dish that combines comforting pasta with rich, creamy flavors and tender chicken, then you are in for a treat with the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This delightful meal brings together succulent chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s perfectly seasoned and paired with your favorite pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with friends or a special someone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you; each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish unforgettable. From the rich cream and sharp Parmesan to the gentle heat from red pepper flakes, every ingredient has a job to do.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides juicy, tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken, adding a slight fruity note and crisp exterior.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds a savory depth to the sauce base.
- Heavy cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture that makes this pasta so indulgent.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty element that elevates the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a tangy sweetness and chewy bite that contrasts perfectly with the creaminess.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic, savory undertone.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that seasons the dish with a hint of herbs like oregano and basil.
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the palate without overwhelming it.
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, spaghetti): Serves as the comforting vehicle for the sauce and chicken.
- Fresh basil leaves: Provides a bright, fresh finish and beautiful color contrast.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese: A final sprinkle to boost flavor and add a touch of savory elegance.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s golden on both sides and cooked through. This ensures the chicken stays juicy while developing a delicious crust that adds texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
With the chicken resting, use the same pan to build your sauce. Deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. Then, stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, more Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently until it thickens into a luxurious sauce that’s bursting with tangy, creamy goodness.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your choice of pasta—whether fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti—until al dente. Drain the pasta well, saving a little pasta water if you want to loosen the sauce later for perfect consistency.
Step 4: Assemble Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Slice the cooked chicken breasts and lay them over the pasta. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce generously on top, making sure every strand and bite is coated with that irresistible sauce. This is when the magic really happens—simple ingredients come together to create something seriously special.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil leaves and a scattering of additional grated Parmesan cheese. These final touches add brightness, color, and an inviting aroma that will have everyone eager to dive in.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing beats the fresh pop of flavor from torn basil leaves delicately scattered over the dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese not only enhances the savory notes but also makes the pasta look festive and inviting. For an extra touch, a light drizzle of good olive oil can add a subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread. The fresh crunch of greens balances the creamy pasta, while warm, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any lingering sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the dish with their earthy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken pasta in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style experience. You can also sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes or crushed red pepper flakes on top to hint at the flavors inside. For a fancy touch, add a lemon wedge on the side to brighten up each bite if someone fancies it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and pasta together to maintain flavor, but if possible, store chicken separately to prevent drying out and reheat carefully.
Freezing
While the cream sauce may slightly change texture after freezing, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high as it can cause the sauce to separate. Stir frequently until heated through and enjoy just like freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with fettuccine, penne, spaghetti, or even rigatoni. Choose your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce still shines with these substitutions.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth that balances the richness of the sauce. You can easily adjust the amount to make it milder or spicier according to your preferences.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes, sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil work wonderfully and add extra richness. Just be sure to drain them well before adding to the sauce to avoid excess oiliness.
What’s the best way to get juicy chicken for this recipe?
Don’t overcook your chicken breasts and allow them to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and moist in every bite.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special with every forkful yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s creamy, savory, bursting with flavor, and comforting in the best possible way. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe promises smiles, full bellies, and maybe even a few compliments you’ll want to savor long after the meal is gone. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite go-to dinner.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, smothered in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, served over al dente pasta, and garnished with fresh basil and extra cheese for an irresistible meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sun-dried tomato sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the dish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts. Arrange the cooked pasta on plates, top with sliced chicken, and generously spoon the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the top.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving for added flavor and freshness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add more flavor but drain before use to avoid excess oil in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or Caesar salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
