Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and utterly delicious dish that’s said to be so good, it could lead to a marriage proposal! This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs all tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort meal.
Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into the details and make this dreamy dish together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Rich & Creamy – A luscious sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
✔️ Easy to Make – Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality – Tastes just like something from a fancy Italian bistro.
✔️ Customizable – Make it spicy, low-carb, or even vegetarian!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite)
- ½ cup pasta water (reserved)
- Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together.
- If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and get ready for compliments!
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Coconut Chicken Rice Bowl – A delicious, lightly sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with creamy pasta.
- Smothered Green Beans and Potatoes – A comforting, hearty veggie side that adds a little Southern charm.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – A crispy, cheesy side for extra flavor and texture.
- Easy Cinnamon Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes – A slightly sweet and savory twist that balances the creamy pasta beautifully.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
✅ Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
✅ Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add the most flavor—drain before using.
✅ Want more spice? Increase the red pepper flakes.
✅ Lighten it up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
✅ Use any pasta shape you love—penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great!
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
🔹 Go Low-Carb – Serve over zoodles (zucchini noodles) or spaghetti squash.
🔹 Swap the Protein – Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu instead of chicken.
🔹 Add More Veggies – Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers make great additions.
🔹 Make It Dairy-Free – Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Please note: Prep time is an estimate and may vary depending on your cooking speed.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What kind of pasta for marry me chicken?
The best pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one that holds onto the creamy sauce. You can’t go wrong with fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. They soak up all that delicious flavor! If you love twirly pasta, try spaghetti or linguine. Want something fun? Bowtie pasta works too! Pick your favorite and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
What is marry me chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken is all about juicy chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It starts with chicken breasts, then comes the magic—garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. A little chicken broth makes it rich, while red pepper flakes add a kick. The result? A dish so delicious, people joke it could lead to a marriage proposal!
Can you use alfredo sauce for marry me chicken?
Yes, you can use Alfredo sauce for Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It makes things super easy and extra creamy. Just grab your favorite jarred Alfredo or make your own. Then, add sun-dried tomatoes and spices to boost the flavor. The result? A rich, dreamy sauce that coats every bite. It’s a shortcut, but trust me—it’s still amazing!
What pasta sauce does Bobby Flay use?
Bobby Flay loves bold flavors, so he often goes for homemade tomato-based sauces. He uses ingredients like roasted garlic, fresh basil, and San Marzano tomatoes. When he makes creamy sauces, he adds parmesan and a little spice. If you’re making Marry Me Chicken Pasta, his style would definitely include sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of heat!
What is the best store-bought pasta sauce?
The best store-bought pasta sauce depends on your taste. Rao’s Marinara is a top favorite because it tastes homemade. Barilla and Bertolli also make great options with rich flavors. If you love creamy sauces, try Classico’s Alfredo. Want a little spice? Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce! Whatever you choose, a good sauce makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta even better.
What to add to chicken pasta?
You can add lots of tasty ingredients to chicken pasta! First, try spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor. Next, toss in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a sweet and tangy kick. Want more crunch? Add toasted pine nuts! Finally, sprinkle fresh basil or parmesan on top. These simple additions make Marry Me Chicken Pasta even more delicious and exciting!
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety parmesan sauce makes every bite irresistible. This one-skillet recipe is easy to make yet tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a family gathering, this dish always impresses. Plus, it pairs perfectly with pasta, bread, or a fresh salad. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time. Try Marry Me Chicken Pasta today for a truly unforgettable dinner!
Try this recipe today, and who knows? It might just lead to a proposal!
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