Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a luxuriously creamy, savory, and slightly tangy pasta dish that has gained its charming name because it’s “so good, it might inspire a marriage proposal.”
The dish features tender chicken breasts or thighs seared to golden perfection, simmered in a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs.
The combination of the rich creaminess with the deep, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes creates a balance that’s indulgent yet sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor, Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name—it’s that good! Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and simmered in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce, then tossed with pasta for the ultimate comfort food. It’s romantic, restaurant-worthy, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re wooing someone or just treating yourself, this dish is pure magic.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Description
Creamy garlic sun-dried tomato sauce wraps around juicy chicken and al dente pasta. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s impossible to resist.
The chicken is sliced or shredded and tossed with pasta—commonly penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni—allowing every bite to soak in the velvety sauce.
A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a pop of freshness, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing.
Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or simply when you want to treat yourself, this dish is quick enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve guests.
The creamy, cheesy, and garlicky notes ensure it’s a crowd-pleaser every time, and it pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or garlic bread. This is the kind of pasta that makes people fall in love—one forkful at a time.
Ingredients
2 large chicken breasts, sliced
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sear the Chicken:
Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
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Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté garlic and chili flakes. Add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
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Combine:
Return chicken to the pan. Toss in cooked pasta and stir to coat everything in the sauce.
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Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 600kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 35g54%
- Sodium 600mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Protein 38g76%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips & Serving Tricks:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—just add it to the sauce at the end.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente works best to hold the sauce.
- Make it spicy by increasing the chili flakes.
- Pair with wine: A chilled white like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio works beautifully.
Variations & Storage:
Variations:
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist or with mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Upgrade: Use Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or add a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
- Pasta Choice: Try spaghetti, tagliatelle, or even short pastas like farfalle for a different texture.
- Spice Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Swap basil with fresh thyme or rosemary for a more earthy profile.
- Healthy Light Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole wheat pasta for a lighter option.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
- Freezing: For best texture, freeze the chicken and sauce separately without pasta for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, reheat, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance, refrigerate them separately, and then reheat while cooking pasta fresh before serving.
- Avoid Overheating: Overheating can cause the sauce to split or lose creaminess, so reheat on low and stir constantly.
Conclution:
In conclusion, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that lives up to its name—delicious, rich, and irresistible. The creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and tender, perfectly seared chicken creates an unforgettable combination of flavors.
The pasta soaks up all that luscious sauce, making every bite a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a cozy dinner for two, or a weeknight treat, this dish never fails to impress.
The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is in its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken remains juicy and flavorful, while the sauce provides just the right amount of creaminess without being overly heavy.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami, and the combination of garlic and fresh basil brings brightness to every bite. The addition of pasta completes the meal, making it hearty and satisfying.
This recipe is versatile enough to suit different tastes. You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less red pepper flakes, or switch up the pasta to your favorite variety.
For those looking to make it lighter, you can opt for whole wheat pasta or a low-fat version of the cream. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a luxurious treat but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and hearty pasta, it’s a meal you’ll return to again and again. It’s a recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely—try shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a twist.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
