Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

The Story Behind This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Discover how to make the most irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that’s so delicious it might just lead to a proposal! This creamy, flavor-packed Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce that’s tossed with al dente pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or when you simply want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort!

Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Step by Step
• Pro Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Best Ways to Serve Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Storage & Leftovers for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• FAQs for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
• Related Recipes

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions!
• Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
• The perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences
• Makes impressive leftovers that taste even better the next day
• Budget-friendly yet restaurant-quality results
• Great for meal prep and family dinners

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Extra parmesan cheese, for serving

For a lighter version of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, or use reduced-fat cream cheese mixed with a splash of milk.

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How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes).
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain pasta but do not rinse it.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
4. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream, stirring constantly.
5. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
7. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce.
3. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Don’t overcook the pasta! Keep it al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta tastes best when you use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated kind, which contains anti-caking agents.
• Let the heavy cream come to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan to prevent curdling.
• For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• To make this dish even more impressive, use a mix of sun-dried and fresh cherry tomatoes for varying textures and flavors.
• If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.

Best Ways to Serve Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is that it’s a complete meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings to elevate your dining experience:

• Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce
• A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors perfectly
• For a colorful addition, serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
• Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for a pop of color and freshness

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes amazing as leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: While you can freeze this dish, the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: For the best texture, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated through.

FAQs for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe and often provide more flavor and moisture than chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook thoroughly.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mixture of cream cheese thinned with milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. For a dairy-free option, try full-fat coconut milk or a non-dairy cooking cream.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. I recommend slightly undercooking the pasta, and when reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce.

What’s the origin of the name “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

The original Marry Me Chicken (without pasta) got its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it to your partner might lead to a marriage proposal! The pasta version is a delightful extension of this popular dish, making it a complete and equally impressive meal. Learn more about the history of proposal recipes.

Related Recipes

If you love Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll also enjoy these other delicious recipes:

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
• Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta for a bright, citrusy twist
• One-Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo for those who enjoy a spicy kick
• Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta for herb lovers
• Italian Wedding Soup for another “marriage-themed” dinner option

Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe at home. This irresistible, creamy dish strikes the perfect balance of rich flavors, tender chicken, and al dente pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself to something delicious, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is sure to impress.

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and a luxurious cream sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Plus, with a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, you can enjoy this gourmet experience any day of the week!

Have you tried making this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe? What modifications did you make to suit your taste? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to save this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for your next special occasion—or anytime you want to serve a meal that might just inspire a proposal!

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