Trust me, you’ll fall head over heels in love with this irresistible Marry Me chicken pasta!
There’s a reason this dish got its name. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is absolutely swoon-worthy.
Fun fact: This recipe went totally viral on TikTok, and after making it myself, I totally understand why.
Whether you’re planning to pop the question or just want to impress someone special, this 30-minute wonder is guaranteed to steal hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Romantic Appeal: The name “Marry Me Chicken” adds a fun, romantic twist to your dinner. It’s perfect for date nights or special occasions where you want to impress.
Rich, Creamy Taste: The combination of Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luscious, savory sauce. It coats every bite of pasta and chicken.
Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of around 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish feels indulgent and elegant, offering a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star protein of the dish is tender and juicy when cooked.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite shape for texture and presentation.
- Olive Oil and Butter: The flavorful duo is used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic.
- Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, it infuses the sauce with a warm, savory flavor.
- Chicken Broth: It adds a savory backbone to the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor while keeping it light.
- Heavy Cream: It’s the key to creating a rich, velvety sauce that binds all the ingredients together. For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- Parmesan Cheese: It adds a salty, nutty flavor to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy, they add texture and bursts of umami.
- Fresh Basil: It adds freshness and color.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder and paprika season the chicken. Dried herbs and red pepper flakes infuse the sauce with warmth and subtle heat.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Don’t worry, this pasta couldn’t be easier to make!
1. SEASON the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. SEAR the chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Set aside.
3. BOIL the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
4. DEGLAZE the skillet by melting butter, sautéing garlic, and scraping up browned bits with chicken broth.
5. SIMMER the sauce with heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, basil, and red pepper flakes until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
6. SLICE the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
7. TOSS the pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Nestle the sliced chicken into the skillet.
8. GARNISH with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Want everyone to say, “I do?” Follow these tried-and-true tips.
- Pick your favorite pasta. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal choices as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Ensure the chicken is generously seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for maximum flavor.
- Select your spice level. Modify the red pepper flakes to your taste. Reduce them for mild heat or increase them for a spicier kick.
- Keep the chicken nice and thin. Slice chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution and easy serving.
- Try tasty add-ins. Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or crispy bacon for extra texture and flavor complexity.
- Make it a feast. Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement the dish.
How to Store
If you have leftover chicken pasta, here’s how to store it to keep it fresh for days.
To Store: Place the cooled pasta in an air-tight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken and be partially absorbed by the pasta during storage.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream, broth, or water to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes780
kcalThis Marry Me chicken pasta will make anyone say, “I do!” The classic combo of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and cream can’t be topped.
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed and drained)
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for a mild or spicy kick)
Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
8 oz pasta
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness). They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet (they add flavor!).
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, dried thyme, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Nestle the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce, spooning some sauce over the chicken to coat.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
