Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Every Cook Needs

Creamy, irresistible marry me chicken pasta has captured hearts across social media platforms.

Whispers of its magical flavor spread quickly among food enthusiasts.

Tender chicken nestled in a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce promises pure culinary romance.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, creating a dish that feels both comforting and elegant.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Ingredients come together effortlessly, making anyone feel like a confident home chef.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Has Entered the Chat

  • Craft Speedily: Whip up this delectable pasta dish in mere minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and tender chicken, this recipe guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences, making it a versatile go-to meal.
  • Impress Without Stress: Looks and tastes gourmet, but requires minimal cooking skills, allowing even novice chefs to create a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredient Checklist

Main Ingredients:
  • Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the creamy chicken dish.
  • Chicken: Tender protein pieces that form the core of the recipe.
  • Heavy Cream: Delivers a rich and luxurious texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
Seasonings and Spices:
  • Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder: Blend of herbs and spices that create a complex and vibrant flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
Aromatics and Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a smooth base for cooking and adding depth to the flavor.
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a delicious aromatic base.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that adds a bright and aromatic finishing touch to the dish.

Cooking Up Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Perfect Pasta

Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be transformed into a delicious masterpiece.

Step 2: Sauté Savory Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium warmth.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they become translucent and release their sweet, mellow flavor.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Base

Add minced garlic and butter to the skillet.

Let them dance together, creating a fragrant symphony that will make your kitchen smell irresistible.

Step 4: Cook Succulent Chicken

Introduce chicken pieces to the skillet, seasoning with:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Smoked paprika
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sear the chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, locking in all those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle parmesan cheese.

Add sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy brightness.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, creating a luxurious coating that will make taste buds swoon.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy chicken sauce, ensuring every strand is generously coated with the rich, velvety mixture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a final touch of herbaceous freshness.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this incredible dish.

Pro Secrets for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Success

  • Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
  • Slice chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and juicy, tender meat that absorbs sauce perfectly.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding other ingredients to enhance its aromatic qualities and release more intense flavors.
  • Grate fresh parmesan instead of using pre-shredded cheese for better melting and richer taste that coats pasta more effectively.
  • Let sauce simmer gently to thicken naturally, avoiding high heat that can separate cream and create a grainy consistency.

Fun Twists for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Fans

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a creamy texture.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's rich flavor profile.

Ways to Plate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Beautifully

  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy pasta in elegant white bowls with extra parmesan sprinkled on top for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Chop extra fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add bright color and zesty flavor that complements the rich sauce.
  • Side Dish Pairing: Offer a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread to balance the creamy, indulgent pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Wine Companion: Pour a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's creamy and slightly spicy notes.

Storing Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of cream or chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
  • Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of cream or broth. Stir gently to restore sauce consistency and prevent sticking. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

  • What are the key spices that make this dish flavorful?

Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder create a robust and complex flavor profile that gives the chicken a rich, aromatic taste.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with similar shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine that hold sauce well and complement the creamy texture.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the quantity or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish or have sensitivity to spice.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like sautéing, seasoning, and mixing ingredients, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta promises romance on a plate, blending tender chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato sauce. Parmesan cheese and herbs elevate this irresistible dish, tempting you to fall in love with every comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, sautéing onions until they become translucent and slightly golden.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and butter, allowing aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add chicken pieces, coating with a blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear until chicken develops a rich, caramelized exterior.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring in parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a luxurious sauce that gradually thickens over 3-4 minutes.
  6. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the flavorful mixture.
  7. Finish the dish by elegantly scattering fresh basil leaves across the top, adding a vibrant, herbal brightness just before serving.

Notes

  • Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to capture more sauce in their ridges and maximize flavor absorption.
  • Slice chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming dry or undercooked.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop deeper flavor caramelization.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for richer, more authentic taste and smoother sauce texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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