If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is THE ONE. My sister-in-law made this for dinner last week, and LET ME TELL YOU—it was a showstopper! Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a pop of sun-dried tomatoes—this dish might just make someone put a ring on it. 💍
Love the idea of Marry Me Chicken? I tried also this yummy Marry Me Chicken Soup if you crave another irresistible dinner option!
This recipe is straightforward but packs a punch of flavor. You can whip it up in about 45 minutes, and trust me, it’s worth every second.
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What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy dish with pan-seared chicken breasts in a parmesan cream sauce, flavored with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Add pasta to the mix, and you’ve got a comforting meal that feels gourmet but is super easy to make at home.
This recipe is called Marry Me Chicken pasta for a reason: it’s THAT good. Legend has it that anyone who eats it might fall in love with you (or at least with your cooking).
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Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your shopping list. Most of this stuff is pantry staples, so you’re probably halfway there already.
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of your choice (I love fettuccine or penne)
- Salt for the pasta water
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How To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Cook your pasta in salted boiling water by following the instructions of the package . You should save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining it. This will come in handy later for the sauce.
Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a lil bit of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. (Don’t worry about cooking it through—it’ll finish in the sauce.)
- Remove the chicken from the pan then set it aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, you add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in the chicken broth then heavy cream, then scraping the bottom of the pan to release all the flavorful bits.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, and stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
- You add the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low , simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Toss with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta to your skillet, tossing gently to coat it in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, you add a splash of pasta water you reserved to loosen it up.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle fresh basil on top and add a little extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.
- Serve hot, and watch everyone swoon over this incredible dish.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Quality Parmesan: Grate it fresh if you can—it makes a HUGE difference in flavor.
Chicken Cutlets: If your chicken breasts are super thick, slice them into cutlets to cook faster and more evenly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These are softer and more flavorful than the dry-packed ones.
Make It Spicy: You can add also more red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Your New Favorite Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta has been trending lately, and for a GOOD reason. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a treat! This creamy, dreamy dish is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, a velvety parmesan sauce, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s like the culinary version of love at first sight. Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta recipe—it’s an experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or to impress someone special, Marry Me Chicken Pasta will deliver every time.
Why Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta So Popular?
There’s just something magical about this recipe. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but SO elegant it could star in a fancy dinner party. People love the way it combines bold flavors and rich textures, giving you that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly tangy. Plus, the versatility of Marry Me Chicken Pasta means you can customize it to suit your taste—whether that’s adding more heat, switching up the pasta, or even sneaking in some extra veggies.
This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I made it for a family gathering, and even my picky eater nephew asked for seconds!
What Makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta Different?
Unlike your everyday pasta, Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a flavor profile that’s a cut above. The sun-dried tomatoes add a slight tanginess that cuts through the creamy sauce, while the parmesan cheese brings in a nutty, savory depth. The chicken, seared to golden perfection, ties everything together. And the best part? It’s not overly complicated! Even beginner cooks can nail this recipe with ease.
Whenever I make this, I like to double the sauce because let’s be real—the sauce is EVERYTHING. You’ll want to mop it up with a piece of garlic bread or spoon it over rice the next day.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Perfect Date Night Dish
Looking to plan a special dinner at home? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate date-night meal. The rich, creamy sauce feels indulgent, while the tangy tomatoes and herbs add an upscale vibe. Pair it with a glass of wine, dim the lights, and serve it with a side of garlic bread or why not a fresh arugula salad.
I swear, this dish will make anyone think you’re a pro chef. My husband said it was “better than anything we could order at a restaurant.” Compliments like that? WORTH IT.
Customizing Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta
One of the BEST things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how flexible it is. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Switch the Protein: If you’re not feeling chicken, try shrimp or even salmon. The sauce pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Go Low-Carb: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter option.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, roasted red peppers or mushrooms, for extra nutrition and color.
No matter how you tweak it, the essence of Marry Me Chicken Pasta stays the same: a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and packed with love.
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5 FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can of course prep the chicken and sauce in advance, but it’s better to cook the pasta fresh. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
What’s a good side dish for this meal?
Garlic bread, roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli pair perfectly ,or a simple green salad .
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from how irresistible this dish is! Some say it’s so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. 💍
Can I substitute the cream?
If you need a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Just note that the sauce won’t be as thick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that feels like a big warm hug. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night or just treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
If you make this dish, let me know how it turns out—I’d LOVE to hear your stories!
