Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Creamy Dream Worth Saying Yes To

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for date night, family dinner, or impressing your guests, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your answer. Creamy, savory, tangy, and undeniably comforting—this recipe is rumored to be so good, it might just earn you a marriage proposal. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a modern classic and how you can make it flawlessly at home.

What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious fusion of creamy Tuscan-inspired flavors with the heartiness of pasta and the juicy tenderness of seared chicken. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic parmesan cream sauce, and Italian herbs wrapped around al dente penne is more than just a comfort meal—it’s a statement.

This dish has risen to viral fame thanks to food bloggers and platforms like TikTok and Instagram. One of the main flavor builders in this dish is sun-dried tomatoes, which not only bring a deep tangy-sweet flavor but are also packed with nutrients. Learn more about the health benefits of sun-dried tomatoes to see why they deserve a spot in your pantry.

If you’re planning a romantic dinner, pairing this creamy pasta dish with the right wine elevates the whole experience. For suggestions, explore this guide on wine pairings for creamy pasta dishes that perfectly complement the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare the ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta, gather these core ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• Salt and pepper to season
• Olive oil for searing

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
• Salted water for boiling

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Butter (for the roux)
• Fresh garlic (minced)
• All-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
• Chicken broth (for base flavor)
• Heavy cream (for richness)
• Grated parmesan cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• Paprika (for smoky depth)
• Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Whisk for the sauce
• Tongs or spatula for turning the chicken
• Meat thermometer (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to bring this crowd-pleasing dish together in about 30 minutes.

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil water in a large pot with a generous amount of salt.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
• Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a paste.
• Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Stir in parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
• Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Combine Everything

• Return chicken to the skillet.
• Add cooked pasta and toss to coat with sauce.
• Simmer for another 2 minutes.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh basil and extra parmesan on top.
• Serve hot with a slice of crusty garlic bread or a green salad.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and texture.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken by using a thermometer.
• Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Creative Variations

Want to experiment with your version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Here are some delicious ideas:

• Add veggies like baby spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes.
• Go spicy with crushed red chili or jalapeño slices.
• Make it gluten-free with chickpea or rice pasta.
• Swap the cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or tofu for a vegetarian option.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Enhance your meal with complementary dishes:

• Garlic breadsticks or homemade focaccia
• Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• White wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave or reheat in a pan over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: Not recommended due to dairy in the sauce, which can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and store the sauce and pasta separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are excellent as they hold the sauce well.

How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also use grilled chicken breast for a leaner protein.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the oil well. They add a great depth of flavor.

What does “Marry Me Chicken” mean?
It’s a playful name implying that the dish is so delicious, it might just get you a marriage proposal!

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a viral sensation—it’s a dish that brings together rich flavors, creamy textures, and pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it once, and you might just be saying “yes” to seconds!

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