Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, savory, and guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your go-to. Legend has it that this dish is so good it might just earn you a marriage proposal. Whether or not you believe the hype, one thing’s for sure: the rich flavor and easy prep make this recipe a keeper for any occasion.

Packed with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy parmesan garlic sauce, this pasta dish checks every box. It’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or even a casual weeknight treat. And with the help of this pasta cooking guide, you’ll have every element cooked to perfection.

Before you even ask: yes, the chicken comes out melt-in-your-mouth tender. Thanks to a simple searing technique and safe cooking practices, like following the recommended internal temperature for chicken, you’ll never deal with dry poultry again.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The term “Marry Me Chicken” originally comes from a popular skillet chicken recipe that went viral on TikTok and Pinterest. The creamy, dreamy sauce combined with bold Italian flavors was so good that people claimed it was proposal-worthy. Adding pasta just elevates it to full-blown comfort food status.

It’s rich, flavorful, and yet surprisingly simple. In under 45 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, huge flavor payoff
• One-pan preparation (plus pasta) for easy cleanup
• Perfect for impressing guests—or your significant other
• Easily adjustable for spice level, pasta type, or dietary needs

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta delicious and fail-proof:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Add-ins & Substitutes

• Swap cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free version
• Use gluten-free pasta for a GF-friendly dish
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or crispy bacon for extra texture and depth

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   • Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce
   • In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
   • Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
   • Pour in cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
   • Add Parmesan, chili flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning.
   • Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens—about 5–7 minutes.
3. Cook the Pasta
   • While sauce is simmering, cook pasta in salted water until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Combine Everything
   • Slice the chicken and return to the skillet.
   • Add cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water to blend it all together.
   • Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
5. Serve
   • Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
   • Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for Success

• Don’t boil the sauce—gentle simmering ensures a creamy texture.
• Slice the chicken after cooking for best juiciness.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to prevent thinning the sauce too much.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with:

• Garlic bread or focaccia
• Caesar salad or arugula greens
• A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio (see this chicken and wine pairing guide)

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of cream or broth.
• Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces may separate.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra chili flakes or a touch of cayenne
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or tofu
• No Pasta? Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or zoodles

Nutritional Information (Approx.)

• Calories: 650 per serving
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbs: 45g

FAQs

What does Marry Me Chicken taste like?
It’s creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes. The richness of the Parmesan ties it all together.

Can I make it without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes! While they add a punch of flavor, you can use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even omit them.

Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. You can add or reduce chili flakes to match your heat preference.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Try coconut cream, Greek yogurt, or any plant-based alternative, though it may slightly alter the taste and texture.

How long does it last in the fridge?
About 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a bit of cream to bring back the sauce.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for date night, treating yourself, or feeding your family, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a recipe that delivers every time. It’s indulgent without being fussy, rich without being heavy, and—most importantly—irresistibly good. Try it once and it might just become a weekly favorite.

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