Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish that’s so rich and flavorful, it just might inspire a proposal. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with pasta, this meal is everything I want in a cozy, romantic dinner—or just a really good plate of comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe balances decadence and simplicity. The chicken is pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a sauce that’s packed with garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of heat. Paired with perfectly cooked pasta, the result is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and impossible to resist.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Olive oil
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Garlic, minced
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Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
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Chicken broth
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Heavy cream
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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Red pepper flakes
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Dried oregano
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Fresh basil (optional)
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Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or any favorite shape)
directions
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I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
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In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken and let it rest.
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In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
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I pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
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I reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and oregano. I let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.
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I return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes.
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Meanwhile, I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
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I slice the chicken and toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating it thoroughly. I top with the sliced chicken and garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: approximately 35 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra texture and flavor. If I want to lighten things up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a smoky twist, I use grilled chicken or add a little smoked paprika. I’ve also used tortellini or gnocchi instead of regular pasta for a fun variation.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I avoid boiling the sauce again to keep the texture smooth. This dish doesn’t freeze well because of the cream, so I stick to refrigerating it.
FAQs
Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil?
Yes, I’ve used dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes before. I rehydrate them in warm water for about 10 minutes and then chop before using.
What kind of pasta works best?
I prefer short pasta like penne or rigatoni to hold onto the creamy sauce, but fettuccine or linguine work beautifully too.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I cook the components ahead—especially the chicken and sauce—and then boil the pasta fresh before serving to keep it from getting soggy.
How do I make it spicier?
I add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the dish a bolder kick.
Can I make it without cream?
I’ve made a lighter version using whole milk and a bit of flour to thicken the sauce, though it’s not quite as rich. Cream alternatives like coconut cream change the flavor, but still work.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. I love the way it brings together simple ingredients to create something so comforting and irresistible. Whether it’s for a romantic dinner or just a special meal for myself, this pasta always wins hearts—mine included.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory pasta dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan in a luscious cream sauce—perfect for date night or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or preferred shape)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
- Pour in chicken broth, scrape up browned bits, and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and oregano. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer in sauce for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain.
- Slice chicken and toss pasta into the sauce to coat. Top with chicken and garnish with basil.
Notes
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Try grilled chicken or smoked paprika for added depth.
- Tortellini or gnocchi make fun pasta substitutions.
- Reheat with cream or broth to maintain sauce texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
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