Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Looking for a meal that’s practically guaranteed to impress? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy, dreamy comfort food that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds and maybe even your hand in marriage. Tender chicken, velvety sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly al dente pasta—this is a dish you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pantry-friendly and approachable, but each ingredient brings its own flavor and personality to the dish. From sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy burst to parmesan for creamy depth, every component is here for a delicious reason!

• Boneless Skinless Chicken: Bite-sized pieces of chicken soak up all the decadent sauce and stay juicy on the inside—perfect for forkfuls in every bite.
• Penne Pasta: Tubes of pasta are ideal for catching every drop of that cheesy, creamy sauce, but feel free to substitute your favorite shape.
• Salt & Pepper: A simple seasoning to bring out the best in your chicken before browning.
• Olive Oil: Gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust while keeping things moist and flavorful.
• Butter: Adds unmistakable richness and helps sauté the garlic into aromatic perfection.
• Minced Garlic: Brings an irresistible fragrance and subtle savory bite to the sauce—don’t skip it!
• Flour: Acts as a thickener, helping your sauce cling luxuriously to the pasta and chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Balances the cream, keeping the sauce velvety but not too heavy.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that silky, indulgent mouthfeel everyone craves in Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds tang, saltiness, and thickens the sauce for irresistible cheesy goodness.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (drained): These sweet-tart gems punch up the flavor and give the pasta gorgeous pops of color.
• Paprika: Warms everything up with a subtle smoky sweetness—just enough to make you wonder why you don’t use it more often.
• Dried Italian Seasoning: A pinch of herbs (think oregano, basil, thyme) ties the whole dish together with classic Italian flair.
• Fresh Basil (for garnish): The finishing touch—bright, herbal, and beautifully aromatic. Don’t forget those extra shavings of parmesan on top!

Variations

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily you can tweak it to fit your mood, your pantry, or your guests’ tastes. It’s all about making your version—even if that means getting a little creative!

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or tofu in place of chicken for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.
• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter, but still creamy, sauce.
• Go Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly dinner.
• Add Greens: Toss in fresh spinach or baby kale toward the end for an extra boost of veggies and color.
• Turn Up the Heat: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for a gentle kick.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook your penne pasta according to the package directions. Drain it just before al dente—don’t rinse! Set the pasta aside while you get to work on the crave-worthy chicken and sauce.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season well with salt and pepper. Heat up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high—when it shimmers, add the chicken in a single layer, cooking for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Resist the urge to stir constantly; let the pieces sear for best flavor! Once done, transfer them to a plate.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

To the same pan, add butter and let it melt, then sauté the garlic just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Sprinkle in the flour and stir for a minute, creating a thick, flavorful roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth—scraping up any yummy browned bits—then pour in the heavy cream and parmesan. Stir as it becomes silky and smooth.

Step 4: Add Flavor & Finish the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or extra parmesan never hurt! Let everything gently simmer so the flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything & Serve

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained penne pasta. Toss to coat everything in that irresistible, creamy sauce. Pile your Marry Me Chicken Pasta into bowls, top with lots of fresh basil and extra parmesan, and get ready for a swoon-worthy meal!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For maximum appeal, garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with ribbons of fresh basil, a light grate of extra parmesan, and a pinch of cracked black pepper. These finishing touches not only look gorgeous but add layers of fresh, bright, and creamy flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty on its own, but it plays beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette or a tray of garlicky roasted broccoli. Of course, warm bread (think focaccia or crusty Italian loaf) is a must for mopping up every last drop of that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress it up for date night by twirling the pasta high on plates and topping with a mountain of basil and tomatoes, or pile it family-style into a big serving bowl to pass around. For something playful, try serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets—everyone gets their own piping hot portion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Marry Me Chicken Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days, making for some irresistible lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the sauce may separate a bit upon thawing due to the cream. If you go this route, ladle the pasta into freezer-safe containers and enjoy within 2 months for best texture—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low, adding a splash of broth, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave works, too—just use short bursts and stir well so everything heats evenly and doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This is one of those recipes that just makes you feel good—whether you’re sharing Marry Me Chicken Pasta with special guests or just treating yourself to something spectacular on a weeknight. If you’re craving a meal that’s rich, comforting, and worthy of a little celebration, I promise this pasta is about to become your new go-to. Give it a try and savor every creamy, cheesy, sun-dried-tomato-filled bite!

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