What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Is it really a love potion in the bowl? I first stumbled across a version of this ages ago and, let me tell you, it was instant family. If you’re familiar with Chicken Alfredo and love that rich, creamy goodness, prepare to have yours. This is Alfredo’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin, with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a creamy cheese. What is the taste of red pepper flakes? My husband still raves about the first time I made it for him – hence the name! I swear, the creamy sauce paired with the perfectly cooked chicken… it’s just pure magic. What is the best part? It’s easier than you think.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta a comfort food? What’s in a creamy sauce? Chicken breasts are essentially perfectly seared. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese, then tossed with your favorite toppings. Legend has it that if you eat a Chicken Breast, you’ll instantly want to marry it. Is this a good movie? What kind of dish makes you want to lick the plate clean? It’s approachable, not fussy, and guaranteed to impress.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Oh, where do I even begin? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a total winner for so many reasons. First, the flavor is out of this world. The combination of the creamy sauce, the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the salty Parmesan is just irresistible. What I love most about this is how simple it is to Make. Seriously, it comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. And while it tastes incredibly decadent, it’s actually quite budget-friendly. Chicken Breasts, pasta, and a few pantry staples are all you need.

But the real magic lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it to your liking. Throw in some spinach for extra veggies, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles for a lighter option, or add a splash of white wine for an even richer flavor. It’s also fantastic served with a side of crusty bread for soaking up all that glorious sauce. If you’re a fan of creamy chicken dishes like Chicken Tetrazzini or Chicken Divan, this will become Your New go-to. My family *always* asks for this – and that’s saying something!

How can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Quick Overview

How do I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta? How do you make a creamy cream sauce? What is the secret to chicken swooning? What is the best Parmesan sauce? This method is special because it builds flavor in layers, resulting in a dish that tastes like it. Is it possible to make something that took hours to do?

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (I prefer organic, but any chicken will work!)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (Extra virgin is always my go-to)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (Dried or fresh, your preference);
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper

For the Sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter (Adds richness, don’t skip it!)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Low sodium is best so you can control the salt)
• 1 cup heavy cream (Don’t substitute milk, it will not be the same!)
• 12 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (I like to use the ones in a jar packed with water and salt). Is oil more flavorful?
• 12 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated is key for the best flavor)
• ¼ tsp Red Pepper flakes (For a little kick, optional)
• 14 cup fresh basil, chopped (Adds a burst of freshness)

For the Pasta:
• 1 lb pasta of your choice (I love penne, but fettuccine or spaghetti works too!)
• Salt for pasta water

What are the Steps to

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Is it safe to drain pasta water before serving? Is it necessary to adjust the sauce consistency later on?

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While pasta is cooking, season the chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. I always make sure to get a nice sear on the chicken – that’s where he/she gets the flavor from!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. I always keep a close eye on it at this stage to prevent scorching. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly, stirring occasionally. It should be luscious and creamy!

Step 4: Combine

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. What’s a trick my grandma taught me? Stir in the chopped fresh basil. How do you drain pasta well and add it to a skillet? Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served hot, right after it’s made. Watch your family’s faces light up as they take their first bite!

What should I serve it with?

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides.
For a simple side: What are some of theWhat is a Caesar salad? The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of pasta perfectly.

For a Heartier Meal:What are some good ways to eat garlic bread? Can you serve roasted vegetables with your salad?

For a Special Occasion: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A light, fruity wine complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it.

My family tradition: What is your familyI always serve this with a simple green salad and crusty Italian bread. What is the perfect way to finish a meal? What are some good ways to sprinkle red pepper flakes on top?

How do I make a Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Okay, let’s talk about some tips and tricks to make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta absolutely perfect.
Chicken Prep:Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. How do you cook Chicken Breasts?

Garlic: Don’t burn the garlic! It can turn bitter very quickly. Keep the heat low and stir constantly.

What are the benefits ofIf you’re using sun-dried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for about 10 minutes. Before chopping, How do I make them softer and more flavorful? I learned this one the hard way – they can be pretty tough otherwise!

Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt as nicely.

Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it thickens. It’s all about finding that perfect creamy balance.

Ingredient Swaps: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. I’ve even tried it with almond milk instead of heavy cream, and it was surprisingly delicious!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Alright, let’s talk leftovers (if there *are* any!).
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this at room temperature for more than 2 hours, just to be safe.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The sauce might separate a bit when thawed, but it will still taste delicious.

Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Be careful not to overcook it, or the pasta will become mushy. I usually reheat it in a skillet with a little extra Parmesan cheese on top – it’s like a brand-new dish!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly. I’d recommend boneless, skinless thighs for easier prep.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta, combine everything, and heat through. It’s a great time-saver!

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, and rotini all work well. Choose your favorite! I find that pasta shapes with ridges or curves (like penne and rotini) hold the sauce particularly well.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini are all great additions. Sauté them before adding them to the sauce.

Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a little bit of heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to your liking or omit them altogether if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s the kind of dish that always gets rave reviews, and it’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress, this is it. And if you love this, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes – I have a few that are equally delicious! I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does. Happy cooking, and let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I can’t wait to hear about your “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” success stories!

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