Quick & Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Love Birds

Creamy, decadent marry me chicken pasta will make your heart skip a beat with its irresistible flavors.

Passionate home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises restaurant-quality results.

Rich sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Fragrant herbs and a luxurious sauce elevate this meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners become special occasions when you serve this mouthwatering combination.

Delightful and easy to prepare, this recipe guarantees compliments and satisfied smiles around the table.

Dive into a culinary experience that might just spark a proposal.

Highlights of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Craft a Romantic Dinner: Impress your special someone with this restaurant-quality pasta dish that's packed with bold, creamy flavors and looks absolutely stunning on the plate.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing satisfaction with minimal cooking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combine classic ingredients like chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan to create a universally loved dish that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding extra protein, swapping herbs, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the primary protein source for this creamy pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational carbohydrate component that provides a perfect base for the rich and flavorful sauce.

Sauce Ingredients:

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious and velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken with rich, cheesy goodness.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a smooth, simmering sauce.

Flavor Enhancers:

• Garlic, Fresh Basil: Provide a fragrant and fresh taste that elevates the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Red Pepper Flakes: Contribute tangy and spicy notes that bring complexity to the sauce.

Cooking Essentials:

• Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil: Basic seasonings and cooking fat that help develop flavor and ensure proper cooking of the chicken.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels.

Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, with a beautiful crispy exterior. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the garlic to become lightly golden but not burnt.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

Let the sauce start to thicken and develop a rich, velvety texture.

Step 5: Enhance Sauce Flavors

• Grated parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Chopped fresh basil

Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, allowing it to warm through and absorb the delicious flavors.

Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce and chicken.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.

Insider Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop deeper flavor in the skillet.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra richness and more intense tomato flavor in the sauce.
• Select freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for a more authentic and creamy texture.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter or dairy-free options, maintaining the sauce's luxurious consistency.

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Vegetarian Herb Delight: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free version.
• Mediterranean Seafood Style: Swap chicken with shrimp or white fish, keeping the sun-dried tomato cream sauce intact for a coastal-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast, using almond-based parmesan for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Serving Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Romantic Date Night Delight: Serve this dish on a candlelit table with soft music playing, creating an intimate dinner experience that's sure to impress your partner.
• Cozy Family Feast: Pair the pasta with a fresh garden salad and warm garlic bread, making it a comforting meal that brings everyone together around the dinner table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in containers for a delicious work lunch, keeping the chicken and pasta separate to maintain the perfect texture when reheating.
• Potluck Showstopper: Transport the dish in a large serving dish, garnishing with extra fresh basil and parmesan just before serving to wow friends at your next gathering.

FAQs

The name suggests the dish is so delicious that it could make someone propose marriage, with its creamy, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked chicken.

• Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh basil provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using dried, use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh basil called for in the recipe.

• What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide a great texture with the chicken.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely for a less spicy version.

Quick Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Marry me chicken pasta blends tender chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with herbs and parmesan. Romantic Italian-inspired flavors create an irresistible dinner that promises to charm partners and dinner guests alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 4 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain and set to the side.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side at medium-high heat.
3. Remove chicken from skillet and let rest. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
5. Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously. Add red pepper flakes and chopped fresh basil for depth of flavor. Allow sauce to thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return to the skillet, coating thoroughly with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
7. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand is coated with the luxurious sauce.
8. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor depth and rich Mediterranean taste.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a lighter alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg