If you are looking to wow your family or guests with a dish that feels both indulgent and surprisingly easy, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your perfect go-to meal. This creamy, garlicky pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan sauce that will make anyone feel like it’s a special occasion. The balance of flavors and textures creates a plate that’s comforting yet elegant, promising that every bite will have you reaching for seconds without hesitation.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table — from the juicy chicken breasts providing hearty protein, to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a burst of tangy sweetness, and the parmesan cheese which creates that irresistible creamy richness. Together, they form a harmony of flavors and textures that makes this dish truly memorable.

Chicken Breasts: Use 2 large boneless, skinless breasts sliced thinly for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste, essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons to sear the chicken, giving it a golden crust and keeping it juicy inside.
Garlic: 3 cloves minced, infusing the sauce with fragrant warmth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup chopped to add a luscious, slightly sweet tang that elevates the creaminess.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup helps to build a flavorful sauce base without overpowering the other ingredients.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup brings silky richness that coats every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated for that sharp, nutty depth that melts perfectly into the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon adds classic herbiness, tying all the flavors together.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon optional to add a gentle kick of spice if you like a touch of heat.
Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite kind such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine to soak up the creamy sauce.
Fresh Basil: For garnish, offering a burst of fresh, bright flavor and beautiful color contrast.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Adding salt here is like seasoning the sea, ensuring your pasta has delicious flavor from the start. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente — tender but still with a slight bite. Once done, drain it well and set it aside, ready to be enveloped in the luscious sauce later.

Step 2: Season & Sear Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season your chicken slices generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Sear them until golden brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side, ensuring that they are fully cooked yet remain tender and juicy. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for the sauce-making.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet used for the chicken (this carries wonderful browned bits that add deep flavor), add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds — don’t overcook or it will turn bitter. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another minute, letting their vibrant, sweet-tart flavor start to infuse the base of the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, followed by heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir as the cheese melts, transforming the mixture into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and, if you enjoy a little heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning to your liking at this point — this sauce is where the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe really shines.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Pasta

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Then add in your drained pasta. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that each piece of pasta and slice of chicken is perfectly coated in that velvety sauce. This step ensures a beautiful marriage of flavors that defines this recipe.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Finish off your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with a handful of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness. If you are a Parmesan fan, sprinkle a little more on top for extra richness. Serve immediately while warm and inviting, ready to delight everyone’s taste buds.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves are a perfect, simple garnish that provides a pop of vibrant color and a fresh, aromatic note balancing the creamy sauce. You might also add a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

This pasta dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette adds refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or warm breadsticks are ideal companions, perfect for mopping up leftover sauce. Steamed green veggies like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus introduce a healthy crunch and vibrant color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra special presentation, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a delicate basil leaf and a parmesan crisp on the side. You can also arrange the chicken slices atop the pasta rather than mixed in for a restaurant-style plating that will impress guests without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more once rested, making for quick, delicious meals later in the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, keep the pasta and chicken separate from the creamy sauce if possible, as cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to bring back the creamy texture. If the sauce seems thickened after refrigeration, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. Avoid microwaving too long at once, as high heat can cause the sauce to break.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more moisture and flavor. Just slice them thinly and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so simply swapping the pasta keeps the dish safe for those avoiding gluten.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so you can control the heat level. Leaving them out means a mild, creamy dish that everyone can enjoy; adding them introduces just a gentle kick to brighten up the flavors.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

While the sauce is best freshly made, you can prepare it a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Reheat gently and stir well before combining with freshly cooked pasta and chicken for the best texture.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Pasta shapes with ridges or tubes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you want to create a memorable meal that’s surprisingly simple, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a winner every time. Its comforting creaminess paired with tender chicken and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes makes it a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to. So grab your ingredients, invite a loved one to the table, and enjoy this perfect blend of flavors that might just inspire a proposal of your own in the kitchen or at least rave reviews at dinner.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts tossed with pasta in a luscious Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this recipe is perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauce.
Season & Sear Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
Prepare Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish generously with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the pasta hot for a rich and satisfying meal.

Notes

Side Salad: A fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce on the plate.
Steamed Vegetables: Light steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness and color contrast to the dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American