Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Optional Add-ins:
  • A handful of spinach or kale
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • A dash of lemon juice for brightness
  • Extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
5. Step 5: Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
7. Step 7: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Add a handful of spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
• Sauté mushrooms separately and stir them in for an earthy flavor.
• A dash of lemon juice brightens the sauce beautifully.
• Increase crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add extra juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.

What pasta works best with this dish?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews

This Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender seared chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky sauce enriched with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine, this dish is garnished with fresh herbs for a flavorful, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• A handful of spinach or kale
• Sautéed mushrooms
• A dash of lemon juice for brightness
• Extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside while preparing the sauce and chicken.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the garlic and sauté base flavors: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
4. Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Combine these ingredients to release their flavors.
5. Create the sauce: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Combine chicken and pasta: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta and chicken are well coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• You can customize the recipe by adding spinach, kale, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Add a dash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors if desired.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of heat.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, Italian chicken recipe, easy chicken pasta, one-pan chicken pasta