Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish so delightful it has become synonymous with winning hearts through cooking. With roots in the famous “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this pasta version enhances that concept, combining the magic of creamy sauces, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken with perfectly al dente pasta. Imagine twirling forkfuls of pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce, balanced with savory Parmesan and aromatic herbs, making every bite more tempting than the last. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a festive family gathering, Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers that irresistible homemade touch. The name is not just a gimmick—this meal has become a favorite among those looking to impress, whether for a first date, a celebratory dinner, or simply treating themselves to some culinary luxury.

This dish also pays tribute to classic Italian-American comfort food. It takes the best elements of a creamy chicken entrée—infused with garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes—and elevates it with the addition of pasta, making it hearty, flavorful, and impossible to resist. If you’re on the lookout for a pasta dish that feels like it belongs on a restaurant menu but can be whipped up in the comfort of your kitchen, Marry Me Chicken Pasta fits the bill perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick yet indulgent: Ready in 30 minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Comfort food at its best: Creamy, cheesy, and savory with just a touch of acidity from sun-dried tomatoes.
Great for any occasion: Elegant enough for date nights, but simple enough for a mid-week family meal.
Highly customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Pasta

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking.
Penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly, though you can also use fettuccine or rigatoni.
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the chicken.
Olive oil – For searing the chicken and adding a depth of flavor.

Creamy Sauce

Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the base of the sauce.
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
All-purpose flour – Helps thicken the sauce.
Chicken broth – Provides a savory backbone to the sauce.
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky and indulgent.
Parmesan cheese – Grated freshly for maximum flavor and smoothness.
Sun-dried tomatoes – Add acidity and a sweet, tangy flavor to balance the richness.
Paprika – Provides a touch of warmth and color.
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds depth to the sauce.
Fresh basil – For garnish, lending brightness and fragrance.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If you want to prevent the pasta from sticking, toss it lightly with olive oil.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the raw flour taste disappears. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.

Step 4: Enrich the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and integrates fully. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring the pieces are coated in the sauce. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, making sure every piece is enveloped in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it.

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Control the Thickness: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in reserved pasta water or a bit of broth to loosen it.
Spice it up: For a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce.
Pasta Variations: Fettuccine, farfalle, or rigatoni also work well with this dish.

Helpful Tips

Meal Prep: This pasta tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s smooth texture.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. You can also use Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.

Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: High-protein

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 646
Protein: 41g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fat: 31g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay juicier, making them a great alternative.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrients and flavor.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a dish—it’s a testament to how good food can bring people together. Whether it’s the creamy, dreamy sauce, the juicy chicken, or the comforting warmth of pasta, every element comes together to create a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. Perfect for everything from a quiet night at home to a special dinner, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is destined to become a new household favorite. Give it a try—you just might fall in love!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Author: Charlotte

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Description

Instructions

No Alcohol: This recipe avoids the use of wine, brandy, or any alcoholic ingredients, making it family-friendly.
No Pork Products: Traditional ingredients like pancetta or bacon are swapped for alternatives like turkey ham to suit dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with cornstarch to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
Vegetarian-Friendly Modifications: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and the chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version.

Notes

Substitute Options: If you prefer to avoid heavy cream, half-and-half or Greek yogurt can lighten the sauce without losing its creaminess. Similarly, turkey breast or tofu works as excellent alternatives to chicken for variety.
Make it Vegetarian: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap chicken for mushrooms or spinach to keep the dish plant-based.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch to ensure the dish suits gluten-sensitive diets.