Looking for a dish so delicious it might just inspire a marriage proposal?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pastaβa meal so good, itβll win over anyone who tries it!
This one-pan, restaurant-quality dish is easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or even a special occasion.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
Rich & Creamy β The velvety parmesan sauce is packed with flavor.
Quick & Easy β Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Restaurant-Quality Meal β Looks and tastes fancy but is easy to make!
Perfect for Date Night β Impress your loved one with this irresistible dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half for thinner pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Β½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Β½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Β½ cup chicken broth
- Β½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Β½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving Β½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and sautΓ© garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add basil and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the best creamy chicken pasta ever!
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Slice the chicken thin β This helps it cook faster and evenly.
Use fresh parmesan β It melts better than pre-packaged cheese.
Reserve pasta water β It helps create a silky sauce.
Add spinach or mushrooms β For extra texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with:
Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Wine Pairings:
- Chardonnay (for a creamy balance)
- Pinot Grigio (for a crisp contrast)
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm over low heat.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and work just as well.
2. Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cornstarch.
3. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to your preference.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and check that your seasonings are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and restaurant-quality meal thatβs guaranteed to impress! Whether youβre making it for a date night, family dinner, or special occasion, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!