Looking to impress your loved one with a heartwarming dish that blends comfort with indulgence? Look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
This creamy, flavorful pasta is a perfect combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. It’s said that this dish is so good, it might just inspire a marriage proposal—and if not, it will definitely make any meal feel special.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family gathering, or simply craving a decadent treat, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Servings, Preparation and Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Additional Parmesan for garnish
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.
- Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir gently to coat the pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and stir again. Let everything heat together for another minute.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips and Notes
- Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, or try boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled zucchini for a veggie-forward dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread on the side. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, also complements the flavors perfectly.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an irresistible meal that blends tender chicken with creamy pasta and a hint of sun-dried tomato tang. Whether it’s for a romantic evening or a weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up this dish, and don’t forget to share your results! We’d love to hear about any creative twists you add—maybe this dish will become a household favorite in your home, too!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbs. This easy pasta dish is known for being so delicious it might spark a proposal! Perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or when you just want to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced or cubed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- Additional Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced or cubed chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. If you prefer a bit of spice, add red pepper flakes at this stage.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.
- Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Stir gently to coat the pasta thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
- Finish with Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil over the top and stir again. Let everything heat together for another minute.
- Serve: Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and a few more basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version, or try boneless thighs if you prefer dark meat.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled zucchini for a veggie-forward dish.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green saladand garlic bread on the side. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, also complements the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 584Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 131mgSodium 1080mgCarbohydrates 36gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 31g