Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ever wondered why this creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken pasta earned such a romantic name? Legend has it that this dish is so irresistibly delicious, it's prompted marriage proposals! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken breasts, a luxurious cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into a meal that's truly worthy of life's special moments.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This elevated pasta dish transforms the viral Marry Me Chicken into something even more spectacular by adding perfectly al dente pasta to catch every drop of the memorable sauce. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese creates layers of flavor that make this dish restaurant-worthy while being surprisingly simple to prepare at home.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Helpful Tips
• Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Needed
• Storage Instructions
• Top Tip
• FAQ
• Related
• Pairing
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

the Chicken:

• 4 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

the Pasta:

• 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
• Reserved pasta water

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4. Drain pasta and set aside.

Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Combine and Serve

1. Slice the chicken breasts into strips.
2. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
3. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Return chicken to the skillet and heat through.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips

• Use high-quality Parmesan cheese freshly grated from a block for the best flavor and melting properties.
• Don't wash the skillet after cooking the chicken – those browned bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions

This indulgent pasta dish is protein-rich and satisfying. While it's not low in calories, it's perfect for special occasions. Serve with:

• A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic bread for soaking up extra sauce

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream
• Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation
• Use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version
• Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Large pot for pasta
• Sharp knife for cutting chicken
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as pasta may continue to absorb sauce during storage.

Top Tip

The key to perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta is patience with the sauce. Let it simmer gently to reduce and thicken naturally, which concentrates the flavors and creates that irresistible creamy texture.

FAQ

Thank you for trying our Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta into a meal worthy of life's special moments. Whether for date night or family dinner, we're confident this recipe will become a favorite in your collection.

Related

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Pairing

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