If you re looking for a dish that truly wows without a complicated ingredient list, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a total game-changer. I absolutely love how creamy, flavorful, and comforting it turns out – it s like all your favorite Italian flavors wrapped up in one satisfying plate. Whether you re cooking for date night, a cozy family dinner, or just craving something special, this recipe hits all the right notes.
When I first made this, I was surprised at how quickly it came together. That silky sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, clings perfectly to every bite of pasta and tender chicken. I ve found that this recipe works wonderfully as a weeknight meal or something to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You re going to want to keep this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in your go-to rotation for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: You don t need to be a pro chef to nail this creamy chicken pasta dish in under 30 minutes.
- Packed with Flavor: The blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a rich, cozy taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it s a romantic dinner or family meal, this recipe impresses every time.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice-this pasta ticks all the comfort food boxes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a vital role in building those luscious layers of flavor. Sourcing fresh garlic and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes will really elevate the dish, so keep an eye out for those at your store.
- Dried pasta of choice: I usually go with penne or rigatoni because they hold the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps cook your aromatics without overpowering the dish.
- Onion: Finely chopped for a gentle sweetness that melts into the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is a must-don t substitute with powder here if you want that punch.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
- Chicken breasts: Cutting into bite-sized pieces helps everything cook evenly and stay tender.
- Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper: This spice mix brings a balanced heat and depth-you ll love how the smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky twist.
- Heavy cream: The key to that silky, luscious sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated works best here-it melts smoothly and adds a nutty, savory element.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped for bursts of tangy sweetness that brighten the creamy sauce.
- Basil leaves: Fresh for garnish and that aromatic, slightly peppery finish.
Variations
One of the best things about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I like to switch things up depending on the season or dietary needs-feel free to make this recipe your own!
- Veggie Boost: I often toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra color and nutrition-it blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red pepper flakes; for those who like heat, sprinkle a bit extra or add a dash of cayenne.
- Grain-Free: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to keep it light and gluten-free.
- Cheese Swap: Sometimes I experiment with Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper, saltier kick.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfect Al Dente
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook just until al dente-you want it to hold a bit of bite since it will finish cooking in the sauce. Before draining, be sure to reserve about half a cup of pasta water. This starchy water is pure magic for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the noodles beautifully, so don t skip this step!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large pan. Add finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft and translucent-this builds your flavor base. Then add minced garlic and butter; sauté for just 30 seconds so the garlic releases its fragrance without burning. Now toss in the chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring often, for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. This step creates those irresistible crispy edges that I always look for.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly and marry all those flavors. At this point, taste the sauce and adjust salt if needed-this little taste test can make all the difference! The sauce should be rich and creamy, with a hint of smoky sweetness from the paprika and sun-dried tomatoes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce and toss well to coat each piece. I love how the sauce clings effortlessly, thanks to that reserved pasta water stirring magic. When ready to serve, sprinkle on fresh basil leaves for a bright, herbaceous touch that lifts the entire dish. Serve immediately while everything s warm and comforting.
Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don t skip saving that pasta water-it helps your sauce bind and get irresistibly creamy.
- Brown Chicken Well: Getting some color on the chicken adds depth and texture, so don t rush this step.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh cheese melts better and adds a richer flavor compared to pre-grated stuff.
- Simmer Gently: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the cream-slow and steady wins here.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish off this dish with fresh basil because it cuts through the richness with a fresh, green aroma that makes every mouthful taste vibrant. Occasionally, I like to add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if we want more heat at the table. A drizzle of good olive oil is a nice touch too, especially if your sauce cooled a bit before serving.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, I pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some garlic roasted broccoli. A simple caprese salad or garlic bread can also take it up a notch without overpowering those lovely flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets-that rustic, cozy look makes it feel extra special. Another idea is tossing in edible flowers like viola or nasturtium on top for color and a pop of perfume that guests always comment on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and it usually keeps well for up to 3 days. Because of the cream, I recommend reheating gently to keep the sauce from separating-using a low heat on the stove with a splash of milk or pasta water helps bring it back to life.
Freezing
Freezing cream-based pasta dishes can be tricky because the texture changes, but I ve had decent results freezing the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta. When thawed, warm the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a little pasta water or milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving on high as it can make the sauce split or dry out the chicken. This technique keeps your pasta creamy and delicious even the next day.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs are more forgiving and might take a minute or two longer to brown.
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What pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
I like tube shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even cavatappi because their ridges and curves hold the creamy sauce beautifully. But feel free to use your favorite pasta shape!
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. The texture will be a bit different but still delicious.
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How do I prevent the cream sauce from splitting?
Keep the heat moderate or low when simmering the sauce and avoid boiling it vigorously. Adding the cheese off heat or at a gentle simmer helps it incorporate smoothly. Stirring frequently also prevents curdling.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels both special and comforting without fuss. I love surprising friends with it because it tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen, but it really just takes a little attention and quality ingredients. Give it a try-you ll enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite, and I have a feeling it might become one of your favorites too!
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh basil. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice (about half a standard box)
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Place a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat. Add the dried pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and set it aside for the sauce.
- Sauté onions: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic, butter, and chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and butter and sauté for about 30 seconds to release their flavors. Then add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved pasta water. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Toss pasta and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them before chopping to avoid thinning the sauce.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Reserve pasta water is key to help loosen and blend the sauce with the pasta for perfect consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
