Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Fall in love at first bite with this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Juicy, golden-seared chicken in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce is tossed with tender pasta for a dish so delicious, it just might spark a proposal! Whether you’re making dinner for someone special or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this pasta is a must-try.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Romantic & Impressive – Perfect for date night or special occasions.
Quick & Easy – On the table in about 30 minutes.
Creamy & Rich – A savory blend of cream, parmesan, and garlic.
One-Skillet Sauce – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
Crowd-Pleaser – Even picky eaters will love this comforting classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
• Water and salt for boiling

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Extra grated parmesan (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Cutting board and knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Remove from skillet, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Sauté garlic and red pepper flakes for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to release their flavor.

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
Simmer gently for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Nestle sliced chicken back into the pan and simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra parmesan before serving.
Serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Success
Use a Meat Thermometer – Ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
Fresh Parmesan – Grate it fresh for the creamiest melt and best flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomato Tip – Use the oil-packed variety for richer flavor.
Pasta Water – Don’t forget to save some; it helps create a silky sauce.
Double the Sauce – If you love extra creamy pasta, consider making 1.5x the sauce portion.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – The perfect vehicle for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Side Salad – Try a simple arugula or Caesar salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans pair well.
Sparkling Water or Iced Tea – Light and refreshing alongside the rich flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the pasta for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth in a skillet.
Microwave: Use 30-second bursts and stir between to avoid overcooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs work great and offer a slightly richer flavor.

2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative can be used, though the sauce may be slightly less thick.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or chickpeas instead.

4. Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly, from the red pepper flakes. Omit or adjust for your heat preference.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and confirm all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything comfort food should be—creamy, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a romantic night in or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers big-time flavor with simple ingredients. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me” chicken.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a review and share your photo online!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 610mg

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