Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food with a romantic twist, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, dreamy meal is packed with flavor and just fancy enough to impress, but easy enough for any home cook to pull off. This is the pasta that works every time to win a heart or pamper oneself.

And while we’re at it, by that mouthful of a name, how could it not be, huh? I mean, can a recipe actually make one go down on his knees, or even pop the question himself? Probably not (though I’d say the odds are better than even if they’re a foodie).Still, the idea is that this dish is so ridiculously delicious, it could be the key to someone falling in love—if not with you, at least with your cooking.

What Makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta So Special?

This isn’t your average chicken pasta recipe. To start, it combines the perfect balance of flavors: creamy Parmesan sauce, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a little kick of spice from red pepper flakes.In the meantime, chicken tends to have a velvety and juicy feel; the pasta swims in sauce; each bite is like a sample straight from a kitchen in a fancy restaurant.

However, what I love most is how approachable it is. For one thing, you don’t need hours in the kitchen, and you don’t need to track down a million ingredients. In fact, most of what you’ll need is already sitting in your pantry or fridge. Plus, it all comes together in about 30 minutes—faster than waiting for takeout.

A Quick Origin Story

Okay, I’ll admit it—no one really knows where this recipe started. For example, some people say it’s based on a classic Italian-American dish, while others think it got its name from a clever home cook trying to market a recipe online (hey, it worked). Regardless of the backstory, one thing’s for sure: it’s become a hit for good reason.

As for me, this dish is pure nostalgia. The first time I made it was for a dinner party a few years back, and let me tell you, it stole the show. In fact, friends were literally scraping their plates clean and begging for the recipe. From that moment on, it became my go-to whenever I wanted to impress someone without overcomplicating things.

What You’ll Need to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s a complete rundown of the ingredients. Trust me, you probably have most of these on hand already.

For the Chicken:

• 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These will be the star protein of the dish. Make sure they’re fresh and trimmed of any fat.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): A little seasoning goes a long way.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that extra punch of flavor to the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.

For the Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. The aroma is what makes this sauce irresistible.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This adds depth and helps deglaze the pan after searing the chicken.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce. Don’t skimp on this!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Go for freshly grated—it melts better and tastes so much better.
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a sweet-tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For a touch of herby goodness.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): I highly recommend this if you like a little heat.

and For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice: I’m partial to fettuccine or penne, but really, anything works here.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

Optional: 1 or 2 chicken bouillon cubes (dissolved in water to substitute for chicken broth)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Instead of olive oil, sear your chicken using butter. It makes a sauce that is perfectly rich and nutty and is absolutely chef’s kiss good.

2: Create the Sauce of Your Dreams

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it—it can go from perfect to bitter fast! Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the pan (this is where the magic happens). Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly but still be pourable.

3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Put the chicken back in the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Place a cover over the pan and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, finishing cooking the chicken and infusing it with all that creamy, garlicky goodness.

4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken and sauce are doing their thing, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente—it’ll soak up the sauce better and won’t get mushy.

5: Assemble and Serve

Do take that cooked pasta and throw it into the skillet with the sauce, and obviously, make sure it touches every strand or piece. Cut your chicken into strips (or leave the breast whole if you want) and throw it over the pasta. Top with some fresh basil for extra pizzazz.

Tips for Making It Even Better

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, use it! Cast iron helps sear the chicken beautifully and retains heat like a champ.
2. Double the Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover (and honestly, who isn’t?), go ahead and double the sauce recipe. It’s perfect for dipping bread or saving for leftovers.
3. Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a handful of spinach or kale when you add the chicken back to the sauce.

Variations to Try

Swap the Chicken

Not a chicken fan? This recipe works just as well with shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.

Make It Spicy

Amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. Trust me, the spice complements the creaminess perfectly.

Use Different Pasta

Do not constrict yourself to fettuccine or penne; rigatoni, linguine, or, heck, spaghetti are perfectly acceptable too. Heck, use Ditalini Pasta! if you’d like!

Why This Recipe Works for Every Occasion

What’s so great about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it feels fancy without being fussy. To begin with, it’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. Furthermore, it’s one of those recipes that everyone—from picky eaters to self-proclaimed foodies—can fully appreciate. Most importantly, it’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Serving Suggestions

If you want to make this a full meal, here are a few sides that pair perfectly:

• Garlic Bread: Because carbs on carbs is always a good idea.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Think asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for some added color and nutrition.

FAQs about Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Final Thoughts

And there you go, Marry Me Chicken Pasta in full splendor. This recipe never fails to work for you, whether cooking for love, friendship, or even just your stomach. Not to mention, it is seriously rich, flavorful, and comforting in all the best ways. And who knows, a proposal might come with it. If it does, let me know; I will bring dessert to the wedding.

In the meantime, while you’re still thinking about it, go grab your ingredients and give this a try. Honestly, trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this dish—ring or no ring!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s the ultimate comfort food with a romantic twist, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

• Author: Amélie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 59 minute
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These will be the star protein of the dish. Make sure they’re fresh and trimmed of any fat.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): A little seasoning goes a long way.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds that extra punch of flavor to the chicken.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken and creating a flavorful base.

For the Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. The aroma is what makes this sauce irresistible.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This adds depth and helps deglaze the pan after searing the chicken.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce. Don’t skimp on this!
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Go for freshly grated—it melts better and tastes so much better.
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: These add a sweet-tangy note that cuts through the richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: For a touch of herby goodness.
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): I highly recommend this if you like a little heat.

and For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta of your choice: I’m partial to fettuccine or penne, but really, anything works here.
• Fresh basil (optional): For a pop of color and freshness.

Optional: 1 or 2 chicken bouillon cubes (dissolved in water to substitute for chicken broth)

Instructions

1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts: salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides—about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet; it’ll finish cooking in the sauce later. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Pro Tip: Instead of olive oil, sear your chicken using butter. It makes a sauce that is perfectly rich and nutty and is absolutely chef’s kiss good.
2: Create the Sauce of Your Dreams
Now throw in the minced garlic into the same skillet and fry for about 30 seconds, until you notice an aromatic fragrance. Caution must be taken not to burn it; because it will get bitter from being perfect overnight. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all the delicious browned bits from the pan (this is where the magic happens). Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Let this mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want it to thicken slightly but still be pourable.
3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Put the chicken back in the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Place a cover over the pan and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, finishing cooking the chicken and infusing it with all that creamy, garlicky goodness.
4: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken and sauce are doing their thing, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente—it’ll soak up the sauce better and won’t get mushy.
5: Assemble and Serve
Do take that cooked pasta and throw it into the skillet with the sauce, and obviously, make sure it touches every strand or piece. Cut your chicken into strips (or leave the breast whole if you want) and throw it over the pasta. Top with some fresh basil for extra pizzazz. 

 

Notes

1. Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: If you have one, use it! Cast iron helps sear the chicken beautifully and retains heat like a champ.
2. Double the Sauce: If you’re a sauce lover (and honestly, who isn’t?), go ahead and double the sauce recipe. It’s perfect for dipping bread or saving for leftovers.
3. Add Vegetables: Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a handful of spinach or kale when you add the chicken back to the sauce.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of the total recipe)
• Calories: 550-600 kcal
• Sugar: 3-5 g
• Fat: 30-35 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Protein: 35-40 g