Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to Try

Welcome to the ultimate guide for making the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to impress! This soul-satisfying dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s simply irresistible. The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from its reputation for being so delicious that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking a special date night dinner, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself, this easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of simple ingredients creates a luxurious meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, this homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together in just about 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the wait
• One-pan preparation means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal
• Budget-friendly ingredients that create a restaurant-quality dish at a fraction of the cost
• Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for beginners to master
• Customizable recipe that works with what you already have in your pantry
• Creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats each strand of pasta
• Great for meal prep – it reheats beautifully for lunches throughout the week
• Family-friendly flavor that even picky eaters will request again and again

If you’ve been searching for the best way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home or an easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe for beginners, you’ve found exactly what you need!

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Ingredient Tips and Substitutions:

• Pasta choice: Any medium pasta shape works well – try penne, rigatoni, or fusilli for a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free pasta
• Dairy alternatives: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternative
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The oil-packed variety adds extra flavor, but dry-packed (reconstituted) work too
• Protein options: Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for delicious variations
• Herbs: Fresh herbs make a difference, but dried work in a pinch (use ⅓ the amount)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
2. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
3. Mince garlic, dice onion, and chop sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Measure out remaining ingredients to have them ready.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
3. Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Transfer chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add pasta to the boiling water and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente.
2. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
3. Drain pasta but do not rinse.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for chicken, add butter and melt over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
3. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is where the flavor is!).
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
6. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and cook for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
7. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry now and simmer for an additional minute.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

1. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
2. Return the cooked chicken (and any accumulated juices) to the pan.
3. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped basil.
5. Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce.

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Pro Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta – keep it al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce
• Pat sun-dried tomatoes with a paper towel to remove excess oil before chopping them
• Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce
• Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for more even cooking
• Season in layers – adding salt to each component (chicken, pasta water, and sauce) builds deeper flavor
• For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese to the sauce
• Create a restaurant-quality presentation by reserving some basil leaves for garnish and adding a final crack of black pepper

Common Questions Answered:

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce. Refrigerate components separately, then reheat the sauce, add freshly cooked pasta, and the chicken just before serving.

What’s the secret to perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The key is not overcooking the chicken and creating a balanced sauce. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan creates the signature flavor, while the pasta water helps create the silky texture that coats each strand perfectly.

Can I make this recipe lighter?
Absolutely! Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, use less Parmesan, and increase the amount of chicken broth for a lighter but still delicious version.

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The best way to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta is with a sprinkle of additional fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and a side of garlic bread to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete meal that will impress anyone, consider these perfect pairings:

Side Dishes:

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic knots or crusty Italian bread
• Sautéed spinach with garlic

Beverage Pairings:

• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
• Light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir
• Sparkling water with lemon
• Italian cream soda for a non-alcoholic option

Perfect Occasions:

• Date night at home
• Anniversary celebrations
• Family Sunday dinners
• Small dinner parties with close friends

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This nutritional information is approximate for one serving when the recipe serves 6:

• Calories: 625 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg

For a lower-carb version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.

For a higher-protein version, increase the chicken amount to 2 pounds and reduce the pasta to 8 ounces.

Storage & Leftovers

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe makes excellent leftovers that maintain their flavor and texture when properly stored.

Refrigerator Storage:

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and many people find it even more delicious the next day!

Freezer Instructions:

While cream-based pasta dishes aren’t typically ideal for freezing, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months if needed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Best Reheating Methods:

Stovetop Method (Recommended):

1. Add leftover pasta to a skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth
2. Cover and heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally
3. If sauce seems too thick, add a splash more liquid as needed

Microwave Method:

1. Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl
2. Add 1 tablespoon of water or milk
3. Cover with a damp paper towel
4. Microwave on 70% power for 1-2 minutes, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot

Oven Method (For larger portions):

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
2. Transfer pasta to an oven-safe dish
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of milk or cream and stir gently
4. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through

FAQs for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes, you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, though cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back together.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of tomato paste plus 1/4 cup roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tangy flavor profile. Alternatively, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes sautéed until they burst will provide a fresher but still delicious alternative.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta with thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitution and many prefer them for their richer flavor and juicier texture. They’re also more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Use the same amount (1½ pounds) and follow the same cooking instructions, though they might need an extra minute or two of cooking time.

Is there a dairy-free version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and using nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan alternative instead of traditional Parmesan. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious with the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs carrying the dish.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Now that you know how to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! This crowd-pleasing dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive and achievable, making it ideal for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Did you try this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience, any adaptations you made, or questions for future cooking. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate a delicious, homemade pasta dish that comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Remember, the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is one that you make your own—so feel free to adjust the seasonings, pasta type, or add additional vegetables to suit your personal preferences. Happy cooking!

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