Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to Impress

Have you ever tasted a pasta dish so delicious it could change your life? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s earned its name for a reason. Legend has it that this dish is so incredible, it’s prompted marriage proposals! After testing dozens of variations, I’ve perfected this foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes.

I’ve spent years perfecting this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, testing countless variations until I found the magical combination. The secret? A splash of chicken broth that transforms this classic dish into something extraordinary. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe for date nights and special occasions!

Recipe Overview

⏱️ Total time: 30 minutes
🔪 Prep time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook time: 20 minutes
👥 Servings: 4 people
🔥 Difficulty: Medium
💰 Cost: Moderate

What Our Readers Are Saying

“I’ve made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta 5 times now and it’s always a hit! My family requests it weekly. Louisa’s instructions are so clear and it really does take just 30 minutes.”
— Jennifer from Minneapolis

“My husband actually proposed after I made this dish! I’m not saying it was just because of the pasta, but the timing was suspicious. The flavor is incredible and surprisingly easy to make.”
— Sarah from Boston

Contents

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients you’ll need
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro tips for best results
• Best ways to serve
• Nutritional information
• Storage and leftovers
• Frequently asked questions

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

✅ Quick and easy – The best way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!

✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this quick and easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe!

✅ Foolproof results – Follow my simple method for perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta every single time!

✅ Versatile recipe – Easily customizable with ingredients you already have in your pantry!

✅ Budget-friendly – Save money with this homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta that tastes better than restaurant quality!

Ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With Louisa’s detailed tips below, you’ll get professional results from the very first try.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the pasta and chicken:

• 8 oz dried pasta (penne or fettuccine work best)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter

For the cream sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon each of smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Must-have ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Quality ingredients: For the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it significantly affects the final flavor. However, if you can’t find premium quality, a standard pre-grated version will still produce good results.

Best spices for Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The perfect blend includes Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that authentic flavor with a gentle kick.

Dietary alternatives: For gluten-free Marry Me Chicken Pasta, substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety. Make a dairy-free version by replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken

Step 1
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later!

Step 2
Meanwhile, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning and an incredible flavor boost that will make everyone ask for your secret!

Step 2: Browning the chicken pieces until golden for maximum flavor

Creating the Signature Sauce

Step 3
In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant!

Step 4
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices and release their flavors!

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor, and chop them right in the jar using kitchen scissors to save time!

Step 5
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits – this is where the flavor lives! Let the liquid reduce by half, about 2-3 minutes.

Finishing the Dish

Step 6
Reduce heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth and creamy!

Step 7
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8
Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb some of the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese before serving!

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Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

🌡️ Perfect temperature – The secret to amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is maintaining medium-low heat when adding the cream. Too hot and it breaks; too cool and it won’t thicken to that gorgeous silky consistency.

⏱️ Timing is everything – Can I prepare components ahead? Absolutely! Make the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5 minutes to the reheating time when combining with fresh pasta.

👁️ Visual doneness test – What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta extra special? Look for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon – that’s when you know it’s perfectly done!

🔪 Quick flavor variations – Transform this recipe by adding: 1) a handful of fresh spinach, 2) sautéed mushrooms, or 3) artichoke hearts for an exciting twist!

🥣 Quality ingredients hack – Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Use cherry tomatoes roasted with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to recreate that signature sweet-tangy flavor profile.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta – Solution: Instead, cook it 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture
• Mistake: Adding cold cream to a hot pan – Solution: Rather, let the cream come to room temperature first to prevent curdling
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese – Solution: To prevent grainy sauce, grate your own Parmesan from a block as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The best way to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta is in warmed pasta bowls, with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top. This showcases the incredible flavors and textures at their peak!

Perfect pairings:

• Side dishes: Serve alongside garlic bread, a simple arugula salad, or fresh roasted vegetables for a complete meal
• Drinks: This pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy flavors
• Occasions: Perfect for date nights, anniversary dinners, or a simple weeknight meal you want to elevate

Serving suggestion: Marry Me Chicken Pasta with side salad for a complete meal

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	43 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	580 mg

Approximate values. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.

Dietary adaptations

• Low-carb version available! Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or hearts of palm pasta, bringing the total down to just 12 g of carbs per serving.
• High-protein option: Add an extra 4 oz of chicken to boost protein content to 45 g per serving – perfect for fitness enthusiasts!
• Gluten-free option: Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta – the creamy sauce works perfectly with any type!

Storage & Leftovers

🧊 How to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta leftovers?

After preparing this dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before doing so, make sure it has cooled completely to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

❄️ Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. First, divide into individual portions for easier thawing. Then, wrap well in plastic wrap and subsequently in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Finally, freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

♨️ What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

For that fresh-made taste, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat at 275°F for 5-7 minutes, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. This method preserves the moisture and texture. However, avoid microwaving because it can make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta rubbery and cause the sauce to separate.

4 FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s completely cooled first. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

Don’t worry if you’re missing heavy cream! You can easily use half-and-half or a combination of whole milk and cream cheese instead. Just adjust the amount slightly by reducing the milk to ¾ cup and adding 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to maintain the perfect flavor balance in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to step 6, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When your guests arrive, just heat the sauce, add the pasta, and finish the final steps. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more for an extra-tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! If you’re cooking for little ones with more sensitive palates, simply reduce the red pepper flakes to ¼ teaspoon and they’ll still clean their plates. My 8-year-old nephew asks for this dish every time he visits!

Have You Tried This Recipe?

If you’ve made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @LouisaJannet with the hashtag #SlamRecipes so I can feature your masterpiece!

Rate This Recipe

★★★★★ from 38 votes

Ready to Make the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ever?

There you have it – all my secrets for making the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta that will have everyone asking for your recipe! This dish truly brings together incredible flavors with minimal effort – the ideal combination for both special occasions and busy weeknights.

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments when you try this recipe! What did your family think? Did you add your own special twist? I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

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