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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Best Easy Creamy Recipe


Description

Are you searching for a romantic dinner recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make? Look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This rich, garlic-infused chicken pasta dish has a name that hints at its power to impress and delight. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan cream sauce, this meal is perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal at home.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
  • Salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ cup onion, finely chopped
  • 34 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Optional Substitutions

  • Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
  • Make it dairy-free by swapping heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream.
  • For a low-carb version, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Instructions

Step1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm but tender).
  3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step2: Sauté the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step3: Build the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Stir in red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, then stir well.
  5. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.

Step4: Combine & Serve

  1. Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce.
  2. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat in the sauce.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

1. Cook Pasta to Perfection

Always cook pasta al dente and reserve pasta water to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.

2. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan, and good olive oil elevate the flavor.

3. Adjust the Creaminess

  • For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
  • To make it extra rich, add a spoonful of cream cheese.