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
- 3–4 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook until al dente (firm but tender).
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step2: Sauté the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sauté for 4-5 minutes until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step3: Build the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onions until soft.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour in heavy cream and reserved pasta water, then stir well.
- Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and let the sauce simmer until it thickens.
Step4: Combine & Serve
- Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
- 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.