Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re ready to roll out the red carpet for dinner, let me introduce you to Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a dish that’s rumored to spark proposals and certainly wins hearts at first bite! Imagine tender chicken tossed with penne that soaks up a luxuriously creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, flecked with parmesan and fresh basil. Every forkful promises savory, cheesy comfort and a little taste of Tuscan sunshine. This recipe has all the makings of a new weeknight (or even date night) tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy to find, but together, these ingredients create pure magic. Each one brings something special to the table: from the bite of sun-dried tomatoes to the richness of cream and sharp parmesan, every addition deserves its place.

• Boneless skinless chicken (1½ pounds): Tender pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully, giving the dish its signature hearty bite.
• Penne pasta (10 ounces): The ridges and hollow centers are ideal for catching every bit of the creamy sauce—definitely don’t swap for smooth noodles!
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to bring out all the flavors in both the chicken and sauce.
• Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth that balances all the creamy components.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and lends subtle flavor.
• Butter (3 tablespoons): Layers on richness and helps to create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
• Garlic, minced (2 teaspoons): Just enough to infuse the whole dish with a mouthwatering aroma and depth.
• Flour (3 tablespoons): The secret to a luxuriously thick, cling-to-your-noodles sauce.
• Chicken broth (2 cups): Adds savory backbone and ensures the sauce is anything but one-note.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce gloriously creamy and decadent, every time.
• Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup): Melts straight into the sauce, filling every bite with cheesy goodness.
• Sun-dried tomatoes, drained (1 cup): For bright, sweet-tangy pops of flavor and that beautiful color.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Not just for color—this spice adds a gentle smokiness that plays perfectly with the cream.
• Dried Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): Brings together classic herb flavors that evoke a cozy Italian kitchen.
• Fresh basil (for garnish): Adds a burst of freshness right at the end, waking up every flavor!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your penne pasta according to the package directions. Penne is ideal because it captures all that decadent sauce. Once it’s al dente, drain and set aside. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning later!

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Slice your boneless, skinless chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the chicken pieces and sauté for six to eight minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re cooked through and no longer pink. Once done, transfer them temporarily to a plate so you can work on that lush sauce.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (hello, one-pan magic!), melt the butter and sauté your minced garlic for just thirty seconds or until it’s irresistible and fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a smooth, golden paste—this will be the base of your dreamy sauce. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. You’ll see the sauce become silky and begin to thicken, setting the stage for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Makers

Time for the showstoppers: Stir in those sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. The tomatoes add tangy sweetness with every forkful, while the paprika and herbs give depth and a touch of color. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes so everything marries together (pun fully intended for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta).

Step 5: Finish and Combine

Slide your cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with your drained penne pasta. Toss everything together until the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in that gorgeous, creamy sauce. Give it a taste and tweak with extra salt and pepper if needed. Right before serving, sprinkle a generous handful of fresh basil and an extra dusting of parmesan over the top for freshness and a restaurant-worthy finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

This dish really sings when finished with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a shower of chopped fresh basil. The cheese melts into the sauce’s surface, while the basil adds that pop of herbal freshness. For the ultimate chef’s touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a crack of black pepper doesn’t hurt!

Side Dishes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a side of garlicky roasted asparagus. Want more comfort? Serve with warm, crusty bread—perfect for sopping up every luscious drop of sauce. Even sautéed spinach or a bundle of broccolini would make a fantastic, colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a romantic dinner, serve this pasta twirled high on a large white plate and garnish with fresh basil leaves like a bistro. Hosting family? Try presenting the pasta in a large serving bowl in the center of the table, family-style, with parmesan and basil on the side. For meal prepping, portion the Marry Me Chicken Pasta into individual lunch containers and top with extra herbs right before eating—they’ll look and taste freshly made!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. Marry Me Chicken Pasta will stay delicious for up to three days. The flavors actually develop as it sits, resulting in an even tastier meal the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, though the sauce may separate a bit after thawing. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Gently stir until warmed through—the creamy sauce comes right back to life. The microwave works, too, just heat in short bursts and stir in between!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. They’re even juicier and more flavorful, so you might love the extra tenderness they provide in the final dish.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half can stand in for heavy cream, making the sauce a bit lighter, but still creamy. Full-fat coconut milk is an option for a dairy-free twist, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and swap in sautéed mushrooms or canned chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and follow the rest of the recipe steps for a delicious vegetarian version of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Penne is king for this dish because its tubes catch all the sauce, but rigatoni or fusilli would work beautifully as well. Avoid very thin pastas, as they can’t hold up to the creamy sauce as well.

Can Marry Me Chicken Pasta be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can cook everything the day before and store it in the fridge. Just reheat gently and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce needs loosening before serving. Garnish right before bringing it to the table for peak freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about sharing a big bowl of Marry Me Chicken Pasta with the people you love. It’s cozy, comforting, and so packed with flavor, you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re out to impress or just want an easy, satisfying meal, give this recipe a whirl—you might just find it becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen!

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