May 28 2025

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Sauce & Pasta:; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach (optional but delicious); 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish; Extra parmesan for topping (always!)

Khemit Chicken Recipes 0

Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor—this pasta dish is so good, it just might earn you a proposal!

“Marry Me Chicken Pasta” combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.

It’s the ultimate comfort meal made to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy Sauce: Smooth parmesan cream with a tangy sun-dried tomato kick.
Juicy Chicken: Perfectly seared and seasoned for max flavor.
Cheesy & Satisfying: Melted parmesan brings it all together.
30-Minute Meal: Weeknight-friendly, date-night worthy.
One-Pan Wonder: Less mess, more deliciousness.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce & Pasta:

3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional but delicious)
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work great)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Extra parmesan for topping (always!)

Preparation Tips

Butterfly thick chicken breasts to cook faster and more evenly.
Use fresh garlic—it gives the sauce a bold, aromatic flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil add richness—don’t skip ‘em!
Cook pasta al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce.
Add spinach at the end to keep it bright and fresh.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add pasta and cook until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Mix in red pepper flakes if using.
Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted (1–2 minutes).
Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss everything gently to coat.
Use reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Plate it up and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
Top with more parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy is key.
Taste before salting the sauce—parmesan is naturally salty.
Add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce extra silky.
Make it fancy with a drizzle of truffle oil or a glass of white wine.

How to Best Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

With Garlic Bread: Scoop up all that sauce.
Side Salad: A light green salad balances the richness.
Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio is perfect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

❌ Skipping the resting step for chicken: It helps retain juices.
❌ Boiling the sauce: Keep it at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.
❌ Forgetting pasta water: It’s a game-changer for sauce texture.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garlic sautéed green beans
Cheesy garlic breadsticks
Caprese salad with balsamic glaze
Toasted baguette slices with herb butter

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk.
Don’t microwave too hot: It can make the sauce break.

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully.

Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes, use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner.

Q: Is it spicy?
A: Only if you add red pepper flakes. You control the heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, but reheat gently and freshen it up with a splash of cream or broth.

Q: What kind of pasta works best?
A: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—they hold the sauce well.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor.

Whether it’s a weeknight or a romantic dinner, this dish never fails to impress.

You May Want To Try

⬇⬇⬇