Indulge in a dish so flavorful it lives up to its romantic name. Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. This one-pan wonder is sophisticated enough to impress guests yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Every bite is rich, comforting, and layered with balanced flavors that linger delightfully on the palate.
Ingredients List
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Add Cream and Broth
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and toss gently to combine.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.
Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Serves 4 people
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore creaminess.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
Suggestions
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers for a slightly different twist.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a lighter or dietary-friendly option.
Seasonal Relevance
This rich, creamy pasta is ideal for fall and winter evenings when comforting, hearty meals are most welcome. However, its vibrant flavors make it suitable year-round for elegant dinner parties or romantic dinners at home.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a harmonious blend of tender chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that will leave diners delighted. Easy to prepare yet restaurant-worthy, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or elevating weeknight meals.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes620
kcalA decadent yet easy-to-make dish, Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken breasts in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and add to the skillet, tossing to coat with the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan and toss gently to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of chicken broth.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. Combine and reheat gently before serving to maintain creaminess.
Q2: Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu can replace chicken, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Q3: How can I make it spicier?
Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to give the dish a gentle heat without overwhelming the flavors.
