Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Sparks Love

Creamy and bold marry me chicken pasta might just be the most romantic dinner you’ll ever cook.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle into a rich, sun-dried tomato sauce that promises pure culinary seduction.

Herbs and parmesan cheese create an irresistible melody of flavors dancing across your plate.

Italian-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, making this dish a showstopper for date nights or casual dinners.

Tender chicken bathes in a luxurious cream sauce that whispers sweet nourishing promises.

Parmesan’s salty notes perfectly complement the bright, tangy tomato undertones.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this pasta earned its charmingly bold name.

Dive into this recipe and watch love spark at your dinner table.

Pasta That Twirls in a Creamy “Marry Me” Sauce

  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required, making gourmet dining accessible to everyone.
  • Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal tastes, creating a versatile dish that adapts to different preferences and dietary needs.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food Sensation: Packed with rich, creamy flavors and tender chicken, this pasta promises to delight both picky eaters and sophisticated food lovers, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward preparation mean you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen or dealing with a sink full of dishes.

Smoked Salmon Holiday Wreath Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and juicy protein base of the dish.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream, Butter, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy sauce components.
Pasta and Seasonings:
  • Pasta: Classic base for the dish.
  • Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds depth and spicy warmth.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth: Adds extra savory flavor to the sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning for chicken.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides tangy and concentrated tomato flavor.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright and fresh garnish for the final dish.

Cooking Method for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

Generously coat chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is completely cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Dreamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Pour in the following ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh thyme leaves
  • Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes rich and slightly thickened.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta and reserve a small amount of pasta water.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Slice the cooked chicken into tender strips. Add the chicken back into the sauce. Gently toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand is beautifully coated with the creamy, luxurious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the pasta. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and incredibly inviting.

Pasta Tips That Lock in ‘Marry Me Chicken’ Creaminess

  • Boost Chicken Flavor: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness before seasoning to ensure consistent cooking and maximum taste absorption.
  • Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly coats pasta.
  • Sun-Dried Tomato Swap: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a slightly sweeter, milder flavor profile if preferred.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients like chicken broth are certified gluten-free for sensitive diners.
  • Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh basil and oregano just before adding to release maximum aromatic oils and elevate the dish's overall flavor complexity.

Keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta Creamy for Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and chicken remain fresh and safe to eat.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing for longer to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying. Stir continuously for even heating.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Brown Butter Pecan Cookies Companions

  • Elevate Creamy Culinary Experience: Wine Pairing
  • Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy sauce and balance the sun-dried tomatoes' tangy flavor.
  • Enhance Herbal Flavor Profiles: Fresh Herb Accompaniment
  • Serve a light herb salad with fresh basil, arugula, and lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Amplify Texture Contrast: Crunchy Side Dish
  • Add garlic bread or toasted pine nut crostini to introduce a crispy texture that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety pasta sauce.
  • Create Refreshing Palate Cleanser: Citrus Drink
  • Prepare a sparkling lemonade or citrus-infused water to reset taste buds between bites and lighten the dish's creamy intensity.

Mini Salmon Christmas Wreath Twists

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, chickpea, or quinoa flour to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with crispy pan-fried tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's rich flavors.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious sauce and seasonings intact.

FAQs

  • Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?

The name suggests the dish is so delicious that it could make someone propose marriage, highlighting its incredible flavor and romantic appeal.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute any pasta shape like penne, fettuccine, or linguine that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted based on your spice preference. The recipe offers a gentle warmth without being overwhelming.

  • What makes the sauce creamy?

The sauce gets its rich, velvety texture from a combination of heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and smooth consistency.

Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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