The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe For Love Birds

Tantalizing aromas of sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce dance through the kitchen with this marry me chicken pasta recipe that promises pure culinary romance.

Tender chicken breasts nestle perfectly atop al dente pasta, creating a meal that speaks directly to the heart.

Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious richness that makes every bite unforgettable.

Fresh basil brings a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the creamy decadence.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

This dish carries the potential to impress even the most discerning palate and might just spark a proposal.

Prepare to fall in love with every single forkful.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Wins

• Effortlessly prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes with minimal cooking skills required.
• Packed with sun-dried tomatoes, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken that creates a delightful taste adventure in every bite.
• A versatile dish that appeals to both picky eaters and sophisticated palates, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Adaptable recipe that allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to suit personal preferences or dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable pasta.

What’s in Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that serves as the base of this delicious dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich pieces that provide a hearty and satisfying main component.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce for the pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to enhance the sauce's depth.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps to sauté ingredients smoothly.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor base for the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Blend of spices that create a complex and balanced flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduce a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor to complement the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds a fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Delicious Pasta

Cook pasta following package directions.

Drain and set aside, ensuring the pasta remains perfectly al dente with a slight bite.

Step 2: Awaken Flavor Foundations

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sauté onions and garlic until they become wonderfully fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Transform Chicken

• Butter
• Chicken pieces
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Melt butter and add chicken with seasonings.

Cook until chicken turns golden brown and is completely cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Craft Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Gently simmer the sauce, allowing it to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 5: Introduce Tangy Tomatoes

Fold in sun-dried tomatoes, letting them warm and release their vibrant, zesty flavor into the creamy sauce.

Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring every strand gets beautifully coated with the decadent sauce.

Step 7: Elevate with Finishing Touch

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the dish.

Serve piping hot and savor every delectable bite of this irresistible comfort meal.

Pro Tips for Chicken Pasta Perfection

• Taste test pasta 1-2 minutes before package instructions to ensure perfect al dente texture, which prevents mushy results and maintains ideal pasta consistency.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin, creating a smooth and perfectly creamy texture.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior with enhanced flavor development.
• Rinse sun-dried tomatoes in hot water to reduce excessive saltiness, ensuring a more balanced and harmonious flavor profile in the dish.
• Chop fresh basil just before serving to preserve vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils, providing a bright finishing touch to the creamy pasta.

Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the pasta and chicken remain fresh and safe to eat.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent dryness.

Side Ideas for Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy sauce's richness, offering a refreshing contrast that elevates the pasta's complex flavors.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and lemon vinaigrette to complement the sun-dried tomatoes and provide a fresh, tangy balance to the creamy chicken pasta.
• Match with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast a rustic Italian baguette with garlic butter and herbs, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding a crunchy textural element to the meal.
• Select Sparkling Water Accompaniment: Choose a mineral-rich sparkling water with a hint of lemon to cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the dish's rich and bold flavors while providing a light, effervescent counterpoint.

New Takes on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap butter for olive oil to create a lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's core essence intact.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives. Season the protein substitute with the same spices to ensure robust flavor profile remains consistent.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetable noodles. Verify all seasonings and ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination and accommodate wheat-sensitive individuals.

FAQs

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

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken pieces?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions for the recipe.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely to make it less spicy or completely mild.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

While the recipe doesn’t specify, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work perfectly to hold the creamy sauce and chicken.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible marry me chicken pasta brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken. Tender pasta and juicy chicken create a meal so delicious, you won’t be able to resist falling in love with every single bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces (226 grams) dried pasta of choice (such as penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 3/4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Melt butter in the same skillet, then introduce chicken pieces seasoned with Italian herbs, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, ensuring chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and incorporate grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to develop a rich, velvety consistency.
5. Introduce chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce, stirring to distribute their tangy flavor throughout the creamy mixture.
6. Fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, gently tossing until each strand is luxuriously coated with the herb-infused, creamy sauce.
7. Elevate the dish by scattering fresh basil leaves as a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the full depth of flavors.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking al dente and rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process immediately after draining.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness, ensuring meat remains tender during cooking.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding extra smoked paprika for deeper smoky undertones without overwhelming spiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg