Here’s a detailed recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a creamy, rich, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic in a parmesan cream sauce — all tossed with pasta. It’s called “Marry Me Chicken” because it’s supposedly so good, someone might propose after tasting it!
🍝 Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
🔪 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and set aside (keep warm).
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits (deglaze).
- Add heavy cream, parmesan, Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While sauce simmers, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Slice the cooked chicken and place it over the pasta, or mix it in.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and more parmesan if desired.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A side salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables or asparagus
❓ FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
❓Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken?
It got its name from its legendary deliciousness — supposedly, it’s so good, it might inspire someone to propose! It’s a fun, romantic way to describe a dish that impresses everyone.
❓Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless.
❓Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep components (cook chicken, make sauce) a few hours ahead, but for best texture, combine everything fresh. Reheat gently to prevent curdling.
❓What pasta shape works best?
- Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or linguine all work well.
- Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair — they don’t hold up well with the thick sauce.
❓Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used in a pinch, but it won’t be as creamy. You may want to add a roux (butter + flour) to thicken it if skipping cream.
❓What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
- Roasted red peppers (different flavor but still great)
- Cherry tomatoes (fresh and sweet, sautéed briefly)
- Or omit for a simpler creamy sauce
❓Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add more red chili flakes or even a bit of cayenne pepper for heat.
❓How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: On the stove over low heat with a splash of cream, milk, or broth. Avoid microwaving if possible — it can cause the sauce to separate.
❓Is it freezer-friendly?
Not really. Cream sauces often split when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Would you like a printable version, or help with turning this into a low-carb or dairy-free version?