Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Creamy, Irresistible Recipe You Need!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that has won the hearts of many. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, this dish is so good it might just lead to a marriage proposal! Whether you’re making a romantic dinner or a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Flavorful: A velvety parmesan cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning makes this dish irresistible.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a great recipe for all skill levels.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: A dish so good, it’s named after its proposal-worthy taste!
• Customizable: Swap pasta types, adjust spices, or add veggies for your own twist.
• Family Favorite: This dish is always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• Salt (for boiling water)

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in Italian seasoning and paprika.
3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Reduce heat and add heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until smooth.
5. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet.
2. Add the drained pasta and mix everything together.
3. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
4. Simmer for 2 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
• Pair with garlic bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Protein Boost: Try shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu.
• Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or asiago cheese for a richer taste.

Wine & Beverage Pairings

Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with white wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the dish without overpowering the creamy sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with a lemon twist works perfectly.

Side Dishes to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Caesar Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables – Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers add a healthy touch.
• Bruschetta – A light tomato and basil appetizer pairs well with this indulgent dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream.

What Pasta Works Best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work great, but you can use any pasta you love!

Can I Freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. However, you can freeze just the sauce and add fresh pasta when reheating.

How Do I Prevent the Sauce from Curdling?

Ensure that the heat is on low when adding heavy cream and parmesan to prevent curdling.

Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option.

More Delicious Recipes to Try from Tasty Fork Recipes

• Creamy Tuscan Chicken
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
• Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo
• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
• One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

If you try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, let us know in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍽️