marry me chicken recipe with pasta
The Best marry me chicken recipe with pasta
I first made Marry Me Chicken with pasta on a random Tuesday night when I needed something quick but still special enough to feel like a treat. It’s one of those recipes that sounds fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes, which is exactly the kind of cooking I love—effortless but impressive.
The creamy tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of spice is rich without being heavy, and the chicken stays juicy every time. My kids inhale it, which is always a win, and my husband requests it at least once a month.
It’s the kind of dish that works for a weeknight dinner but also holds up if you’re feeding company, because let’s be honest, no one turns down a big bowl of cheesy, saucy pasta.
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What I appreciate most about this recipe is how balanced it is. You’ve got lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the whole wheat pasta (or whatever you have on hand), and a sauce that’s packed with flavor but not loaded with cream or butter.
The sun-dried tomatoes add a natural sweetness and a dose of lycopene, and if you toss in some spinach or mushrooms, you’re sneaking in extra veggies without anyone complaining. It’s filling enough to keep everyone satisfied but light enough that you don’t feel weighed down afterward.
Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, so it’s one of those rare meals that tastes just as good the next day. If you’re looking for a go-to recipe that checks all the boxes—easy, crowd-pleasing, and actually good for you—this is the one.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy, dreamy chicken pasta dish with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of spice. This rich and flavorful recipe is so delicious, it might just make someone propose!
🥘Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳Directions
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1 Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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2 Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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3 In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, diced shallot, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the shallot is soft.
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4 Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
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5 Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, oregano, and basil. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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6 Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
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7 Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet or deep pan
- Tongs
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Marry Me Chicken Pasta Works
This marry me chicken pasta is one of those recipes I always reach for because it’s simple, satisfying, and works for just about any occasion. The creamy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. It’s easy to scale up, reheats well, and never fails to get compliments—plus, everyone loves a dish that feels special without being complicated.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. What is “Marry Me Chicken” and why is it called that?
“Marry Me Chicken” is a creamy, flavorful chicken pasta dish known for its rich tomato-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of spice. The name comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, someone might propose after tasting it! The dish typically includes tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce with a hint of red pepper flakes for warmth.
2. Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Marry Me Chicken ahead of time, but it’s best to store the components separately to maintain texture. Cook the chicken and sauce, then refrigerate them in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much, and cook the pasta fresh before serving. Combine everything just before eating for the best results.
3. What type of pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid very thin or delicate pasta (like angel hair) since it can become mushy in the rich sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be substituted—just cook it al dente to prevent it from breaking down.
4. Can I make Marry Me Chicken without heavy cream?
Absolutely! While heavy cream adds richness, you can substitute it with half-and-half, whole milk, or even coconut milk for a lighter version. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream or a blend of unsweetened almond milk and cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious. Just adjust seasoning to taste.
5. How can I add more vegetables to Marry Me Chicken?
You can easily bulk up the dish with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them with the garlic and onions at the beginning, or stir in fresh spinach at the end until wilted. For extra texture, roasted cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts also pair well. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the pan to avoid a watery sauce.
