Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from skillet, let rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
2. Step 2: While the chicken rests, cook the pasta in heavily salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, and let simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Step 5: Add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• Substitute sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a milder sweetness.
• If you prefer more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
• For a lighter option, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.

Storage

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well as they hold the creamy sauce nicely, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.