If you’ve ever wished for a pasta dish so luscious and flavorful that it feels like a romantic date night on your plate, then you’re in for a treat with Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe. This dish is the perfect marriage of tender chicken, silky cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes bursting with tangy goodness. Every bite dazzles with layers of Italian-inspired flavors, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re impressing a special someone or just craving something comforting and fancy, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this delicious dish. Each element plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken that adds protein and heartiness, to the fresh basil that brightens up the creamy sauce with an herbal lift. Simple ingredients, yet together they create magic.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips: Perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the sauce flavors.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs into the mix.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory notes without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Ideal for a golden sear on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a gentle heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that rich, dreamy texture in the sauce.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Adds body and balances creaminess.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For umami and cheesy richness.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a tangy sweetness and bursts of color.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces earthy, fragrant notes.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Extra seasoning for the sauce.
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish): Provides freshness and a classic Italian touch.
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente: The perfect vessel for soaking up the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce): A trick to get just the right sauce consistency.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken strips with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. This simple blend infuses the meat with classic flavors that marry perfectly with the sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add your chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, achieving a golden-brown crust and juicy center. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest — this pauses the cooking so your chicken stays tender.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Using the same skillet is the secret to layering flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing briefly until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Then carefully pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring constantly to bring it all together. Next, add the Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it thickens to a luscious consistency. This creamy base is where all those rich, tangy, and herbaceous flavors blend beautifully.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Slice the rested chicken strips so they’re ready to mingle with the sauce. Return them to the skillet along with the chopped fresh basil, stirring to coat everything in that decadent creaminess. Add your cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to ensure every noodle is enveloped in sauce. If it feels too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired texture. This step brings all elements together, harmonizing the dish perfectly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
The final moments — garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve it piping hot and prepare for a dinner that feels like a warm hug, packed with flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates this dish from wonderful to unforgettable. A handful of torn basil leaves adds bright, herbal notes that refresh every bite. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese for that perfect salty finish and a little cracked black pepper for subtle spice. A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil before serving can add a lovely sheen and richness.
Side Dishes
While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides balances the meal nicely. Try a simple Caesar salad or a bed of mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the creamy sauce wonderfully, offering crunchiness that contrasts beautifully with the soft pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a romantic dinner or special occasion, serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the gorgeous sauce nestled around the chicken and noodles. Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for an extra touch of sophistication. You could also serve it in individual cast-iron skillets, perfect for sharing and keeping the dish warm as you dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers — though it’s unlikely! — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken in the cold, but it will reheat beautifully with a bit of added liquid to bring back its smooth texture.
Freezing
Because this dish is cream-based, freezing is possible but with a little caution. Freeze in single-serving portions and thaw overnight in the fridge. Be aware that the texture of the cream sauce might slightly change, so it’s best enjoyed within one month of freezing.
Reheating
For the perfect reheated dish, warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen up the sauce and stir often so the pasta doesn’t stick. Microwave reheating works too but use medium power and stir halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne are recommended for their shape and texture, you can swap in linguine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti based on what you have or prefer. Just be sure to cook it al dente to hold up in the sauce.
Is the red pepper flakes ingredient mandatory?
Not at all! The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that many love, but you can simply omit them for a milder, family-friendly version without losing any of the essential creaminess and flavor.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can try using half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich or thick. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream works, though it will bring a slight coconut flavor to the dish.
How long does this dish take to prepare?
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. Cooking the chicken and sauce simultaneously with your pasta means dinner comes together efficiently without sacrificing flavor.
What is the best way to store fresh basil if I have leftovers?
Wrap fresh basil in a damp paper towel and place it in a resealable bag in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh for a few days. Alternatively, you can chop and freeze it in ice cube trays with a bit of olive oil.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe because it truly is a crowd-pleaser that tastes like a special occasion in every bite. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes create a beautiful harmony of flavors that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe brings warmth and joy to the table faster than you can say “delicious.” Go ahead and treat yourself–you deserve it!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Creamy & Irresistible Pasta Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious sauce made of heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Combined with al dente pasta, this irresistibly rich and flavorful meal is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (optional, for thinning sauce)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips in a single layer, cooking them for about 4–5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring to combine. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips if needed and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil and stir to coat the chicken evenly in the creamy sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with additional fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful presentation. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be used in a pinch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; make sure they are chopped finely to distribute their flavor evenly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lighter version, substituting half-and-half for heavy cream will reduce fat content but may impact sauce thickness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten free if needed.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
