Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The name comes from its irresistible flavors—so good that it might just inspire a proposal! This dish is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you’re in the mood for something comforting yet elegant.

The combination of pan-seared chicken, aromatic garlic, and the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmony of flavors that coats every bite. Fresh basil adds a bright touch, while heavy cream and parmesan make the sauce decadently smooth. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s bound to impress.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
2 cups penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with extra parmesan and fresh basil on top.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the creamy texture. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the sauce may separate slightly, so stir well when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: ~600 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~50g
Fat: ~30g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Cholesterol: ~100mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~700mg

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne works well, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta that holds the creamy sauce.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. However, the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. Reheat with a little broth or cream before serving.

5. Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free parmesan alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add extra flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking time as needed.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Make sure to simmer the sauce on low to medium heat and avoid boiling it. Stirring continuously while adding parmesan also helps prevent curdling.