Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s so irresistible, it just might lead to a proposal!
This indulgent recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of spice.
The sauce, made with heavy cream and chicken broth, perfectly coats the pasta, creating a luxurious, velvety texture that clings to every bite.
A hint of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat, while fresh basil enhances the dish with a pop of freshness.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its perfect balance of flavors—savory, creamy, slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and rich with Parmesan.The dish pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, penne, or linguine, making it a crowd-pleaser for romantic dinners or special occasions. Whether you're looking to impress a loved one or simply treat yourself to a comforting, gourmet-style meal, this pasta dish delivers every time.Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete, restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta
- Salt for boiling water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze. Lower the heat and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, thyme, and tomato paste (if using). Stir well. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine & Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. This dish gets its name because it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! With a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, every bite is bursting with indulgent flavor. The tender, pan-seared chicken is coated in a luscious sauce made with heavy cream, chicken broth, and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes gives it a slightly tangy, sweet depth that balances beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta, this dish creates a restaurant-quality meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home. One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its versatility. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or a special gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes with bold flavors, this one will quickly become a favorite!Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Tips & Serving Tricks
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a comforting family meal. With a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and tender chicken, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Below are essential tips and serving tricks to elevate your dish.1. Perfecting the Chicken
Choice of Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are traditional, but chicken thighs add extra juiciness.
- Slice the breasts in half horizontally or pound them to an even thickness for even cooking.
Seasoning & Searing:
- Generously season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for deep flavor.
- Sear in olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side). This locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
2. Mastering the Sauce
Key Ingredients:
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan: The base of the rich, creamy sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, umami punch. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Balances the richness of the cream and helps loosen the sauce.
- Garlic & Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for depth and a subtle kick.
- Fresh Basil or Thyme: Adds freshness and a gourmet touch.
Cooking Tip:
- After searing the chicken, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth to lift up flavorful browned bits before adding cream.
3. Choosing the Right Pasta
- Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best, as they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Cook pasta al dente (firm to the bite) so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
4. Bringing It All Together
- Return the seared chicken to the pan and let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to soak up flavor.
- Add pasta and toss well to coat everything in the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, use reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it.
5. Serving & Presentation Tips
Plating:
- Serve in a shallow bowl or plate, twirling pasta for a restaurant-style look.
- Top with extra grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and black pepper for a gourmet finish.
Side Pairings:
- Garlic bread or focaccia – Perfect for scooping up the sauce.
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or Brussels sprouts add freshness.
- A light salad – Arugula with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish’s richness.
Wine Pairing:
- Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- If you prefer red wine, go for a light Pinot Noir or Chianti.
Final Tip:
This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth. Now you’re ready to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta a show-stopper!
