Prepare to fall in love with a dish so captivating, it’s rumored to inspire proposals: **Marry Me Chicken Pasta**. This exquisite recipe takes the renowned “Marry Me Chicken” — famous for its irresistible allure — and elevates it to new culinary heights by pairing succulent chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce infused with bright sun-dried tomatoes. Imagine a dish so deeply flavorful and comforting, it practically guarantees adoration from everyone at your table. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of textures and tastes designed to impress, yet surprisingly simple to create. Best of all, this gourmet-quality meal can be on your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Whether you’re planning a romantic date night at home, seeking a quick yet gourmet family dinner, or simply craving something extraordinary, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. Its hearty and flavorful profile delivers a restaurant-quality experience without the need to leave your cozy kitchen. Treat your significant other, family, or even just yourself to this delightful pasta creation that promises to become an instant favorite. The blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce makes it a truly memorable meal that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
If your heart beats for pasta, don’t stop here! Be sure to explore other delectable recipes like our Creamy Cheese Tortellini Alfredo or the vibrant Tuna Pesto Pasta for more culinary inspiration.
Why You’ll Adore This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just another dinner; it’s a dish designed to steal hearts and satisfy even the most discerning palates. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire:
- Incredibly Rich and Creamy Flavor: At the heart of this dish is a velvety, decadent Parmesan sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta and chicken. The harmonious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, savory chicken broth, and luscious heavy cream creates an irresistible depth of flavor that is both comforting and sophisticated. Each spoonful is a delightful explosion of creamy goodness.
- Remarkably Easy & Quick to Prepare: Despite its gourmet taste, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a weeknight wonder. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this impressive meal in less than an hour, with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently soul-warming about a creamy pasta dish, and this recipe delivers comfort in spades. The savory chicken, rich sauce, and tender pasta create a hearty, satisfying meal that truly warms you from the inside out, making it ideal for any season or occasion.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: This dish has a universal appeal that makes it a fantastic choice for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even a romantic dinner for two. Its inviting aromas and mouth-watering presentation are sure to impress, earning you rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
- Versatile & Customizable: While the classic recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable. You can easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or experiment with different pasta shapes to make it uniquely yours.
Essential Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Crafting this unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Pasta begins with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create its signature flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pasta: We recommend using penne pasta for this dish. Its tubular shape and ridged surface are perfect for holding onto the rich, creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. The robust nature of penne also stands up well to the tender chunks of chicken. However, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even rotini.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, cut into bite-sized 1-inch pieces for quick and even cooking. If you prefer the richer flavor and slightly more tender texture of dark meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be a delicious alternative; just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Spices for Chicken: A simple yet powerful blend of garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper is used to season the chicken, creating a flavorful crust when seared. These spices infuse the chicken with aromatic notes that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Oil: A light, neutral-flavored oil such as olive oil or avocado oil is perfect for sautéing the chicken. It helps create a beautiful golden sear without overpowering the other flavors in the dish.
- Roux Base: The foundation of our luxurious sauce is a classic roux, made with unsalted butter, finely minced garlic, and all-purpose flour. This combination creates a thick, stable base for the liquids, ensuring a smooth and lump-free sauce.
- Liquids: Low-sodium chicken broth and rich heavy cream are essential for creating the creamy and flavorful sauce. The broth adds depth, while the heavy cream provides an unparalleled richness and silky texture. For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but be aware it will reduce some of the dish’s signature richness.
- Seasonings for Sauce: Beyond the initial roux, the sauce is seasoned with a balanced mix of Italian seasoning, additional salt, and black pepper. These seasonings enhance the overall savory profile and tie all the flavors together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a non-negotiable ingredient. It melts seamlessly into the sauce, adding a sharp, salty, and umami-rich flavor, while also helping to thicken it to the perfect consistency. For the best results, grate your own Parmesan from a block.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) are a crucial addition, providing a concentrated sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful reddish hue. If you only have dried sun-dried tomatoes, simply rehydrate them by simmering in a little chicken broth until tender before chopping.
- Fresh Basil: A garnish of fresh basil leaves adds a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, aromatic finish that brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip this final touch!
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creating this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps for a dish that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Achieve a Perfect Sear on the Chicken: Don’t overcrowd your skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary. A good sear creates a golden-brown crust and locks in the juices, adding incredible flavor and texture to your dish.
- Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for the recommended time. This crucial step lets the flavors fully develop and ensures the sauce thickens to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Patience is key for a truly rich sauce.
- Season Generously and Taste as You Go: Salt and pepper are your best friends in the kitchen. Season the chicken and the sauce liberally, but always taste and adjust as needed. Different brands of broth and cheese can vary in saltiness, so a quick taste test before serving ensures perfect balance.
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients: While shortcuts exist, fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference. Opt for fresh garlic, high-quality Parmesan cheese (grate it yourself for the best flavor and melt), and vibrant fresh basil for an authentic and superior taste.
- Cook Pasta to Al Dente: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid and cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Aim for al dente—firm to the bite—to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Consider Marinating the Chicken: For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Even Chicken Pieces: Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. This ensures that all the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and a rich sauce. However, pairing it with a light accompaniment can elevate the dining experience and provide a refreshing contrast to its creamy indulgence.
Consider starting your meal with a crisp, refreshing Simple House Salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. The fresh greens and tanginess will cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully. And, of course, no creamy pasta dish is truly complete without some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce! Try serving it with warm, fluffy Homemade Dinner Rolls or indulgent cheesy pesto Garlic Breadsticks for an extra layer of flavor and texture. For a light dessert, fresh berries or a lemon sorbet would make an excellent finish.
Storing and Reheating Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just as delightful as leftovers, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying again the next day. Here’s how to best store and reheat your dish:
Storing: Any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious flavor and quality for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: For best results, gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened too much or appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
Freezing: This dish freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the stovetop or microwave method, adding extra liquid if needed.
Alternative Cooking Method: Instant Pot Adaptation
For those who love the convenience of pressure cooking, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can also be made in an Instant Pot, significantly cutting down on hands-on time:
Instant Pot: Start by using the SAUTE function on your Instant Pot to cook the seasoned chicken pieces until browned. Remove the chicken and then add the butter, minced garlic, and flour to create the roux. Deglaze the pot with a splash of broth. Return the chicken to the pot, then add the remaining sauce ingredients and the uncooked pasta. Ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 5 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir well, allow the sauce to thicken slightly, then garnish and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Absolutely! To make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free, simply swap out the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative (like brown rice or corn-based pasta). For the roux, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or an alternative thickener like cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a bit of cold liquid before adding to the sauce). Always check ingredient labels to ensure all components are gluten-free.
While the creamy, cheesy elements are signature to this dish, you can make dairy-free substitutions. Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk (for a slightly different flavor profile) or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy, umami flavor, or you can use a good quality dairy-free Parmesan substitute. Be aware that these substitutions will alter the final taste and texture, but it can still be a delicious meal.
For the absolute best texture and flavor, we recommend preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, you can cook the chicken and the sauce separately. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce, then combine with freshly cooked pasta and the pre-cooked chicken. If reheating the fully assembled dish, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce as needed.
Yes, absolutely! This dish is wonderfully versatile. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus would all make excellent additions. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the flour, or stir in tender greens like spinach right at the end until wilted.
Sun-dried tomatoes are key to the unique flavor, but if you don’t have them, you can try substituting with roasted red peppers (drained and chopped) for a similar sweet and smoky note, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. For a fresh approach, you could also add a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, and cooked briefly in the sauce at the end.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the combination of tender chicken and savory pasta, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic chicken pasta recipes to add to your rotation:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
- Creamy Spicy Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Scampi Pasta
- Baked Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
In conclusion, if you’re searching for a meal that’s truly irresistible, quick to prepare, and guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an exceptional choice. Its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of flavors that will have your loved ones falling in love with every single bite. Don’t hesitate to give this incredible recipe a try!
If you prepare this recipe or any of my other dishes, please take a moment to leave a star rating in the comment section below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated! Also, be sure to follow Cookin’ With Mima on Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest for all the latest social posts and delicious new recipes.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 ounce penne pasta
For the chicken
- 1 ½ lb boneless and skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¾ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oil drained
- Basil, to garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Pat dry the chicken pieces with a kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the chicken pieces with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken pieces to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour and stir. Whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer the sauce for 2 more minutes to thicken.
- Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss them with the creamy sauce until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese, and serve.
Notes
- Let the chicken marinate in the spices for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the chicken to 165 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Cook the pasta to al dente as it will continue to cook when added to the sauce.