How To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe In 30 Minutes

The first bite of this indulgent pasta dish will have you understanding exactly how it earned its name. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce that’s impossible to resist. Legend has it that this dish is so delicious it has prompted marriage proposals! Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers incredible flavor in every forkful. The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs creates a silky sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly.

Ingredients & Kitchen Tools for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

For the Chicken:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Pasta:
– 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)

Kitchen Tools:
– Large skillet or sauté pan
– Pasta pot
– Cutting board and knife
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Wooden spoon or spatula
– Cheese grater
– Tongs

Prep & Cooking Time for a Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Dish

– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Cooking time: 30 minutes
– Total time: 45 minutes
– Servings: 4

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Easily

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into 1-inch thick cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.

3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low and add heavy cream.

6. Season: Add red pepper flakes, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

7. Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated into the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.

8. Combine: Slice the chicken into strips and return to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to serve!

Nutritional Benefits of This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

While this dish is definitely an indulgence, it does offer several nutritional benefits:
– Protein-rich chicken supports muscle maintenance and growth
– Sun-dried tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant linked to heart health
– Garlic contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties
– Fresh herbs add vitamins and antioxidants
– For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta

Variations, Substitutions & Cooking Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Lovers

– Vegetable additions: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers
– Protein alternatives: Substitute shrimp or turkey for chicken
– Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
– Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
– Herb variations: Fresh thyme or rosemary make excellent additions
– Wine enhancement: Add 1/4 cup white wine before the chicken broth for depth of flavor

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

– Overcooking the pasta: Keep it al dente as it will continue cooking slightly in the hot sauce
– Skipping the sear: Don’t rush the chicken searing process; it creates valuable flavor
– Sauce separation: If your heat is too high, the cream sauce may separate
– Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
– Rushing the process: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for maximum flavor

Storage & Reheating Tips to Keep Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Fresh

– Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
– Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth
– Freezing: While possible, cream-based sauces may separate when thawed; best enjoyed fresh
– Meal prep: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving

Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe at Home

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s an experience worth sharing with someone special. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and silky sauce makes this dish memorable and crave-worthy. Don’t be surprised if your dinner guests ask for seconds or even propose after trying this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta! With a bit of practice, you’ll master this restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.

FAQs About Cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately up to a day in advance. Reheat the sauce gently and cook fresh pasta just before serving.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best as they capture the creamy sauce in their shape or ridges.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan by half, and add more chicken broth for a lighter but still delicious version.

Why is my sauce too thin?
If your sauce isn’t thickening, continue simmering for a few more minutes. The sauce will also thicken as it cools slightly.

Can I add vegetables to make it a complete meal?
Yes! Spinach, broccoli, asparagus, or peas make excellent additions. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking.