Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Dish So Good, You’ll Fall in Love!
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that will make everyone want seconds, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! This dish is made with tender, juicy chicken in a rich, sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s so delicious, it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy!”
Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or a fun weekend dinner with the kids, this pasta is sure to impress. The best part? It’s easy to make in just 30 minutes, and you only need one pan for the sauce! Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons pasta water (reserved)
Garnishes:
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Extra grated Parmesan
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice the Chicken Thin – This ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken tender.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water – Adding reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-packaged Parmesan won’t melt as smoothly, so grate your own for the best texture.
- Control the Spice – Red pepper flakes add a little heat; feel free to adjust based on your family’s taste.
- Let the Sauce Simmer – A few extra minutes of simmering thickens the sauce beautifully, making it cling to the pasta.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater for Parmesan
Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken Thighs – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more flavor.
- Different Pasta – Try penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti instead of fettuccine.
- Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce will be less rich).
- Veggies – Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Extra Protein – Stir in cooked shrimp or crispy bacon for a delicious twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make the Sauce in Advance – Cook the sauce and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat on low and add pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Pre-Cook the Chicken – Slice and cook the chicken ahead of time, then just toss it in when assembling the dish.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – A Dish So Good, You’ll Fall in Love!
If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that will make everyone want seconds, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! This dish is made with tender, juicy chicken in a rich, sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s so delicious, it’s said to be “marriage proposal-worthy!”
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater for Parmesan
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons pasta water reserved
Garnishes:
- ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 2 tablespoons of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter and sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the drained pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Avoid microwaving for too long, as the sauce may separate.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
💕 Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious. Give it a try, and let me know how your family loves it! Did anyone propose? 😉 Leave a comment below with your experience and any fun variations you tried! Happy cooking! 🍽💛
