Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate romantic dinner for two, or a weeknight showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe delivers a creamy, decadent pasta dish that’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures, all while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water and to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more for seasoning chicken and to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped (or 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc), optional but recommended
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves, plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni work well)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes, optional
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a dream come true for busy weeknights or special occasions. In under 45 minutes, you’ll create a dish that’s both incredibly simple and undeniably delicious. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting and elegant meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
While the pasta water is heating, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot (or onion) to the same skillet, adding a touch more olive oil if needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallot is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring to combine their flavor with the aromatics.
Deglaze the Pan (Optional):
If using white wine, carefully pour it into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits – this is where a lot of flavor resides! Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 1-2 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in most of the fresh basil and parsley, reserving some for garnish.
Plate and Enjoy:
Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
You’ll fall head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for so many delicious reasons! The star of the show is undoubtedly its incredibly rich and creamy sauce, infused with the intense, sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese. It’s a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible and tastes like something from an upscale Italian restaurant. Making this dish at home offers a fantastic cost-saving benefit compared to dining out; you can recreate this gourmet experience for a fraction of the price, making it a smart choice for special occasions or indulgent weeknight meals.
The delightful dance of textures, from the tender chicken to the perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in velvety sauce, is truly satisfying. The medley of Italian herbs like basil and parsley adds a burst of freshness that balances the richness beautifully. This dish offers a delightful twist on classic chicken pasta, bringing a unique, elevated flavor profile that’s deeply comforting and utterly memorable. Prepare yourself for compliments, because this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a recipe you’ll return to time and time again.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta, allow it to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, distribute portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. The pasta can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or even chicken broth if the sauce seems a bit dry or has thickened too much. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid over-microwaving, as this can make the pasta mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an absolute triumph of flavor and simplicity, proving that elegant meals don’t have to be complicated. We encourage you to try this recipe at home; it’s a guaranteed way to bring a smile to anyone’s face, whether it’s for a romantic date night or a comforting family dinner.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.12 ounces pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni work well)
- While the pasta water is heating, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot (or onion) to the same skillet, adding a touch more olive oil if needed. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the shallot is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute, stirring to combine their flavor with the aromatics.1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic, 1 shallot, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
- If using white wine, carefully pour it into the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits – this is where a lot of flavor resides! Let the wine simmer and reduce by about half, which should take 1-2 minutes.1/2 cup dry white wine
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little heat, stir in the red pepper flakes at this stage.1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet as well. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Stir in most of the fresh basil and parsley, reserving some for garnish.12 ounces pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, or rigatoni work well), 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and parsley.1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves