Get ready to whip up a dinner so good, it might just inspire a grand gesture! Our Marry Me Chicken Pasta is renowned for its unbelievably creamy texture, rich flavors, and surprisingly simple preparation. This dish combines perfectly cooked pasta with tender, seasoned chicken in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce that is truly addictive. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to savor every single bite, perfect for a special occasion or simply to make an ordinary weeknight feel extraordinary.

The magic of this pasta lies in its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes. The chicken provides a hearty base, while the sun-dried tomatoes offer a concentrated burst of flavor that elevates the creamy sauce. Garlic and Italian herbs weave through, creating an aromatic masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Creamy Pasta Will Become Your Signature Dish

• Velvety Indulgence: The sauce is incredibly smooth and rich, clinging perfectly to every piece of pasta and chicken.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite tasting like it came from a gourmet restaurant, this recipe is straightforward and accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Heartwarming Comfort: It’s a deeply satisfying and cozy meal that truly feels like a warm hug.
• Flavorful & Fresh: The combination of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant and complex taste.

The Simple Stars of Your Kitchen Showcase

Creating this irresistible dish starts with a handful of quality ingredients. You'll be amazed at how these components transform into such a memorable meal. The full, detailed list can be found in the recipe card below, but here’s a preview of what you'll need to gather:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Your preferred pasta shape (penne or rotini are highly recommended!)
• Olive oil
• Fresh garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• A dash of red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley for a beautiful garnish

Crafting Culinary Bliss: Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Journey

Let's walk through the steps to create this enchanting Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Each stage is designed to build layers of flavor, leading to a truly unforgettable dinner.

Preparing Your Flavorful Foundation

We'll begin by cooking our pasta and searing the chicken to perfection.

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta (penne or rotini are excellent for holding the sauce) and cook according to package directions until it's perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water for later use if needed.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken, let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Resting ensures juicy chicken!

The Heart of the Dish: The Creamy Sauce

Now, let’s create the star of the show: the rich, irresistible cream sauce.

4. Step 4: Using the same skillet (don't clean it, those browned bits are flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to scrape up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
6. Step 6: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using for a hint of heat). Continue to simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce and thicken.
7. Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Bringing It All Together

The grand finale where everything harmonizes into a delicious meal.

8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every piece is beautifully coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Fold in the sliced, rested chicken pieces, gently combining them with the pasta and sauce.
10. Step 10: Serve your homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for an added pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this delightful dish!

Expert Tips and Delightful Variations

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is fantastic as is, but here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:

• Add Veggies: Sauté some fresh spinach, thinly sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms with the garlic for added nutrients and color.
• Change the Protein: While chicken is traditional, shrimp or even a plant-based chicken substitute would work wonderfully.
• Boost the Flavor: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors. For a deeper umami, consider adding a teaspoon of tomato paste with the garlic.
• Serving Suggestions: This decadent pasta pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. If you love creamy chicken dishes, you might also enjoy our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or a classic like Easy Chicken Tetrazzini.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

Should you have any leftovers of this irresistible dish (a rare occurrence!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or extra heavy cream to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Microwaving is also an option, but remember to stir frequently for even heating.

The Promise of Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly lives up to its playful name. It’s a dish that brings together comfort, elegance, and incredible flavor in every forkful. Whether you're cooking for a significant other, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself, this recipe guarantees a memorable meal. The rich creaminess, the savory chicken, and the bright sun-dried tomatoes create a symphony of tastes that will undoubtedly earn you rave reviews.

We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience! Did it win hearts at your table? Let us know in the comments below!

FAQs

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Standard

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Description

A creamy, dreamy, and irresistible chicken pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.

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Ingredients

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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken, let rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not burn.
Step 5: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all pan drippings. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta directly into the creamy sauce in the skillet, tossing gently to ensure every strand is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 9: Fold in the sliced chicken pieces, gently combining them with the pasta and sauce.
Step 10: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone along with the Parmesan. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

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