Marry Me Chicken Pasta Quick and Flavorful Dish
**Introduction**
Imagine tender, juicy chicken and al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s bursting with the flavors of sun-drenched tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and rich Parmesan cheese. This is Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a dish that is as romantic in name as it is in flavor. It’s a hearty and indulgent meal that feels incredibly special, yet comes together with surprising speed. The sauce, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy, is so profoundly delicious it’s earned its legendary reputation. This recipe is perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, or for a cozy date night at home that feels like a five-star restaurant experience without the fuss.
**Perfect for:**
Date Night at Home
Quick & Impressive Weeknight Dinners
Comfort Food Cravings
Family Dinner Crowd-Pleaser
Special Occasions
**Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe**
**Restaurant-Quality Flavor:** The combination of sundried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and cream creates a complex, umami-rich sauce that is far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a truly gourmet-tasting dish.
**Surprisingly Quick:** Unlike slow-cooked versions, this pasta recipe is designed for speed, coming together in well under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it accessible any night of the week.
**One-Pan Simplicity:** The chicken and sauce are prepared in a single large skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as the pasta finishes cooking directly in the luxurious sauce.
**Universally Loved:** With its creamy, cheesy, and savory profile, this is a dish that appeals to both adults and children alike, making it a reliable choice for feeding the whole family.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 25 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 580-620 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 580-620 kcal
**Protein:** 38g
**Carbohydrates:** 52g
**Fat:** 24g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 8g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 8 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
* 1 teaspoon salt, divided
* ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* ½ cup chicken broth
* ½ cup heavy cream
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
* ⅓ cup oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
3. **Cook the Chicken:** In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. **Create the Sauce:** Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt and pepper.
5. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, and let it thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. **Combine:** Add the drained pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. **Finish and Serve:** Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese.
**How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
**As a Complete Main Course:** Serve generous portions in shallow bowls. The dish is rich and satisfying enough to stand completely on its own.
**With a Crisp Side Salad:** A simple arugula or mixed green salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing, acidic contrast to the creamy pasta.
**Alongside Garlic Bread:** Warm, crusty garlic bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of the incredible sauce.
**For a Romantic Dinner:** Plate the pasta elegantly, garnish with a fresh basil sprig, and serve with a glass of white wine for a truly special meal.
**Additional Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
* Do not overcook the chicken. Cooking it just until done ensures it remains tender and juicy when added back to the sauce.
* Use the pasta water. The starchy water is the secret to a perfectly emulsified, silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
* For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
* Fresh basil is key for a bright finish, but if you only have dried, use 1 teaspoon and add it with the other dried herbs.
**Recipe Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
**Creamy Spinach Version:** Stir in 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking, allowing it to wilt into the hot sauce.
**Mushroom Version:** Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until golden brown before proceeding with the garlic.
**Bacon Version:** Cook 4 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet until crispy. Remove, then use the bacon fat to cook the chicken for an added layer of smoky flavor. Use the bacon as a garnish.
**Freezing and Storage for Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
**Storage:** Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
**Freezing:** Cream-based pasta dishes do not freeze well, as the sauce can separate and the pasta can become mushy upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
**FAQ Section about Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
**Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?**
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and provide a richer flavor. Ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
**How can I make this lighter?**
Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich and thick. You can also use a lighter pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
**My sauce is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
Let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce further. Alternatively, create a slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until thickened.
**Conclusion of Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe**
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a clever name; it’s a promise of a meal that is unforgettable in its flavor and simplicity. This dish masterfully combines quick, weeknight-friendly cooking with the kind of decadent, complex taste that feels like a special occasion. The creamy, sun-drenched tomato sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta and chicken, creating a harmonious bite that is both comforting and sophisticated. It’s a guaranteed way to turn an ordinary evening into something extraordinary, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that will be met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe.