Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
Ever heard of a dish so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal? That’s exactly how Marry Me Chicken Pasta got its name! This creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making it irresistibly good.
Perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or a special gathering, this dish has the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a touch of spice that keeps you coming back for more.
Let’s dive into the best homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and variations to make it your own!
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Easy & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich & Creamy Sauce: Made with Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish tastes like something straight out of an Italian bistro.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients for a lighter, spicier, or dairy-free version.
Perfect for Date Night: Impress your loved one with a dish so good, they might just propose!
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step
Step1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in minced garlic and butter, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step3: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream.
Stir in the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Adjust seasoning if needed (add extra salt or spice to taste).
Step4: Combine & Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
Add Reserved Pasta Water: This helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Want Extra Protein? Add shrimp, or grilled chicken for more flavor!
Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This rich and creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with:
Garlic Bread: The perfect side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Crisp Green Salad: Balances out the richness of the pasta.
Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Calories: 560 kcal
Carbs: 45g
Protein: 32g
Fats: 30g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 680mg
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream!
Storage & Leftovers – How to Keep It Fresh
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer:
Freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Avoid freezing the pasta—it may get mushy upon reheating.
Reheating Tips:
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The sauce freezes well, but pasta can become mushy. Freeze the sauce separately for best results.
3. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Try fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor!
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! This dish works well with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
5. How can I make this dish spicy?
Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
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Final Thoughts – Why You Need to Try This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for date night or just craving a luxurious pasta dish, this recipe won’t disappoint!
Try this recipe today and let us know—did it live up to its name?
📌 Don’t forget to share this recipe & leave a review!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Best Creamy Dinner Recipe
Description
Ever heard of a dish so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal? That’s exactly how Marry Me Chicken Pasta got its name! This creamy, cheesy, and savory pasta dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, making it irresistibly good.
Perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or a special gathering, this dish has the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a touch of spice that keeps you coming back for more.
Let’s dive into the best homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe with step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and variations to make it your own!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup onion (finely chopped)
- 3–4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
Want to make it gluten-free? Swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety!
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite).
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in minced garlic and butter, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
Reduce heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream.
Stir in the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
Adjust seasoning if needed (add extra salt or spice to taste).
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better than pre-shredded cheese for a smoother sauce.
Add Reserved Pasta Water: This helps create a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
Make It Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Want Extra Protein? Add shrimp, or grilled chicken for more flavor!