Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Ready in 30 Minutes

Did You Know 73% of Home Cooks Avoid Creamy Pasta Because They Think It’s Too Complicated?

If you’ve ever hesitated to make a rich, velvety pasta dish at home, fearing it requires chef-level skills or hours in the kitchen, I’m here to change your mind. Today, we’re diving into the irresistible world of Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a creamy garlic Parmesan dish so luscious, it might just earn you a proposal (or at least endless compliments from your dinner guests). The best part? It’s simpler than you think, with a sauce that comes together in minutes but tastes like it simmered all day.

Picture this: tender chicken nestled in a silky, garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce, clinging to al dente pasta like a love letter to your taste buds. This dish got its playful name for a reason—it’s the kind of meal that makes people swoon. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavors without the fuss.

Why This Dish Will Steal Your Heart (and Maybe Someone Else’s)

What sets this Marry Me Chicken Pasta apart from other creamy pasta recipes? It’s all about balance. The sauce—a dreamy blend of heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and aged Parmesan—is decadent without being heavy. A hint of red pepper flakes adds just enough warmth to keep things interesting, while fresh basil brightens every bite. And let’s talk about that golden, pan-seared chicken… each piece soaks up the sauce like a sponge, becoming impossibly juicy.

I first discovered this dish at a tiny Italian trattoria years ago, where the chef joked that it had caused more marriage proposals than the local jewelry store. After one bite, I understood why. There’s something magical about how the ingredients come together—the way the starch from the pasta thickens the sauce naturally, how the sun-dried tomatoes add pockets of sweetness, and how the Parmesan melts into the cream to create something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for both date nights and solo indulgence.

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy Garlic Parmesan Dish

There’s something magical about a dish so irresistible, it could inspire a proposal—hence the name “Marry Me Chicken Pasta.” This creamy, garlicky, parmesan-laced wonder is the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes and sigh after the first bite. It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent yet balanced, and the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, these are the star of the dish. I like to slice them into thin cutlets for even cooking.
• Olive oil – A good glug for sautéing the chicken and garlic. Extra virgin adds a lovely depth.
• Butter – Because everything tastes better with butter. It adds richness to the sauce.
• Garlic – Freshly minced, please! About 4-5 cloves for that unmistakable aromatic punch.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Their tangy sweetness cuts through the creaminess beautifully. I prefer the ones packed in oil for extra flavor.
• Heavy cream – The base of our luscious sauce. Half-and-half works in a pinch, but cream is dreamier.
• Chicken broth – A splash to balance the richness and add depth.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is key here. The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same way.
• Italian seasoning – A little blend of herbs to tie everything together.
• Red pepper flakes – Just a pinch for a subtle kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Pasta – Fettuccine or penne work wonderfully, but any sturdy shape will do.
• Fresh basil – For garnish, because a pop of green makes everything prettier (and tastier).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin cutlets—this ensures they cook quickly and stay tender. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

2. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—so it doesn’t burn. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them mingle with the garlic for a minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

3. Bring It All Together
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated parmesan, a handful at a time, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Slide the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let everything simmer together for another minute so the flavors can marry (pun intended).

4. Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this helps loosen the sauce if needed. Toss the drained pasta into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, stirring to coat every strand or piece evenly.

Conclusion

There you have it—a luscious, restaurant-worthy Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s as easy to make as it is irresistible. With its creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts (and maybe even a proposal or two!). Whether you’re cooking for a special date night or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe delivers on flavor, elegance, and simplicity.

Now it’s your turn! Whip up this dreamy pasta, gather your loved ones, and let the compliments roll in. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your masterpiece with us—we’d love to hear how it turned out. And if you’re hungry for more cozy, crowd-pleasing recipes, check out our Comfort Food Favorites for your next culinary adventure.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp, mushrooms, or even crispy bacon make fantastic substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and reduce the cheese slightly. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying!

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

We don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

What pasta shape works best?

Fettuccine or penne are our top picks, but any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well will do. Avoid delicate shapes like angel hair.