Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s surprisingly simple, this is The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe You NEED. It combines tender chicken and pasta in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and herb sauce that’s truly irresistible. For another comforting chicken dish, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Recipe. This one-pan wonder is perfect for a special weeknight or an impressive date night at home.

Ingredients

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken and penne in a luxuriously creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, creating a dish that’s rich, savory, and utterly irresistible.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 10 ounces penne pasta
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained (oil-packed or dry-packed)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is ready in about 40 minutes, making it roughly 20% faster than many similar creamy chicken pasta dishes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. For the best flavor, you can let them sit with the seasoning for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. The chicken does not need to be cooked through yet. Remove it to a plate; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4 — Build the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and dried herbs like oregano and thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 — Add Parmesan and Spinach

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Then, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt in the warm sauce, which will only take a minute or two.

Step 6 — Finish Cooking the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts and any accumulated juices back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover and let simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Step 7 — Cook the Pasta

While the chicken finishes, cook your pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 8 — Combine and Finalize

Slice or shred the cooked chicken. Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 9 — Garnish and Serve

Serve this Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, and fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright finish.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Nutrition

Calories	~620 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~52 g
Fat	~28 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~980 mg

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a good source of protein and provides vitamins A and C from the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical ingredients and a single serving. Actual values can vary with specific brands and preparation.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple swaps to tailor it to your dietary needs without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavor.

• Protein Swap: Chicken Thighs or Turkey — For a juicier, more flavorful bite, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. For a leaner option, ground turkey is an excellent substitute.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use a high-quality brown rice or chickpea pasta to make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta completely gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess — Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plain, unsweetened cashew cream for a rich, dairy-free sauce.
• Low-Sodium Version — Use low-sodium chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil without added salt. Rely on fresh herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for brightness instead.
• Lighter Cream: Half-and-Half — For a slightly lighter sauce, swap heavy cream for half-and-half. The sauce will be a bit thinner but still deliciously creamy.
• Fresh Tomatoes — If you prefer less oil, use chopped fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a brighter, fresher note.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but a few thoughtful pairings and presentation tips can elevate it from a simple dinner to a truly special occasion.

Perfect Pairings

• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Essential for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans roasted with olive oil and garlic make a healthy, colorful side.
• A Glass of Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay complements the flavors beautifully.

Occasions & Plating Tips

• Date Night at Home: This dish is famously romantic. Plate it on warm dishes, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and light some candles.
• Family Dinner: Serve it family-style in a large, beautiful bowl or skillet right at the table for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Impressing Guests: For a dinner party, consider serving the Marry Me Chicken Pasta individually plated with a side salad artfully arranged alongside.

No matter how you serve it, the key is to enjoy this decadent, flavor-packed pasta with good company.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using thin, low-fat cream. Fix: Opt for heavy cream or full-fat alternatives to create a luxurious, stable sauce that won’t break.
• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken breasts. Fix: Sear until golden and just cooked through; they’ll finish in the sauce, staying juicy and tender.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic directly to the pan. Fix: Sauté minced garlic briefly in the fond after deglazing to mellow its bite and prevent burning.
• Mistake: Skipping the sun-dried tomato oil. Fix: Use the flavorful oil from the jar to sauté your aromatics, building a deeper flavor base.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce. Fix: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving, as cream dulls seasoning.
• Mistake: Dumping in all the pasta water at once. Fix: Add the starchy water gradually to achieve your desired sauce consistency without making it watery.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded Parmesan. Fix: Freshly grate a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano for better melting and a superior, nutty flavor.
• Mistake: Letting the sauce boil vigorously after adding cream. Fix: Keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling or separating.
• Mistake: Neglecting to toast the herbs. Mistake: Briefly stir dried oregano and thyme in the hot oil to unlock their essential oils and maximize aroma.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also use the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

For best results, store the pasta and sauce together to let the flavors meld. If the sauce thickens upon reheating, simply stir in a little extra liquid until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in. We hope you love it as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. For another comforting chicken dish, check out our Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy sundried tomato sauce and cooked chicken in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, substitute full-fat coconut milk or a half-and-half mixture. While the richness will be slightly different, these alternatives still create a deliciously creamy sauce that is perfect for this chicken pasta dish.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal. Their shapes hold the rich, creamy sauce and chunks of chicken beautifully, ensuring you get the full flavor of Marry Me Chicken Pasta in every bite.