Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with rich flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that just might win someone’s heart. Tender chicken is seared and simmered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels like a fancy date night—but comes together easily in one pan.

Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish lives up to its romantic name.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Flavor-Packed – Rich sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.
Simple Yet Impressive – Easy enough for weeknights, elegant enough for date night.
One-Pan Wonder – Less mess, more flavor.
Comforting & Filling – A warm, hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Customizable – Choose your favorite pasta and adjust spice to taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
• Reserved pasta water (¼–½ cup, if needed to thin sauce)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra grated parmesan

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Pot for cooking pasta
Tongs or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and sear 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Remove and let rest. Once slightly cooled, slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
2. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
5. Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, parmesan, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
6. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Chicken & Pasta

1. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta and gently stir to combine.
3. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

1. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice as needed.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan.
3. Serve hot and watch everyone fall in love with it.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic – Adds depth and fragrance to the sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Sear until golden, then rest before slicing.
Reserve Pasta Water – Helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
Go Fresh with Herbs – Basil or parsley brings a fresh finish.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – For soaking up every bit of sauce.
Simple Green Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast.
Roasted Veggies – Like asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli.
A Glass of Sparkling Water or Lemonade – To balance the richness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months without the pasta (sauce and chicken freeze best).

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a twist.

2. Is there a dairy-free option?
Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

3. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or chickpeas.

4. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti all work beautifully.

5. Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and totally irresistible. With bold flavor, tender chicken, and a velvety sauce that hugs every bite of pasta, it’s easy to see why this dish earns a name like “Marry Me.” Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Make it once, and you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 26g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 560mg

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