Good pasta does not need a long prep time to feel cozy, filling, and special. “Marry Me” chicken pasta brings tender chicken, pasta, garlic, parmesan, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes together in one creamy skillet-style meal.
This easy pasta dinner works for date night, family dinner, or any night when plain chicken does not sound exciting. The sauce tastes savory, creamy, and slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes. Think of it as a simple version of the viral chicken recipe, but with pasta added to make it more filling.
For easy meals built around chicken, browse these chicken recipes for busy nights and comforting dinners.
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Ingredients
This “Marry Me” chicken pasta uses simple ingredients that create a creamy chicken pasta with bold garlic parmesan flavor. Penne works well because it catches the sauce, but other pasta shapes can work too.
| Ingredient | Amount | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound | Quick-cooking protein |
| Pasta | 12 ounces | Holds the creamy sauce |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | Helps brown the chicken |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced | Adds deep flavor |
| Chicken broth | ¾ cup | Loosens the sauce |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates a rich texture |
| Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup, grated | Adds salty, nutty flavor |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup, chopped | Adds tang and color |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | Adds herb flavor |
| Red pepper flakes | ¼ teaspoon | Adds mild heat |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste | Balances the dish |
| Fresh basil or parsley | 2 tablespoons | Adds a fresh finish |
Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking ingredients, which can make the sauce less smooth.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until al dente, following the package directions. Save ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Pasta water helps loosen the sauce later without making it watery. This small step keeps the creamy “Marry Me” chicken pasta after everything gets mixed together.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. The USDA says chicken should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep the heat low so the cream does not boil hard.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss until the pasta is coated in the sauce.
Add the sliced chicken back into the pan. Stir gently until everything is warm and creamy. Add a splash of saved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Top the pasta with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm with extra parmesan if you like a stronger garlic parmesan pasta flavor.
Taste and Texture
“Marry Me” chicken pasta tastes creamy, garlicky, savory, and slightly tangy. The parmesan gives the sauce a rich, salty finish, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and bright flavor.
The chicken should be tender and juicy. The pasta should feel coated, not dry or heavy. Each bite has a smooth sauce, soft pasta, and pieces of chicken that make the dish feel filling.
For another creamy pasta dinner with a bolder spice profile, try this creamy Cajun chicken pasta when you want something with more heat.
Substitutions
This “Marry Me” chicken pasta is easy to adjust based on what you have in the kitchen. Keep the sauce creamy, but feel free to change the protein, pasta, or vegetables.
| Swap | Use Instead | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Chicken thighs | Juicier texture |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half | Lighter sauce |
| Parmesan | Pecorino Romano | Sharper flavor |
| Penne | Rigatoni, bowtie, or fettuccine | Different bite |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Roasted red peppers | Sweeter flavor |
| Chicken broth | Vegetable broth | Lighter base |
Half-and-half can work, but the sauce will be thinner. For the best creamy chicken pasta texture, heavy cream is still the safest choice.
For another easy pasta dinner with a fresh herb flavor, this chicken pesto pasta is a good option.
Variations
This viral chicken recipe can be changed without making it complicated.
- Spicy “Marry Me” chicken pasta: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Spinach version: Stir in baby spinach near the end and let it wilt into the sauce.
- mushroom version: Cook sliced mushrooms after searing the chicken, then build the sauce in the same skillet.
- Bacon version: Add cooked bacon pieces before serving for a smoky flavor.
- Extra cheesy version: Stir in a small handful of mozzarella with the parmesan.
For another creamy chicken dinner with sun-dried tomato flavor, save this creamy Tuscan chicken. If the spinach version sounds good, this creamy spinach chicken has the same cozy dinner feel.
Equipment
You do not need special tools for “Marry Me” chicken pasta. Simple kitchen basics work well.
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Tongs
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat thermometer
- Cheese grater
Use a wide skillet if possible. More space helps the sauce reduce evenly and makes it easier to toss the pasta without spilling.
Storage
Store leftover “Marry Me” chicken pasta in an airtight container once it has cooled slightly. FoodSafety.gov says cooked meat or poultry leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce because creamy pasta can thicken in the fridge.
Freezing is possible, but the sauce may separate a little after thawing. For the best texture, enjoy this recipe fresh or refrigerated within a few days.
Top Tips
Use these tips to make “Marry Me” chicken pasta turn out creamy and flavorful every time.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking so it browns better.
- Do not boil the cream sauce hard because it can turn grainy.
- Save pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing so the juices stay inside.
- Taste before adding more salt because Parmesan and broth already add salt.
- Add pasta water slowly until the sauce reaches the texture you like.
This easy pasta dinner tastes best when the sauce is smooth, warm, and just thick enough to coat the noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Marry Me” chicken?
The name comes from the idea that the creamy chicken dish tastes special enough to inspire a marriage proposal. It became popular online because the sauce feels rich, comforting, and perfect for romantic dinner recipes. The name is playful, but the recipe is simple enough for a regular weeknight.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, you can use a different pasta for “Marry Me” chicken pasta. Penne, rigatoni, bowtie, rotini, fettuccine, and spaghetti can all work. Short pasta shapes are great because they catch the creamy sauce well. Long pasta works too, but it may need more tossing to coat evenly.
What cream is best?
Heavy cream works best because it creates the smoothest and richest sauce. Half-and-half can also work if you want a lighter version, but the sauce may turn out thinner. Avoid using plain milk by itself because it will not create the same creamy chicken pasta texture.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes, you can make it lighter. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the parmesan slightly, add more chicken broth, and stir in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Chicken breast also keeps the dish lean while still giving you a filling meal.
Recipe Card
“Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz of pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Save ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds. Add broth, cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently.
- Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss until creamy, adding pasta water as needed. Finish with basil or parsley.
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