Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dinner featuring juicy seasoned chicken, tender penne, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s an easy restaurant-quality meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the penne according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked penne and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Don’t boil the cream sauce after adding the cheese to prevent it from separating.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t become soft when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining for the perfect sauce consistency.
Variations
Spinach Version: Stir in fresh baby spinach during the final few minutes.
Mushroom Version: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic.
Spicy Version: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
Shrimp Version: Replace the chicken with seasoned shrimp.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
Tips
- Slice the chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Let the chicken brown before stirring for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings
Serves: 6 people
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 690
- Protein: 39g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fat: 39g
- Sodium: 690mg
FAQs
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The name comes from the rich, creamy sauce that’s said to be so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s simply a fun name for an incredibly flavorful dish.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute and stay extra juicy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time, then gently reheat before serving. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Cream-based sauces can separate after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, rotini, and fettuccine all work well because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of juicy chicken, tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Ready in about 35 minutes, it’s an easy comfort food dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.
