Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A 30-Minute Love Story

There’s a reason they call it “marry me chicken pasta recipe” – this dish has prompted countless proposals across dinner tables everywhere! The irresistible combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta creates a meal so delicious, it might just inspire a lifetime commitment. Best of all, this marry me chicken pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

What Makes This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Unique?

The magic of this marry me chicken pasta recipe lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dish originated as a variation of the viral “marry me chicken” that took the internet by storm a few years ago, but the addition of pasta transforms it into a complete, satisfying meal that’s even more impressive. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, clings beautifully to both the chicken and pasta, ensuring every bite delivers maximum flavor.

While the original marry me chicken recipe focuses solely on the chicken breasts in cream sauce, this marry me chicken recipe with pasta elevates the dish by creating a cohesive pasta dinner that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The starch from the pasta also helps thicken the sauce, creating an even more luxurious dining experience.

QUICK RECIPE CARD: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Details

• Difficulty level: Intermediate
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 725
• Protein: 48g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Cholesterol: 195mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Fiber: 3g

Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

For this easy marry me chicken recipe with pasta, you’ll need basic ingredients that combine to create extraordinary flavor:

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
• 1½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

For the Pasta and Garnish:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or linguine work well)
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

These simple ingredients come together to create a marry me chicken pasta recipe that tastes like it took hours to prepare, when in reality, it’s one of the easiest gourmet meals you can make at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta

Let’s break down this easy marry me chicken recipe into simple, manageable steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. If the chicken breasts are very thick, consider slicing them horizontally to create thinner cutlets for quicker cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil.
2. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente.
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water (you might need this later to adjust the sauce consistency).
4. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – the starch will help the sauce adhere better.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
3. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked through at this point as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Signature Marry Me Sauce

1. In the same pan with all those flavorful chicken bits, reduce heat to medium.
2. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
3. Add the julienned sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (that’s pure flavor!).
5. Stir in heavy cream, dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme), and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the seared chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
2. Set the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken’s internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove chicken from the sauce and slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
4. Combine the pasta with the sauce and toss until coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
5. Return the sliced chicken to the pan with the pasta and sauce, gently combining everything.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on top.
3. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

And there you have it – a marry me chicken pasta recipe that comes together in about 30 minutes but tastes like it took all day!

Helpful Hints for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

To ensure your marry me chicken pasta recipe turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:

1. Don’t overcook the chicken: Since the chicken will continue cooking in the sauce, be careful not to overcook it during the initial searing. Overcooked chicken becomes tough and dry.
2. Use room temperature ingredients: Take the chicken and heavy cream out of the refrigerator about 20-30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature ingredients cook more evenly.
3. Pasta choice matters: While any pasta works with this marry me chicken recipe with pasta, shapes that catch and hold sauce work particularly well. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are excellent choices.
4. Properly salt the pasta water: Be sure to generously salt your pasta water—it should taste like the sea. This is your best opportunity to infuse flavor directly into the pasta itself.

5. Don’t skimp on the Parmesan: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than the pre-grated variety. It melts better and has superior flavor.
6. Control the heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil, which could cause the cream to separate.
7. Adjust the thickness: To adjust the sauce, add reserved pasta water if it’s too thick, or thicken it by simmering longer or stirring in extra Parmesan cheese.

Delicious Takes on the Original Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is full of flavor, but these irresistible variations will keep your pasta nights anything but boring

Spinach and Mushroom Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms when sautéing the garlic, and stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach at the very end until just wilted.

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce for a fiery kick that balances beautifully with the creamy elements.

Lemon Herb Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce along with an extra tablespoon of fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, and parsley for a brighter, more herbaceous version.

Bacon Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Begin by crisping 6 slices of chopped bacon in the pan, then remove and set aside. Use the bacon fat (adding a bit of olive oil if necessary) to sear the chicken, and top the finished dish with the crispy bacon.

Vegetable-Loaded Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes after sautéing the garlic for a more veggie-forward but equally delicious easy marry me chicken recipe.

Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Works for Any Occasion

This marry me chicken pasta recipe has earned its romantic name for good reason – it’s impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknight dinners. Here’s why it’s so versatile:

Perfect for Date Night

The rich, creamy quality of this marry me chicken recipe with pasta makes it perfect for romantic dinners. Pair it with a glass of white wine, light some candles, and you’ve set the scene for a memorable evening that might just end with a proposal!

Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser

Despite its gourmet taste, this easy marry me chicken recipe is actually quite kid-friendly. The flavors are accessible enough that children will enjoy it, while adults will appreciate the more complex notes.

Excellent for Entertaining

Need to impress dinner guests? This marry me chicken pasta recipe can be prepped ahead of time (make the chicken and sauce, then combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving) and scales easily for larger groups.

Comfort Food with an Upgrade

On those days when you need comfort food but want something a bit more special than mac and cheese, this marry me chicken recipe with pasta delivers creamy, satisfying goodness with an elevated taste profile.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

While this marry me chicken pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh, there are ways to work with leftovers or prepare components ahead of time:

Make-Ahead Tips:

1. Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop.
2. Cook fresh pasta right before serving and mix it with the reheated chicken and sauce.
3. For meal prep, keep the chicken and sauce separate from the pasta for optimal results.

Storage Instructions:

1. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce, and warm it gently over low heat.
3. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the sauce to separate and the chicken to become tough.

Freezing (Not Ideal But Possible):

This marry me chicken pasta recipe is not the best candidate for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it:

1. You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month.
2. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding fresh cream to regain the sauce’s original consistency.

What to Accompany Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

To create a complete meal around your marry me chicken pasta recipe, consider these complementary side dishes:

Green Sides:

• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus with garlic
• Sautéed broccolini with red pepper flakes
• Classic Caesar salad

Bread Options:

• Garlic bread or knots
• Crusty Italian bread for sauce-sopping
• Homemade focaccia

Final Thoughts on This Beloved Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This marry me chicken pasta recipe exemplifies how a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re cooking to impress a date, satisfy a family, or simply treat yourself to something special, this dish delivers exceptional results with minimal effort.

The next time you’re looking for a meal that balances everyday ease with special-occasion impact, turn to this marry me chicken recipe with pasta. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish on the table that looks, smells, and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant – no ring required, though it might just inspire one!

So feel free to add this simple “marry me chicken” recipe to your regular meal rotation. Your taste buds (and possibly your relationship status) will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce over low heat while preparing fresh pasta. Combine just before serving for best results. The sauce may thicken when stored in the refrigerator, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in even juicier meat. They typically require about the same cooking time but are more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust for the slightly higher fat content by skimming any excess oil from the sauce if needed.

What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt (2:1 ratio). The sauce won’t be quite as rich but will still be delicious. You may need to simmer it slightly longer to reach the desired thickness. For dairy-free options, full-fat coconut milk works surprisingly well with the Mediterranean flavors.

Why is my sauce separating or curdling?

This typically happens when the sauce is heated too quickly or at too high a temperature. To prevent this, keep your sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a boil. If adding cold cream to a hot pan, temper it first by slowly adding small amounts of the hot liquid to the cream before pouring it all in. Also, ensure your Parmesan is added gradually after reducing the heat.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! This dish is versatile and works well with added vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, or peas make excellent additions. For firmer vegetables, sauté them after the garlic but before adding the liquids. For quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas, add them in the final few minutes of cooking.

What’s the best pasta shape to use for this recipe?

While this recipe works with virtually any pasta, shapes that capture the creamy sauce work best. Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine are excellent choices as they hold the sauce well. For a more elegant presentation, papardelle or tagliatelle work beautifully. Shorter cooking pastas like angel hair should be prepared separately and combined at the very end to prevent overcooking.