If you are looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that clings lovingly to perfectly cooked pasta. The burst of fresh basil and the subtle heat from red pepper flakes elevate every bite, making it a recipe you will want to keep close for special dinners or even a cozy weeknight treat. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating this irresistible dish. Each item is simple but essential, contributing to the perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and bold flavor that defines the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes juicy and flavorful when cooked just right.
- Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the chicken and infuses a subtle richness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds silky smoothness and depth to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory base to deglaze the pan and enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, creamy texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings nutty sharpness and thickens the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Add vibrant color and a tangy-sweet complexity.
- Garlic: Infuses the sauce with an aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brightens and layers additional flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat that wakes up the senses.
- Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti): The perfect vehicle to carry that creamy sauce to your plate.
- Fresh basil leaves: The finishing fresh green note that lifts the entire dish.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese: For extra cheesy goodness when serving.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and a bit of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. The key here is to develop that beautiful crust, locking in juicy tenderness inside. Once done, remove the chicken and keep it warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat and deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits left from cooking the chicken. Add heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer gently until the sauce thickens into a luscious, velvety coating. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta—whether it’s fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti—until perfectly al dente. This means the pasta should be tender yet still have a slight bite, which balances beautifully with the richness of the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Drain your pasta and place it on serving plates. Slice the rested chicken breasts and lay them gently over the pasta. Pour the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over the chicken and pasta to ensure every forkful gets a taste of the magical sauce. This is where everything comes together to create the dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. These finishing touches not only brighten the flavors but also make your dish look as gorgeous as it tastes.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are the perfect garnish to add a lovely herbal freshness that contrasts the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese brings a savory, salty balance that boosts flavor without overpowering.
Side Dishes
Pair your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad, perhaps drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, to provide a light and refreshing counterpoint. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a welcome companion, perfect for mopping up the irresistible sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in deep bowls with an extra drizzle of olive oil and a few whole sun-dried tomatoes on top for visual appeal. For an elegant twist, place a basil sprig on the stack of chicken slices; it adds height and a splash of color that feels restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your next meal just as delicious.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, store the sauce and pasta separately from the chicken to keep texture intact, and reheat gently to avoid curdling.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to avoid separating the cream.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine, penne, and spaghetti are commonly used, you can get creative with any pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well, like rigatoni or farfalle.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes if I don’t have any?
If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes lightly sautéed can provide a similar sweet and tangy element, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Is this recipe spicy because of the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat to awaken the flavors without making the dish overly spicy. You can always adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
To adapt the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for dairy-free diets, try using coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The texture may vary, but it will still be delicious.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy when cooking?
Cooking the chicken breasts over medium-high heat until golden and not overcooking them is key. Also, resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for that perfect tender bite.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable, making it perfect for impressing guests or brightening a regular weeknight. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant accents combine to create a dish you’ll come back to again and again. I hope you give this wonderful recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with every bite just like I did!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts served over perfectly cooked pasta, all enveloped in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this comforting meal is garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta and Garnish
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Cook Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer the sauce gently until it thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Assemble Dish: Slice the rested chicken breasts. Toss the pasta with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce in the skillet, adding reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Plate the pasta and lay the sliced chicken on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired heat level.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta.
