Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta

A Romantic and Delicious Dish

Looking for a recipe that’s as comforting as a warm hug and as impressive as a fine-dining meal? The Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for special occasions, date nights, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. This recipe is easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious—a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Let’s dive in!

Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal! With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and mouthwatering flavor, it’s no wonder this recipe has gained a reputation as a romantic showstopper.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Extra grated Parmesan

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Tongs or a spatula for handling chicken
Wooden spoon for stirring
Colander for draining pasta

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet where the chicken was cooked, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and onion until fragrant and softened (about 2 minutes).
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and collect all the flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and additional salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning sauce over them to coat. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.

5. Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta with a piece of chicken on top.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan for a restaurant-quality finish.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta

Choose the Right Pasta: Penne or fettuccine work best as they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer.
Don’t Skip the Sear: Properly searing the chicken locks in moisture and creates a golden crust that enhances the dish’s flavor.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and basil elevate the overall taste of this dish.
Adjust the Heat: If you like a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Delicious Sides

Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for a carb-lover’s dream meal.
A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for added texture.

Wine Pairing

A glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer red, go for a light Pinot Noir.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or an extra dash of red pepper flakes for a bold, spicy twist.

2. Dairy-Free Option

Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

3. Vegetarian Option

Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant for a meat-free dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage:

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.