Marry Me Chicken Pasta 🍅🧄 A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Dish That Wins Every Time
If food could propose, this dish would get a resounding “yes.” Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of tender pan-seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for date night. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just want to treat yourself, this pasta is pure love on a plate.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about this combination of creamy sauce, bold Italian seasoning, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy chicken. It’s easy to make in 30 minutes, yet feels luxurious and gourmet. The flavors are rich, the texture is comforting, and the entire thing is made in one pan (after boiling pasta). Less mess, more flavor, and major “wow” factor.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine:
- Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta.
- Toss to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken evenly for quicker, more consistent cooking.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil for extra flavor—just drain before chopping.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
- Swap penne for linguine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta if needed.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this creamy dish with a simple appetizer or party-friendly sides:
- Baked Brie Appetizer for a cheesy starter
- Beer Cheese Dip to snack on while prepping
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for casual entertaining
- Dorito Casserole if you’re feeding a crowd
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons for a crunchy contrast
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Not freezer-friendly: Cream sauces tend to separate after freezing.
More Recipes You’ll Love
In the mood for more craveable comfort food? Try:
- Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons – addictive and crispy
- Dorito Casserole – full of bold flavor
- Baked Brie Appetizer – creamy and elegant
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the definition of comfort and class. Whether you’re planning a date night or just want to spoil yourself, this dish is a guaranteed success. One forkful and you’ll understand why they call it “Marry Me” chicken.
✨ Made it? Let me know! Tag @chefmaniacrecipes on Instagram or drop a comment below with your favorite twist!
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