Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that tastes like love in a bowl. Tender seared chicken breasts are simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato and garlic parmesan sauce, then tossed with pasta for a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or weeknight indulgence. Named for its marriage proposal-worthy flavor, this recipe brings restaurant-level results with simple ingredients and a quick prep time no ring required.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally (or 4 small breasts)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well)
Salt for pasta water
Fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

2. Cook the Pasta:

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet used for chicken, add a little more oil if needed and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Stir in butter (if using) for a silkier finish.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine Pasta & Chicken:

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or keep it whole for presentation.
Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Add chicken back into the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

5. Serve:

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing:

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations:

Low-Carb: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Add Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli to the sauce for extra nutrients.
Different Protein: Use boneless thighs or shrimp instead of chicken breasts.
Cheesier Sauce: Stir in mozzarella or cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.
Wine Boost: Replace ¼ cup of chicken broth with dry white wine for added depth.

Storage & Reheating:

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything up to the point of combining, then refrigerate. Reheat gently and toss before serving.

Q: What kind of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne or rigatoni hold sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine are also excellent choices.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Substitute with full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free cheese, though the flavor will change slightly.

Q: Is it spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Adjust to taste or omit for a milder version.

Q: What should I serve with it?
Great with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies on the side.

Conclusion:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to the hype creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, family dinner, or yourself (yes, treat yourself!), this dish is guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs and a glass of wine to round it out. Bonus: leftovers are even better the next day.