Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

 

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful 30-minute dinner made with juicy seasoned chicken, tender pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The rich, velvety sauce makes this easy chicken pasta recipe perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or a comforting family meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Creamy and packed with flavor
• Juicy Italian-seasoned chicken
• Rich Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce
• Perfect for busy weeknights
• Restaurant-style flavor made at home

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce & Pasta

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz (225 g) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Reserved pasta water, as needed

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Season the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on their thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Check that the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Deglaze with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.

5. Simmer the Sauce:
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce is slightly thickened. Do not let it boil vigorously.

6. Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.

If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve:
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve hot.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approximately 540 kcal per serving*
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Difficulty: Easy

Calories are an estimate and can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the specific brands of cream, Parmesan, pasta, and sun-dried tomatoes used.

Expert Tips

• Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest before slicing to help retain its juices.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• Don't boil the cream sauce aggressively, as this can affect its texture.
• Reserve pasta water before draining—the starchy water is excellent for adjusting the consistency of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli. Finish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for an attractive presentation.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth, milk, cream, or reserved pasta water when reheating if the sauce has thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and are naturally juicier. Make sure they also reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne and rigatoni work particularly well, but you can use other short pasta shapes such as fusilli or farfalle.

Can I make this pasta less spicy?
Yes. The red pepper flakes are optional, so you can reduce them or leave them out completely.

How do I keep the Parmesan sauce creamy?
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil and stir the Parmesan in gradually. Reserved pasta water can also help create a smooth, glossy sauce.

Can I prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
It's best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.