Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Rich, creamy, and packed with irresistible flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that will win hearts with just one bite. Inspired by the viral skillet chicken recipe, this version combines tender seared chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and cream—all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s indulgent, comforting, and oh-so-romantic. Perfect for date night or any time you want to make a lasting impression.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Flavorful – Loaded with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy clean-up with minimal effort.
Hearty & Satisfying – A full meal that feels gourmet but takes under 45 minutes.
Romantic Dinner – Perfect for date night or special occasions.
Customizable – Add spinach, mushrooms, or a kick of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed to thin sauce)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan cheese

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
Simmer on low heat for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Slice chicken into strips or leave whole for presentation.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
Top with sliced chicken and let everything simmer for 2 minutes so flavors meld.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan.
Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, dreamy perfection.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Pound Chicken Evenly – Helps it cook faster and more evenly.
Don’t Burn the Garlic – Sauté just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor.
Adjust Creaminess – Use pasta water or more cream depending on your preference.
Let It Rest – Let the pasta sit a minute before serving to soak up all that flavor.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
Green Salad – A crisp side balances the creamy pasta.
Roasted Asparagus – Adds color and lightness to the meal.
Sparkling Water or Lemonade – Refreshing drinks to pair with this rich dish.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Not ideal due to the cream, but can be frozen if necessary. Reheat gently to prevent separation.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring often.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great and stay juicy.

2. Can I substitute the cream?
Use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, though the sauce will be thinner.

3. Is this dish spicy?
Just a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, which you can omit if preferred.

4. Can I add veggies?
Absolutely. Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and nutrition.

5. What pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni all hold the sauce beautifully.

Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a romantic name—it’s a bold, creamy, flavor-packed dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Try it once and you’ll see why it’s love at first bite. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your version online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 580 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 42g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 540mg

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