Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for the kind of dinner that wins over hearts and keeps the family coming back for seconds, the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your golden ticket. Creamy, savory, and full of bold, sun-dried tomato flavor, every forkful is rich with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy Parmesan sauce that truly lives up to its name. Whether you’re wooing someone special or just want a restaurant-level meal at home, this dish brings comfort and a little spark of magic to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it uses simple, familiar ingredients that each play a big role in the final flavor. From savory chicken and aromatic garlic to hearty pasta and a lively sun-dried tomato finish, these are the building blocks of a truly unforgettable meal.
- Chicken breast: Use boneless, skinless for the quickest cooking and most tender results—slice or cube for even bites.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously to bring out every savory note in the chicken and sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely, fruity depth and helps sear the chicken to perfection.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce richness and helps form a lush, golden base.
- Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, garlic is the secret to that irresistible homemade flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Just a small spoonful thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to your pasta.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds savory depth without making the sauce too salty.
- Heavy cream: The key to luscious, silky smoothness in every bite.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty, and melty—it’s what makes the sauce truly crave-worthy.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed): Sweet, tangy, and deeply flavorful—drain and chop for bursts of color and taste.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a gentle warmth and smoky undertone that makes the sauce special.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A quick way to infuse those classic herby, Mediterranean notes.
- Penne pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for capturing creamy sauce in every tube.
- Fresh basil: Just a sprinkle of chopped leaves brightens up everything at the end.
How to Make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken generously with salt and pepper to make sure that flavor runs deep in every bite. Heat a big skillet over medium-high heat, add your olive oil, and then lay the chicken pieces down in a single layer. Give them 5–7 minutes to get beautifully golden and juicy—once that happens, pull them out and set them aside. That chicken fond left in the pan is pure flavor gold!
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same skillet (no rinsing needed!), melt your butter right into all those tasty chicken bits. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds—just until fragrant, not browned. Then sprinkle in the flour and whisk it up for a minute or two; this step thickens the sauce and delivers that craveable, restaurant-style texture.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Now for the creamy magic: Slowly pour in your chicken broth, whisking to dissolve all the flour into a smooth base. Next goes the heavy cream. Keep whisking gently until the sauce starts to thicken, then bring it to life with a handful of freshly grated Parmesan. The cheese melts into the sauce, making it rich, glossy, and downright irresistible.
Step 4: Add Flavor
Stir in those chopped sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for a couple minutes so the sun-dried tomatoes have time to infuse the cream with color and that signature tangy-sweet flavor. You’ll smell the transformation happening right away!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Slide your cooked chicken back into the skillet, snuggle it into the creamy sauce, and give everything a quick simmer so the flavors can mingle. Meanwhile, boil your penne until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain well, then toss the pasta straight into the skillet and stir until every piece is slicked with luxurious sauce and delicious little flecks of tomato.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before bringing the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta to the table, scatter lots of fresh basil over the top. The aromatic hit of basil brightens each bite and makes the dish feel extra special. Now, serve it up immediately—nobody can resist a hot, creamy, cheesy plate of this pasta!
How to Serve Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final flurry of chopped fresh basil is the classic finishing touch for Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, adding color and fragrant freshness. You could also shower on a little extra Parmesan or crack over more black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes does wonders too.
Side Dishes
While this pasta is more than satisfying on its own, it positively sings alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or some simple roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. For the true classic touch, a loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy, restaurant-style vibe, serve Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls, ensuring plenty of sauce nests around each portion. If you’re entertaining, plate it family-style on a big platter and let everyone dig in. You can even spoon portions onto individual plates and garnish with little basil sprigs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a truly elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so popular!), transfer the cooled Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch the next day.
Freezing
While cream-based pastas can sometimes separate when frozen, you can freeze this dish in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months if needed. For best results, cool it completely first and know that the sauce may need a gentle whisk after thawing to restore its texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to loosen up the sauce if it has thickened. Microwave reheating works too—just use medium power to prevent the sauce from overheating or splitting. Always stir gently and add liquid as needed to keep it lusciously creamy.
FAQs
Can I make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta with chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer, juicier result since they’re naturally more flavorful and less likely to dry out. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces and proceed as directed—just make sure they’re cooked through before mixing with the sauce and pasta.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
It’s very easy to adapt—just use your favorite gluten-free penne and substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the roux step. Everything else in the recipe stays the same, so you get all the creamy, dreamy flavor of the original.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Yes! If you’d prefer a lighter sauce, try using half-and-half or even whole milk. The sauce won’t be quite as rich, but it’ll still have a lovely creamy texture. Just keep an eye on it while simmering since thinner milk may reduce more quickly.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, try roasted red peppers or oven-roasted cherry tomatoes for a similar pop of sweet, tangy flavor. You can get creative and even add sautéed mushrooms or a handful of spinach for extra color and nutrition.
How spicy is Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
As written, it’s quite mild, letting the cream, tomato, and cheese flavors shine. But it takes well to customization! Add chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or double up on smoked paprika if you like a little more heat in your pasta.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a cozy meal to brighten the week, Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that’s impossible not to love. It’s simple, stunning, and so delicious you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Give it a try soon—it might just become your new signature dish!
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Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that will win over anyone’s heart with its rich sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a family meal!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in chicken broth, then heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until thickened. Add parmesan and mix until melted.
- Add Flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet and simmer in sauce. Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente. Drain and toss pasta into the sauce mixture until coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Marry Me Chicken, Italian Pasta, Romantic Dinner
