If you’re looking for a dish that’s rich, creamy, and unforgettable, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the one. This viral sensation gets its name from the idea that it’s so good, someone might propose after the first bite. And honestly? They might.
With tender chicken breasts, a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect blend of cozy comfort food and a restaurant-quality dinner—all in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a romantic date night, a family dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
What makes this recipe a staple is its incredible flavor, simplicity, and ability to please everyone at the table.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in about 30–40 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with simple steps.
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is next-level delicious.
- Customizable: Works with different pastas or proteins.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Date nights, family dinners, or meal prep.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta That’ll Blow Your Mind
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes25
minutes610
kcalIngredients
- For the Chicken:
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, halved horizontally to create thinner pieces
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
- For the Sauce:
3–4 garlic cloves (minced)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Pasta:
8 ounces of pasta—penne, fettuccine, or any variety you prefer.
Reserved pasta water (as needed, about ½ cup)
- Garnish (Optional):
Chopped fresh basil
Extra Parmesan
Directions
- Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally for thinner cutlets.
- Sprinkle each side of the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a blend of Italian herbs.
- Add olive oil and butter to a large pan and warm over medium heat until melted and hot.
- Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Move the cooked chicken to a plate and lightly cover with foil to keep warm.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil water with a generous pinch of salt.
- Boil pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, following the timing on the package.
- Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low in the same pan you used for cooking the chicken.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth. Simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up browned bits.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it heat slowly until it begins to simmer softly.
- Add Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
- Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Add cooked pasta to the pan. Toss to coat evenly.
- If needed, loosen sauce with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Step 5: Serve
- Slice chicken and serve over pasta.
- Top with chopped basil and a bit of extra Parmesan to finish, if you like.
Sun-dried tomatoes add depth, tang, and natural sweetness—read more about why sun-dried tomatoes are so flavorful.
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tips
- For optimal texture and taste, grate the Parmesan cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.
- Thin-slice the chicken for even cooking and a faster sear.
- Don’t boil the sauce once the cream is added—it can curdle.
For a dairy-free version, consider using unsweetened coconut cream or oat-based alternatives. Here’s a full list of dairy-free alternatives to heavy cream.
Variations
- Add spinach: Toss in a handful of baby spinach in the last minute of cooking.
- Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Use different pasta: Fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free options work great.
- Swap proteins: Try shrimp or pan-seared tofu for a different twist.
- Make it dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan alternatives.
More Dinner Ideas You’ll Love:
- Keto Chicken Alfredo: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food You’ll Love
- Keto Chicken and Zucchini Boats: A Delicious Low-Carb Recipe
- Low-Carb Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Turkey: A Flavorful, Healthy Twist
- How to Effortlessly Make Delicious Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Dip in Under 30 Minutes
Serving Suggestions
This dish is rich and flavorful, so it pairs well with light, crisp sides:
- Simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty sourdough
- Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli
- Chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a trendy name—it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that people fall in love with. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and al dente pasta come together in perfect harmony.
Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to recipe for everything from special dinners to weeknight cravings. It’s easy to see why so many people say this dish sealed the deal.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Warm it slowly on the stove top, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Freezing is possible, though the texture of the cream sauce might change once thawed. For best texture, it’s better fresh or refrigerated short-term.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can work as alternatives, though the flavor will differ.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes. Feel free to omit them or add more depending on your taste.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing step and add shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce before mixing with pasta.
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