A luscious blend of tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes tossed with pasta—a perfect meal to impress your loved ones. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not only a delicious comfort food but also an elegant dish that can make any meal feel special. Whether it's a romantic dinner or a cozy family gathering, this pasta will surely steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an unforgettable dish that combines savory flavors and creamy textures. The rich Parmesan sauce, paired with the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes and a kick of red pepper flakes, creates a perfect balance that complements the tender chicken and pasta. This dish is easy to prepare yet feels indulgent and impressive, making it ideal for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a surefire way to delight your loved ones.
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft.
- Add butter and the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to make the dish spicier.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-friendly.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or water to bring back the sauce's creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance, then add the pasta and heat it up when ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's cooked through.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella or Romano, but Parmesan gives it the signature flavor.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese to make it dairy-free.
How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to the sauce for an extra depth of flavor.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
It's best to avoid freezing this dish because the creamy sauce may separate when thawed, altering the texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat to the dish. You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, but you should thaw the chicken before cooking for the best results.
What should I serve this with?
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy, rich sauce and flavorful chicken, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. The best part? It’s easy to make, delicious, and bound to impress! Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish with your loved ones—it's a meal they'll remember.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for a romantic dinner or family gathering, this dish combines savory flavors with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will make any meal feel special.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft.
- Add butter and the chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
