DINNER

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Dreamy, and Irresistible! 🍝🍗🍅🧀✨

Get ready to fall in love with your dinner! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe delivers tender, perfectly seasoned chicken enveloped in a luxurious, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta.1 It’s a dish that feels gourmet but comes together easily, making it perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. The balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors is truly swoon-worthy!

What Makes This “The Best”: Flavor Depth, Texture, and Simplicity ✨

This recipe stands out due to a few key elements:

  • Golden, Flavorful Chicken: Pan-searing chicken breasts until golden creates a crucial layer of savory flavor and ensures tender, juicy bites.
  • Rich, Balanced Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and the concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s both deeply flavorful and silky smooth.
  • Aromatics & Herbs: Fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil provide a vibrant, aromatic base that complements the richness of the sauce.2
  • Pasta Water Magic: Reserving some starchy pasta water is a chef’s secret for achieving a perfectly emulsified, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
  • Effortless Elegance: Despite its impressive taste, the steps are straightforward, making it a fantastic option for any home cook.

Ingredients: Your Love-Struck Dinner Essentials 🛒

This recipe yields 4 generous servings.3

I. For the Chicken:

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1 lb (approx. 450g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
    • Tip: Chicken thighs can also be used for extra juiciness.
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • ½ tsp Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder

II. For the Pasta & Sauce:

  • 8 oz (225g) Dried Pasta (penne, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or linguine work well)
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (75g) Sun-Dried Tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and roughly chopped; reserve 1-2 tbsp of the oil)
  • 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning (or ½ tsp dried oregano + ½ tsp dried thyme)
  • ¼ tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • 1 cup (240ml) Heavy Cream (also known as double cream)4
  • ½ cup (120ml) Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
  • ½ cup (50g) Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving5
  • ½ cup (70g) Baby Spinach, packed (optional, but adds a nice touch of green)
  • ¼ cup Fresh Basil Leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade), plus more for garnish6
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Equipment Needed:

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (oven-safe if you want to finish the chicken that way, though stovetop is typical)
  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Irresistible Meal 📝

Part 1: Cook the Pasta (Start Simultaneously)

  1. Boil Pasta Water: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
  2. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
  3. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This is crucial for achieving a silky, emulsified sauce. Drain the rest of the pasta and set aside.

Part 2: Cook the Chicken (While Pasta Cooks)

  1. Season Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
  3. Brown Chicken: Cook for 4-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Part 3: Build the “Marry Me” Sauce

  1. Sauté Aromatics & Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium. If the skillet is dry, add 1-2 tbsp of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or a bit more olive oil/butter). Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant.
  2. Add Seasonings & Deglaze: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds more. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this adds incredible flavor!
  3. Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens.
  4. Add Cheese & Spinach: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If using, add the baby spinach and stir until it wilts.

Part 4: Combine & Serve

  1. Combine Pasta & Chicken: Add the cooked and drained pasta and the seared chicken (along with any juices from the plate) back into the skillet with the sauce.
  2. Adjust Consistency: Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
  3. Final Touches & Serve: Stir in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
  4. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Pro Tips for the BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta ✨

  • Fresh Parmesan is Key: Skip the pre-grated stuff! Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoother and provides a much richer, nuttier flavor.
  • Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: This starchy water is gold! It helps thicken the sauce and makes it incredibly silky, allowing it to cling perfectly to the pasta.
  • Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor and texture, and don’t hesitate to use some of their oil to cook the chicken or sauté aromatics.
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook them just until golden brown and cooked through, then remove them from the pan. They’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before mixing in the pasta and adjust salt, pepper, and even a tiny pinch of sugar if the tomatoes are too tart.
  • Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: If you prefer even juicier chicken, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. Cook them similarly until browned and cooked through.

Creative Variations & Customizations 🌈

  • Extra Veggies: Add finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or even some frozen peas (stirred in with the spinach) for more vegetables.7
  • Spicier Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Herb Variations: While basil and Italian seasoning are classic, a touch of fresh oregano or thyme can also be lovely.
  • Cheesy Boost: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or provolone with the Parmesan for extra stretchiness and cheesy goodness.
  • White Wine Deglaze: After sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, you can deglaze the pan with ¼ cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) before adding the chicken broth and cream for an extra layer of flavor. Let it reduce for a minute or two.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

  • A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
  • Warm garlic bread or crusty artisanal bread for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce.

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊🗓️

  • Storage: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:
    • Microwave: For individual portions, reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
    • Stovetop: Reheat larger portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little milk or broth as needed to thin the sauce.
  • Freezing: It’s generally not recommended to freeze cream-based pasta dishes, as the sauce can separate and the pasta can become mushy upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh!