There’s something timeless and magical about Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Legend has it that this creamy, sun-dried tomato chicken dish got its romantic name because it’s so good, it could spark a marriage proposal on the spot. While I can’t promise it will lead to a ring, I can assure you that every bite is packed with flavor, comfort, and joy — the kind of dish that brings people together around the table.

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In my family, we reserve Marry Me Chicken Pasta for cozy evenings when we need something a little extra special. It’s the meal I make when I want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen or when I want to turn an ordinary weeknight into something worth celebrating. Rich with parmesan, garlic, and cream, and perfectly balanced by tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta feels like a restaurant-quality meal, yet it’s simple enough for home cooks of all levels.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Romantic and comforting: It’s perfect for date nights or family dinners.
Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy or hard to find, just pantry staples and fresh chicken.
Big, bold flavors: Creamy, garlicky, cheesy — every bite bursts with richness.
Versatile: Pair with your favorite pasta shape, or serve it over mashed potatoes or rice.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 pound pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easier than it looks — here’s how I bring it to life in my kitchen.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over both sides of the chicken breasts. This simple mix adds a gorgeous color and flavor to the final dish.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir up all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Cook the pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir everything together, letting the sauce coat every piece beautifully.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot — watch everyone swoon at the table!

HELPFUL TIPS

Chicken alternative: You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
Pasta choice: Fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni work beautifully. Choose what holds the sauce well.
Extra veggies: Add spinach or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.
Make it ahead: The sauce can be made a day early and gently reheated before tossing with fresh pasta.

DETAILS

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian
Diet: Nut-free

NOTES

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s silkiness.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version — just expect a thinner sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and chicken (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and toss with fresh pasta before serving.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

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CONCLUSION

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. From the creamy, savory sauce to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the kind of dinner that turns ordinary nights into something special. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this dish is sure to win hearts.