Quick & Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Date Night

My obsession with this marry me chicken pasta started during a cozy weekend dinner experiment.

Friends couldn’t stop raving about the creamy, tangy combination of flavors.

Succulent chicken breasts nestle perfectly against al dente pasta, creating a memorable meal.

Crispy sun-dried tomatoes add unexpected bursts of brightness to each forkful.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance across the plate with remarkable complexity.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe.

We promise this dish will make anyone fall head over heels.

Creamy Pasta Prep for Marry Me Chicken

• Adjust the spice mix to suit your taste preferences by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes for heat level.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Simmer sauce slowly to achieve the ideal thickness, stirring constantly to prevent separation and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then quickly reheat and combine before serving for a stress-free meal.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Reheat Advice

• Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Pasta Pairings for Marry Me Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors.
• Craft Perfect Cocktail Companion: Mix a zesty Italian spritz with Aperol, prosecco, and a splash of soda water to cut through the richness and refresh the palate between bites.
• Balanced Side Selection: Serve a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta dish.
• Herbal Beverage Option: Brew a refreshing basil-infused iced tea that echoes the herb notes in the recipe and provides a cool, palate-cleansing alternative to wine.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Romantic Takes

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Season alternatives with the same spice blend for robust flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Keep the creamy sauce and protein for a satisfying, lighter meal.

FAQs

• What are sun-dried tomatoes and why are they used in this recipe?

Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated in the sun or by machine, concentrating their sweet and tangy flavor. They add a rich, intense tomato taste and chewy texture to the Marry Me Chicken Pasta, enhancing the overall depth of the dish.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy and might not thicken as well. For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or coconut cream, which can provide similar richness while reducing calories.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary for the recipe?

Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy and sharp flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use whole grain mustard or skip it, but the sauce will lose some of its complexity and depth of flavor.

• How can I ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked without becoming dry. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness.

Chicken Pasta So Good You’ll Want to Say “I Do”

Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: Perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.

Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your pantry – use different proteins like shrimp or swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers to keep the dish exciting and adaptable to your taste preferences.

Restaurant-Worthy Flavor at Home: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress family and guests without requiring professional cooking skills.

Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Combines familiar ingredients in a stunning presentation that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

The Only Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, tender and seasoned with a blend of spices for maximum flavor. Look for fresh, boneless, skinless cuts for best results.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes: A robust spice mix that adds depth and warmth to the chicken. Use dried herbs for consistent flavor and intensity.

• Pasta: The comforting foundation of the dish that absorbs the creamy sauce. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like penne or fettuccine.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle fruity undertone. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich liquid base for the sauce. Low-sodium versions allow better control of salt levels.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious creaminess and helps thicken the sauce. Full-fat cream gives the most indulgent texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty complexity to the sauce. Freshly grated offers superior melting and flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick and helps emulsify the sauce. Choose a smooth, high-quality brand.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a concentrated, sweet-tangy element. Opt for oil-packed tomatoes for extra richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that lifts the entire dish. Chop just before serving to maintain vibrant color.

Chicken Pasta Creamy “Marry Me” Style Method

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.

Make sure to coat both sides evenly for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and gently scrape up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Add heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard.

Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a luxurious consistency.

Step 4: Enhance with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 2 minutes, releasing their intense, tangy flavor.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions.

Once al dente, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Slice the cooked chicken into appetizing strips and return them to the skillet.

Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Marry Me Chicken Pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and inviting.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy marry me chicken pasta promises culinary romance with its irresistible blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan sauce. Garlic-infused comfort guarantees a passionate meal that will sweep you off your feet and into pasta paradise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Liquid Components:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken breasts with a robust blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes, creating a complex flavor profile.
2. Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat, searing chicken until golden and fully cooked, developing a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer chicken to a holding plate.
3. Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, expertly lifting the concentrated flavor bits from the pan’s surface. Introduce heavy cream, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard, whisking until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce, allowing them to release their intense, concentrated flavor and meld with the creamy base.
5. Simultaneously prepare pasta in a separate pot, cooking until perfectly al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving its potential to absorb the sumptuous sauce.
6. Slice the rested chicken into elegant strips, reuniting them with the skillet. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, creamy mixture.
7. Elevate the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve immediately while the sauce remains silky and warm.

Notes

• Use high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy result, ensuring they are evenly pounded to promote uniform cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor absorption.
• Customize spice blend by adjusting red pepper flakes for more or less heat, catering to personal preference.
• Choose sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more concentrated flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, maintaining sauce’s creamy texture.
• Gluten-free option: Replace regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
• Fresh herbs like basil can replace parsley for a different aromatic profile and added brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 158 mg