Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy skillet dish that transforms simple ingredients into something utterly luxurious—yet shockingly easy to whip up. Imagine fork-tender pieces of chicken nestled into al dente penne, smothered in a luscious sauce blooming with garlic, parmesan, and the sweet-tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes. This is the type of meal that makes people swoon at first bite, and it’s just as impressive for a date night as it is for an easy weeknight indulgence. Once you try the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, there’s no going back—it’s pure comfort with a dash of culinary magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday staples can come together to create the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Each ingredient serves a purpose, whether it’s lending a creamy texture, a burst of color, or a savory depth that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Chicken Breast: Lean, mild chicken soaks up all those flavors and stays juicy with the quick sear.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning always goes a long way—front-load your flavor by seasoning the chicken generously.
- Olive Oil: Helps get that golden, appetizing sear on the chicken pieces right out of the gate.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds rich body to the sauce and makes every bite feel extra decadent.
- Fresh Garlic: The key to boosting aroma and depth—freshly minced really makes a difference here.
- All-Purpose Flour: A sprinkle of flour thickens the sauce perfectly, so it coats every piece of chicken and pasta.
- Chicken Broth: Builds out the sauce’s umami flavor without weighing things down.
- Heavy Cream: The secret to that velvety, spoon-coating texture you crave in the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—salty, nutty, and helps the sauce stick to the pasta in the most delicious way.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their intense, tangy flavor and vibrant color take this dish from good to unforgettable.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and smokiness that ties it all together.
- Italian Seasoning: An easy shortcut for herbaceous, aromatic undertones without needing a garden’s worth of fresh herbs.
- Penne Pasta: Ridges grab onto every bit of sauce, making penne perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness.
- Fresh Basil: Finish with this aromatic herb for the prettiest pop of freshness and color.
How to Make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breast with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high—when it shimmers, add the chicken. Let each piece get a golden crust and cook until just done, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside; those flavorful browned bits in the pan are pure gold for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Roux
In the same skillet (don’t wash it out!), melt the unsalted butter to capture all that flavor. Add your minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds; you want it fragrant, not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly, letting it bubble away for a minute or two to cook out any raw taste—this is your sauce base.
Step 3: Create the Dreamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking, then follow with the heavy cream. Keep whisking to prevent any lumps, and let the sauce gently thicken. Next, fold in the grated parmesan, giving your sauce the ultimate creamy lift.
Step 4: Layer in Flavor
Now stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes—this is where all those herby, tangy, smoky notes begin to meld into something irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Combine
Return the cooked chicken (juices and all!) to the skillet, immersing it into the bubbling sauce. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta in a separate pot of salted water until perfectly al dente. Drain and add the pasta straight into the skillet, tossing everything together until each piece is luxuriously coated in sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top everything with a generous handful of fresh basil. Serve while bubbling-hot and creamy! The fresh basil smell as it hits the steam is pure bliss—dig in and fall in love.
How to Serve Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
For the ultimate finish, shower the pasta with plenty of torn or sliced fresh basil and a grating of extra parmesan. If you have it, a touch of cracked black pepper or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a beautiful contrast and a little kick. These garnishes make the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta look as irresistible as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil; the brightness cuts through the richness perfectly. A side of garlic bread or a slice of crusty sourdough is ideal for scooping up every last bit of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta in a big family-style bowl for Sunday dinner vibes, or individually plated with extra basil and parmesan for a more elegant presentation. For a fun twist, spoon it into shallow bowls and top with toasted pine nuts or even a poached egg—just wait for the yolk to mix into that rich sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pasta left (good luck!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, holding onto those flavors as they mingle and intensify.
Freezing
The good news is you can freeze Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta for later! Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. For best results, consume within 2 months—just know the cream sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing, but it will still be irresistible.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftovers in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Warm gently over low heat, tossing until everything is heated through and silky once more. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before following the same process.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and bring a little more flavor, so they’re a great swap for chicken breast in the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure they’re cooked through.
What’s the best way to get the sauce super creamy?
Use heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan—these are non-negotiables for that dreamiest, creamiest finish. Whisk slowly and let the sauce bubble gently so it thickens without breaking.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne is classic, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine all work beautifully. Just make sure your pasta has some texture, so it really grabs onto the sauce.
How spicy is the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
With just smoked paprika and sun-dried tomatoes, it’s flavorful but not spicy at all. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes—just adjust to your personal taste.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The rest of the recipe is already gluten-free as written.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels fancy but is secretly so easy, you’ll fall in love with the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta from the very first bite. Each forkful is packed with big flavors and creamy goodness—perfect for impressing family, friends, or just treating yourself. Don’t wait for a special occasion; give it a try and get ready for some serious kitchen applause!
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Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that will surely win your heart with its rich and satisfying taste. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce make this dish a standout favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Sear chicken until browned and cooked through, 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in chicken broth, then heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until thickened. Add parmesan and mix until melted.
- Add Flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let simmer for a few minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return chicken to skillet and simmer in sauce. Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente. Drain and toss pasta into the sauce mixture until coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta Recipe
