Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re searching for a meal so good it could inspire a proposal, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it! Juicy, seasoned chicken is nestled in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with tender pasta for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and impossible to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder – Simple cleanup and full of flavor.
Creamy & Savory – A velvety sauce packed with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Great for Guests – Impress your loved ones with minimal effort.
Customizable – Switch up the pasta or add vegetables to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
• Water and salt (for boiling)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
• Freshly ground black pepper

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Tongs or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Let it rest, then slice or leave whole for serving.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, lower heat to medium.
2. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2-3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
3. Slice the cooked chicken and nestle it into the pasta.
4. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken pieces.
5. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
2. Add a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.

Tips for Success
Pound Chicken Evenly – Ensures it cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Sear chicken in batches if needed to keep the heat high.
Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor.
Save the Pasta Water – A splash of it can help bring your sauce to the perfect consistency.
Rest the Chicken – Letting it rest before slicing keeps it moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Green Salad – A simple side balances the richness of the dish.
Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
Chilled Sparkling Water – Keeps the meal feeling light and fresh.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• For best results, store the pasta and chicken separately from extra sauce.

Reheating:

• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
   Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day ahead. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve.
3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
   You can use fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed in olive oil as a substitute, though it will slightly change the flavor.
4. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan, though the taste will vary slightly.
5. Is this recipe spicy?
   It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted or omitted to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a delicious dinner—it’s comfort food at its finest, wrapped in a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s guaranteed to win hearts. Whether you’re making it for a special date night, family gathering, or just because you deserve something indulgent, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Try it once, and it just might become your signature dish! Leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 44g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

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