Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish featuring golden pan-seared chicken breasts in a luscious sun-dried tomato parmesan cream sauce served over tender pasta. With bold flavors from garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, this dish is so irresistible that it’s rumored to make anyone fall in love!
Perfect for a date night, special occasion, or cozy family dinner, this dish is simple yet elegant, making it a go-to comfort meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne or fettuccine
- ½ teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to soak up the flavors. Stir in the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with extra parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
Perfecting the Chicken
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Dredging in flour helps create a slight crust, making the sauce cling better.
Customizing the Recipe
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces may separate.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Serve with a glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for impressing anyone at the dinner table. Enjoy!
