If you are searching for the ultimate comfort dish that will impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, this dish combines tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a luscious sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this recipe is bound to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, creaminess, and texture. These are easy-to-find essentials that blend together effortlessly to create a dish that tastes decadent but comes together quickly on a busy night.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The tube shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly with every bite.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy protein to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth and is perfect for searing the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts richness and helps develop that golden crust on the chicken.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Infuses the sauce with classic savory aroma.
- 1 small shallot finely chopped: Offers a mild onion sweetness to balance the creamy elements.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped: Packs an intense, slightly tangy flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that makes this pasta irresistible.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps bring the sauce together.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated: Melts into the sauce for that unmistakable cheesy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle kick that adds warmth without overwhelming.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough spice and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley: Provides a fresh, herbal note and a pop of green color.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder for an extra savory layer. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in and sear until they develop a beautiful golden crust on both sides and are cooked through. This step locks in juicy flavors that will complement the creamy sauce perfectly. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped shallot. Sauté them gently until they become fragrant and translucent. This builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce without needing any extra fuss.
Step 3: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken—these little nuggets add incredible depth. Let the broth come to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce blends smoothly and starts to thicken, enveloping your kitchen in a mouthwatering aroma.
Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spice
Next, fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients bring tanginess and a gentle heat, balancing out the creaminess beautifully. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to marry all these flavors into one harmonious taste sensation.
Step 5: Cook the Penne
While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Be sure to salt the water generously—it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself. Drain the pasta, reserving about a quarter cup of the cooking water; this starchy liquid will help you loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Pasta with the Sauce
Slice your rested chicken into elegant strips and gently add it back to the creamy sauce. Then toss in the cooked penne and stir until every piece is coated with that luscious sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency that clings to every bite.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs
To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top. These herbs add a refreshing pop of color and brightness that complements all the rich flavors. Don’t forget to add a little extra Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference. Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top adds freshness and a lovely green contrast that makes the dish as beautiful as it tastes. A final dusting of Parmesan cheese elevates the cheesy goodness and invites everyone to dig in immediately.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette can cut through the richness while roasted or steamed asparagus brings a pleasing crunch to the plate. Garlic bread is an ever-popular option to soak up extra sauce and make the meal feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large skillet or a shallow bowl for a cozy vibe. For a dinner party, consider plating individual portions with a sprig of fresh herbs on top and a drizzle of olive oil for shine. For an extra touch, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to each serving plate for a burst of color and spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (and trust us, you might), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking the chicken or breaking the sauce. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for catching the sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to keep the pasta al dente.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half can work in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and silky. For dairy-free options, try coconut cream, keeping in mind it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
The spice level is mild to moderate, providing a gentle warmth without overpowering the creamy sauce. You can always adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance, then cook pasta and combine everything right before serving to keep it fresh and delicious. This helps ease the last-minute rush.
Is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! If you want to make it milder, simply leave out or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes. Kids usually enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it a great family meal.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer when you want a fuss-free meal that feels truly special. The balance of creamy, cheesy, tangy, and savory notes with tender chicken and pasta creates a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation as well as someone’s recipe you’ll always treasure sharing.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This easy stovetop recipe combines savory, tangy, and slightly spicy elements, making it a comforting dinner option perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them on both sides until they develop a golden brown color and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest to keep juices locked in.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and finely chopped shallots. Cook until they become fragrant and translucent, which builds the base flavor for the sauce.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits left from cooking the chicken, adding depth to the sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spice: Mix in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Slice the rested chicken breasts and add the slices back into the cream sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat well.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to ensure it stays juicy.
- Use high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
- You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water is important for loosening the sauce without diluting flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
