This Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect dish for a romantic dinner or a special weeknight meal.
Quick Overview
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6 people |
| Calories | ~447 per serving |
Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Creamy, Delicious & Easy)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Meat Thermometer
- Wooden Spoon
- Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3-4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta or any short pasta
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Season and cook chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Add cheese and tomatoes: Stir in Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cook until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
What to Expect
- Chicken: Tender, juicy, perfectly seared
- Sauce: Rich, creamy, packed with sun-dried tomatoes
- Pasta: Al dente, coated in creamy sauce
- Overall: Comforting, satisfying, restaurant-quality
The Story Behind the Name
Did you know the name “Marry Me Chicken” was coined by a videographer? According to Delish, when the recipe was first tested, she took a bite and blurted out, “I’d marry you for that chicken!” The recipe went on to become a viral sensation, with The New York Times covering the phenomenon years later.
Chef Secrets
| Secret | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Cook chicken to 165°F | Perfectly cooked, juicy chicken |
| Reserve pasta water | Helps adjust sauce consistency |
| Use freshly grated Parmesan | Melts better, superior flavor |
| Don’t overcook pasta | Al dente texture holds sauce better |
| Cook chicken and pasta simultaneously | Saves time, ready in 30 minutes |
Variations
| Variation | Ingredients to Add |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free pasta |
| Vegetarian | Replace chicken with tofu |
| Extra Veggies | Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach |
| Spicy | Add red pepper flakes |
| Lighter Version | Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream |
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Why It Happens | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken is dry | Overcooked | Use thermometer; cook to 165°F |
| Thin sauce | Not enough flour or simmer time | Simmer longer or add more cheese |
| Thick sauce | Too much flour or over-reduced | Add pasta water or broth |
| Pasta mushy | Overcooked | Cook al dente; check package time |
Storage
- Refrigerator: 3-4 days (covered)
- Reheat: Stovetop with splash of cream or broth
- Freezer: Not recommended (sauce may separate)
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 447 kcal |
| Protein | 31g |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fat | 30g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
It’s a creamy pasta dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich sauce.
Where does the “Marry Me” name come from?
It was coined by a videographer at Delish who said “I’d marry you for that chicken!” after tasting it.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes. Penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta works well.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep heat at medium-low when adding cream and avoid boiling vigorously.
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