Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 10 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Hey y’all! If you want a creamy, hearty, and downright irresistible dinner, you have to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. With juicy Chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, it’s the dish that’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! It’s perfect for cozy date nights, family dinners, or anytime you want to wow someone with minimal effort. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This

Rich, creamy sauce packed with flavor thanks to parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
Easy to prepare in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Uses simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry.
Super customizable – serve it with your favorite pasta or even over rice.
Perfect for impressing guests, date nights, or just because you deserve it!

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless Chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
3/4 cup Chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prep and Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of each chicken breast cutlet with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/73°C).
Remove chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Cook Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes for al dente). Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the pan to loosen any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the cheese melts.

Combine Everything

Slice the chicken into strips (if desired).
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water.
Nestle the chicken on top and spoon some sauce over the pieces.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

If you’re using dried sun-dried tomatoes, hydrate in hot water for 10 minutes first.
The sauce thickens as it stands—add reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
Pat chicken dry before seasoning for the best browning.

Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes or sauté a diced jalapeño with the garlic.
Lightened-Up Version: Swap half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream.
Vegetarian: Omit chicken and double the sun-dried tomatoes, adding baby spinach for a fresh touch.

Required Equipment

Large skillet or sauté pan
Large pot for boiling pasta
Sharp knife and cutting board
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Not suitable for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.

Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus.
Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes an excellent side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the rich flavors.

Pro Tips

Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for maximum melt and flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken—the thinner cutlets cook quickly and stay juicy.
Reserve a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce texture right before serving.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just add a couple of minutes to the searing time if they’re thick.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni are perfect—they hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta shape works!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead?

Yes, you can cook everything ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and add extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This

Ingredients