If there’s a pasta dish that could inspire someone to pop the question, this is it. Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a dinner — tender seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s savory, slightly sweet, a touch tangy, and incredibly creamy.
This dish brings restaurant-level comfort straight to your kitchen, and it comes together in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your significant other or just treating yourself, this is the pasta to fall in love with.
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-size pieces)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 oz penne, fettuccine, or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
2. Sear the chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, then let simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add a little pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Combine
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Stir in butter for extra richness, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Serve
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp salad.
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
Nutrition values may vary slightly depending on the ingredients used.
✅ Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Make it spicy by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding cayenne.
- Vegetarian option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
- Want it cheesier? Stir in mozzarella or Fontina for extra meltiness.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus
- Great with a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish
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