This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that truly lives up to its name, inspiring smiles and satisfied sighs around the dinner table.
It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and a little bit special, perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re planning a cozy date night in or simply looking for a new family favorite, this creamy chicken and pasta dish delivers on flavor and ease. Get ready to discover a recipe that might just become a regular request!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting and special dish that’s quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic date night. It features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is marinating briefly, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
6. Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Add Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained al dente pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: italian-american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, pasta, creamy, dinner, easy, weeknight, comfort food, italian, one pot, date night
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a true winner for so many reasons, making it an ideal choice for almost any occasion. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick, meaning you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table even on the busiest weeknights. It’s designed for home cooks who appreciate delicious food but don’t have endless time for elaborate preparations. The blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a harmonious flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, from picky eaters to gourmet enthusiasts.
It’s a fantastic option for a special date night dinner because it feels indulgent and impressive, yet it’s surprisingly simple to execute. Imagine lighting some candles and serving this beautiful dish – it sets a wonderful mood without adding stress to your evening. Beyond romantic dinners, it’s also a perfect family-friendly meal. The flavors are universally loved, and it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone. It’s the kind of dish that encourages conversation and connection around the table, making mealtime a truly enjoyable experience. Plus, it’s highly adaptable, allowing for minor tweaks to suit different tastes or what you have on hand, ensuring it can fit seamlessly into your regular meal rotation.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta is straightforward, and many items are likely already in your pantry. This recipe focuses on fresh, accessible components that come together to create a truly delicious meal without requiring exotic or hard-to-find items. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way a few key ingredients create such a rich and satisfying sauce.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
When it comes to substitutions, you have a few practical options. If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and even more tender texture; just be sure to cook them through. For the pasta, any short-cut pasta like rotini, farfalle, or even rigatoni would work beautifully, holding onto that creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you could try adding a handful of chopped roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy note, though the sun-dried tomatoes really do add a unique depth of flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, you could experiment with full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, but be aware it will impart a subtle coconut flavor. However, for the classic “Marry Me” taste, heavy cream is highly recommended. Always choose high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor; freshly grated makes a significant difference compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
One of the best features of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is its efficiency, allowing you to enjoy a fantastic meal without a lengthy commitment in the kitchen.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- This includes slicing the chicken, chopping the onion and garlic, and preparing the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- This covers searing the chicken, sautéing the aromatics, simmering the sauce, and cooking the pasta.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- From the moment you start prepping to the moment you serve, this dish is designed to be a quick and satisfying experience.
This realistic timeline ensures that even on a busy weeknight, you can whip up a flavorful and hearty meal that tastes like it took much longer to prepare.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Creating this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process, and following these steps will ensure a delicious outcome. Pay attention to the visual cues to guide you through each stage.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by slicing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook quickly and evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. The chicken should look evenly seasoned.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is marinating briefly, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. The pasta should look cooked but not mushy.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should have a nice sear on the outside and be opaque in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Build the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet, letting it melt. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. The kitchen should smell aromatic and inviting.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon – these bits add tremendous flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
- Finish the Sauce and Combine: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained al dente pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving. The dish should look vibrant and inviting, ready to be enjoyed.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is wonderfully versatile, allowing for simple variations and serving suggestions that can adapt to different preferences and occasions. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just enjoying a quiet meal, these ideas will enhance your experience.
For a kid-friendly twist, you can reduce the amount of sun-dried tomatoes or chop them very finely, as some children might be sensitive to their intense flavor. You could also cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces before cooking, making it easier for little ones to eat. Adding a handful of fresh spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering the sauce is an easy way to sneak in some extra vegetables without altering the core flavor too much.
If you want to add more vegetables, consider sautéing some sliced mushrooms with the onions or stirring in some steamed broccoli florets at the end. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. To make it a bit more decadent, you could sprinkle some fresh mozzarella over the top right before serving, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the pasta.
This dish is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or a warm baguette is also an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. For a party or buffet setting, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat gently and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. This ensures the pasta doesn’t get mushy. For optional toppings, besides fresh basil and extra Parmesan, a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
