There’s something undeniably special about a dish that’s been passed down through family generations, like Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, flavorful recipe is a favorite among many households, and it’s not hard to see why. My mom used to make this exact dish, and it was always a huge hit in our family—so much so that it earned its charming name. The legend goes that this dish is so irresistible that anyone who tastes it will be ready to propose. Whether or not that’s true, one thing is for sure: everyone who tries it will definitely ask for seconds!
In this recipe, tender chicken pieces are combined with a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, a special dinner, or even impressing a crowd.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so memorable is its balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is seasoned with bold spices like smoked paprika and Italian seasoning, while the creamy Parmesan sauce is rich without being overpowering. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy contrast, cutting through the creaminess and adding a burst of flavor. Meanwhile, the pasta ties it all together, absorbing the sauce and making each bite satisfying and hearty.
Here are some key reasons why this recipe works so well:
- Easy to Make: Despite the complex flavors, this dish is quite easy to prepare. With just a few basic steps, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: This recipe works with a variety of pasta shapes and even protein options. If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions: The creamy sauce and flavorful chicken make this feel like a special dish, but it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight.
What You’ll Need For This Recipe
To create this unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried pasta of choice: Any pasta works for this dish, but fettuccine or penne are particularly great choices since they hold the sauce well.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: This will be used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped: Onions add a mild sweetness to the dish and complement the other flavors.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings depth and savory richness to the sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon butter: The butter adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: The chicken is the star protein, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the spices and sauce.
- ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper: These seasonings pack a ton of flavor, giving the chicken a smoky, herby kick.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that brightens the dish.
- Basil leaves for garnish: Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh flavor and makes the dish look beautiful.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your dried pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. By cooking the pasta early on, you ensure that it’s ready to absorb the creamy sauce later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the butter to the skillet. Once it has melted, add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
After the chicken is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Now, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These tomatoes add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, and the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes are distributed throughout the dish.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately and garnish with fresh basil leaves. The fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks from Bigzazoo:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce when tossed in the skillet, so you don’t want it to be too soft.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from a block. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like more heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes. For a milder version, reduce or omit them altogether.
- Add Veggies: If you want to bulk up this dish with more veggies, consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted red peppers.
- Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, simply substitute the pasta for a gluten-free variety.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a complete meal in itself, but it can be paired with a few simple sides to make it even more special.
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve this pasta with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish. Try an arugula salad with lemon dressing for a refreshing side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make for a hearty, healthy side dish that complements the creamy pasta.
Time
This dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why Marry Me Chicken Pasta has such a memorable name—it’s simply irresistible. With its tender chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is one that will win over anyone who tastes it. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Bigzazoo has brought this delightful dish to many gatherings, and it never fails to impress. So go ahead, give Marry Me Chicken Pasta a try, and watch as your loved ones fall in love with it (and maybe even you!) all over again.
Recipe Card
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- **8 oz dried pasta of choice**: Any pasta works for this dish but fettuccine or penne are particularly great choices since they hold the sauce well.
- – **1 Tablespoon olive oil**: This will be used for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- – **½ cup onion finely chopped**: Onions add a mild sweetness to the dish and complement the other flavors.
- – **3-4 cloves garlic minced**: Garlic brings depth and savory richness to the sauce.
- – **1 Tablespoon butter**: The butter adds an extra layer of richness to the dish.
- – **1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-size pieces**: The chicken is the star protein, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the spices and sauce.
- – **½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper**: These seasonings pack a ton of flavor, giving the chicken a smoky, herby kick.
- – **1 cup heavy cream**: Heavy cream makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- – **½ cup Parmesan cheese grated**: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that perfectly balances the creaminess.
- – **½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped**: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a slightly tangy, sweet flavor that brightens the dish.
- – **Basil leaves for garnish**: Fresh basil adds a bright fresh flavor and makes the dish look beautiful.
Instructions
1.Cook the Pasta:
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your **dried pasta** according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. By cooking the pasta early on, you ensure that it’s ready to absorb the creamy sauce later
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In a large skillet, heat **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the finely chopped **onions** and **garlic**. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma, about 3-4 minutes. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Next, add the **butter** to the skillet. Once it has melted, add the **chicken pieces** to the pan. Season the chicken with **Italian seasoning**, **smoked paprika**, **red pepper flakes**, **garlic powder**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Stir to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the spices. Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
4. **Make the Creamy Sauce:
- After the chicken is cooked, stir in the **heavy cream** and **Parmesan cheese**. Lower the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken. The Parmesan will melt into the cream, creating a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
5. **Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
- Now, toss in the **chopped sun-dried tomatoes**. These tomatoes add a sweet and tangy burst of flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
6. **Combine with Pasta:
- Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, and the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes are distributed throughout the dish.
7. **Serve and Garnish:
- Plate the **Marry Me Chicken Pasta** immediately and garnish with fresh **basil leaves**. The fresh basil adds a vibrant, herbal note that cuts through the richness of the dish.