Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Quick Romantic Dinner

When it comes to easy, comforting, and absolutely irresistible dinners, Marry Me Chicken Pasta reigns supreme. With juicy pan-seared chicken simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings restaurant-level flavor right to your kitchen.

It’s creamy, savory, and just slightly tangy, thanks to the bold sun-dried tomatoes—and yes, it’s so good it might just inspire a proposal. Whether you’re cooking for someone special, hosting a cozy dinner party, or just want a weeknight win, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new go-to.

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Ingredients Overview

This dish is built on a flavor-packed foundation of seasoned chicken and a creamy, tomato-rich sauce. Here’s a breakdown of what makes each ingredient shine.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cutlets or strips, cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully. Thighs are also a great option for added juiciness.

Pasta

Choose a shape that holds creamy sauces well: penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work. Penne is a classic for creamy dishes and allows the sauce to coat every bite.

Garlic

Minced garlic infuses the oil and butter base with rich flavor, giving the dish its signature warmth.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Packed with concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of sweetness, these add tang and color. Oil-packed versions are best—just drain before using.

Olive Oil & Butter

Olive oil provides high-heat stability, while butter brings richness and depth when searing the chicken and sautéing the garlic.

Chicken Broth

Used to deglaze the pan and simmer the sauce. Opt for low-sodium broth to avoid an overly salty dish.

Heavy Cream

This is what makes the sauce creamy and luscious. It thickens beautifully without the need for flour or cornstarch.

Parmesan Cheese

Adds umami, saltiness, and thickness to the sauce. Always use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and tastes far superior to pre-shredded.

Red Pepper Flakes & Italian Seasoning

Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, while Italian seasoning brings herbaceous balance. Both round out the richness of the sauce.

Salt & Black Pepper

Essential for balancing all the other flavors—season both the chicken and sauce in layers.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This dish comes together quickly but tastes like it took hours. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side) until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir until combined. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Chicken

Stir in grated Parmesan until melted. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Simmer together for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Serve

Add drained pasta and toss with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

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Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Chef’s Tips

• Sear in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam.

• Deglaze properly: Use broth to lift all the flavorful bits from the pan.

• Don’t overheat cream: Simmer gently to avoid curdling.

Flavor Variations

• Add spinach: Stir in baby spinach before serving for extra nutrients and color.

• Use mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic for an earthy boost.

• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

Substitutions

• No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt (sauce will be lighter).

• Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or serve over zucchini noodles or rice.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This pasta is as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect for:

• Date nights – This dish is made for impressing.

• Dinner parties – Looks and tastes restaurant-worthy.

• Weeknight dinners – Surprisingly quick for something so indulgent.

• Holiday pasta dinners – Serve it with salad and roasted veggies for a cozy Christmas Eve meal.

What to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• Garlic bread or crusty sourdough

• Arugula salad with balsamic dressing

• Roasted asparagus or broccolini

• A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

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Nutritional & Health Notes

While rich and creamy, this dish also offers balance when portioned mindfully and paired with vegetables.

Health Highlights:

• High-protein from chicken and Parmesan

• Healthy fats from olive oil

• Calcium-rich from cheese and cream

• Customizable – Add veggies or leaner proteins

Make it Lighter:

• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

• Reduce Parmesan and butter slightly

• Add spinach, kale, or roasted vegetables

• Use whole wheat pasta for fiber boost

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FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Just slice and stir it into the sauce before serving. Skip the searing step.

2. Can I prep this in advance?

Yes. You can make the sauce and chicken a day ahead. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.

3. What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work beautifully. Short shapes catch the sauce, while long noodles give an elegant look.

4. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Cream sauces don’t freeze well—they tend to split. It’s best to store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.

5. Is it kid-friendly?

Definitely. The sauce is flavorful but mild. You can reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for younger palates.

6. What makes this dish “Marry Me”?

It’s rumored to be so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal! The rich, creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and comforting pasta make it irresistibly romantic.

7. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use olive oil instead of butter, coconut cream in place of heavy cream, and vegan Parmesan to achieve a similar texture and flavor.

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