The Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Love at First Bite

Chicken breasts bathed in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce could easily make you fall head over heels with this marry me chicken pasta recipe.

Magic happens when simple ingredients combine with unexpected flavor profiles.

Fragrant herbs and rich parmesan cheese create a luxurious backdrop for tender meat.

Italian-inspired comfort emerges through each carefully crafted bite, promising restaurant-quality dining at home.

Delicate pasta absorbs the luscious sauce, making every forkful irresistibly smooth and satisfying.

Passionate home cooks understand that love truly can be expressed through carefully prepared meals.

Prepare to seduce taste buds and win hearts with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Irresistibly Creamy

• Conquer Complexity: This recipe transforms intimidating cooking steps into a straightforward, manageable process perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients like swapping bacon for vegetarian alternatives or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Savor Restaurant-Quality Comfort: Delivers a luxurious restaurant-style meal directly in your kitchen, combining rich flavors of chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic herbs without expensive dining out.
• Quick Family Feast: Provides a hearty, satisfying meal that comes together rapidly, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners when everyone craves something delicious and filling.

Ingredients For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein source for this creamy pasta dish.
• Bacon Bits: Add a smoky and salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the recipe.

• Pasta: The base of the dish that absorbs the rich and creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté ingredients and create a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Contributes to the creamy and tangy characteristics of the sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to smooth out the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Herbs that provide a classic Italian-inspired seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and salty cheese flavor to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness to the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offer a concentrated, sweet, and tangy flavor to the pasta.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh and aromatic garnish to the finished dish.

Directions To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water following package guidelines until perfectly tender. Drain pasta, keeping some cooking water aside for later use.

Step 2: Season Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano

Ensure an even distribution of seasonings across the entire surface.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Slice Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly. Slice chicken into thin, elegant strips.

Step 5: Sauté Garlic

Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.

Step 6: Add Flavor Boosters

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Bacon bits
• Red pepper flakes

Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop rich, complex flavors.

Step 7: Deglaze Pan

Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 8: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese
• Butter

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 9: Finish Sauce

Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking constantly to create a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 10: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach the perfect consistency.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Top with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful flavors.

Smart Tips For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Water Magic: Save some starchy liquid to loosen sauce and help it cling perfectly to pasta without drying out.
• Salt Smart: Generously season chicken with herbs and spices for maximum flavor penetration and delicious outer crust.
• Sear Secrets: Use high heat and resist moving chicken to develop beautiful golden-brown caramelization and lock in juices.
• Cream Cheese Trick: Whisk cream cheese gradually to prevent lumps and create ultra-smooth, silky sauce texture.
• Flavor Layer Method: Build depth by using same skillet for multiple cooking stages, capturing delicious browned bits from each step.

Ways To Customize Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice or chickpea pasta for celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms, maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping creamy sauce intact.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, swap bacon for pancetta, and incorporate crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-style interpretation of the original recipe.

What Pairs With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Savor Complementary Wine Selections: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to balance the creamy, rich sauce with its bright acidity and light fruit notes.
• Elevate Bread Pairings: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or herbed focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce and add textural contrast to the tender chicken pasta.
• Refresh with Salad Companions: Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the dish's richness, providing a fresh and light counterpoint to the creamy pasta.
• Enhance Vegetable Sides: Roast asparagus spears with parmesan and olive oil to complement the dish's Italian-inspired flavors and add a nutritious green element to the meal.

How To Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container, keeping the pasta and sauce together, and seal tightly within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising flavor or texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water or additional cream, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying, and gently stir until heated through, ensuring sauce remains creamy and chicken stays tender.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and quickly absorb the creamy sauce’s flavors.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to boost the heat level according to your preference.

• Is this recipe considered high in calories?

This dish is relatively rich due to cream, cheese, and bacon, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional indulgent meal rather than a regular weeknight dinner.

• How can I make this recipe lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, use less butter, and choose lean chicken breast to reduce overall calorie and fat content.

Lovestruck Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises culinary romance with its creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken. Parmesan-kissed perfection awaits you in this irresistible Italian-inspired dish that sparks instant love at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup bacon bits

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano, ensuring even coating.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Remove chicken and let rest on a cutting board, then slice into thin strips.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds.
6. Add sun-dried tomatoes, bacon bits, and red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to develop deep flavors.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Incorporate heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
9. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to create a creamy, velvety sauce.
10. Gently fold sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

• Master the pasta water trick by saving a cup before draining, which helps create a silky sauce consistency and prevents dryness.
• Prevent chicken from becoming tough by using a meat thermometer to ensure precise 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy, tender results.
• Transform this dish into a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half, reducing overall calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
• Accommodate vegetarian preferences by replacing chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the recipe’s rich, creamy essence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 800
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg