Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This creamy marry me chicken pasta has quickly become a go to for cozy evenings when you crave something both luxurious and simple. Tender seared chicken meets sun dried tomatoes and a velvety Parmesan sauce that hugs your favorite pasta shapes. Whether you want comfort for a weeknight or an impressive meal for friends this dish always delivers flavor and warmth.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: diced for protein and juicy bites choose firm fresh chicken for best texture
• Pasta: penne rigatoni or fettuccine for holding the sauce pick bronze cut pasta for a rougher surface
• Seasoned oil from sun dried tomatoes: infuses flavor and helps crisp the chicken use the oil right from the jar for depth
• Cornstarch: for coating helps the chicken get crispy and thickens the sauce slightly make sure it is lump free
• Butter: for sautéing adds richness and helps meld flavors choose unsalted to control salt levels
• Garlic: minced for a strong flavor base opt for firm cloves with no green shoots
• Sun dried tomatoes: for tangy flavor and a chewy bite use oil packed types for tender pieces
• Heavy cream: creates a silky sauce use full fat for creamy texture
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for the smoothest melt and sharp flavor avoid the pre grated tubs for best results
• Chicken broth: gives depth to the sauce use a low sodium variety to avoid overseasoning
• Red pepper flakes: for a gentle heat you can add to taste or leave out for mildness
• Dried oregano: for herbal notes check it is bright in color and aromatic
• Salt and pepper: for seasoning adjust to taste at the end
• Fresh basil: for garnish adds color and freshness tear just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta until just al dente. Reserve about half a cup of the cooking water drain and set the pasta aside. The reserved water will be used to finish your sauce perfectly.

Season and Coat the Chicken:

In a bowl toss the diced chicken with cornstarch oregano a pinch of salt pepper and a bit of red pepper flakes. This coating not only gives the chicken a great crisp but starts building your flavor right away.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat the seasoned oil from the sun dried tomatoes in your largest skillet over medium high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for five to six minutes letting the pieces get golden and crispy. Lift out of the pan and set aside leaving the flavorful bits for the next step.

Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:

Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for two to three minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes have softened just slightly.

Make the Sauce:

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer gently for three to five minutes stirring occasionally. Slowly add in the Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a luscious coating.

Add Chicken to Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices. Let it simmer in the sauce for about five minutes so it soaks up the flavors and stays juicy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Add your cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss well to coat every piece with sauce. If needed stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is perfectly silky and clings to the pasta.

Garnish and Serve:

Tear fresh basil over the pasta right before serving and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately while hot.

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I love how the sun dried tomatoes stand out in this recipe their intense flavor elevates the creamy sauce every time. My kids now beg for extra tomatoes and fight over who gets more cheese on top.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For reheating add a splash of milk or chicken broth before microwaving or gently warming on the stove. This brings the sauce back to life and keeps the pasta creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken breasts you can use boneless thighs for extra juiciness. For dairy free needs opt for coconut cream and nutritional yeast in place of cream and Parmesan though the flavor will be slightly different. Jarred roasted red peppers can swap in for sun dried tomatoes if needed but I find the tomato depth is worth seeking out.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or a sparkling lemonade both complement the flavors well. For a heartier meal add roasted vegetables or some steamed broccoli right into the pasta before serving.

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Cultural and Historical Context

Marry me chicken has a playful name and is rumored to be so tasty it could inspire a marriage proposal. The dish reflects American comfort cooking that borrows from Italian traditions like using cream Parmesan and sun dried tomatoes for a rich sauce. It is a popular dish for special occasions and family gatherings because it feels special but is incredibly simple to pull off at home.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the chicken juicy in this dish?

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and cook it just until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Avoid overcooking to ensure it stays tender and juicy.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great choices—they hold the creamy sauce well. Any sturdy pasta with surface grooves will work nicely.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Absolutely! Red pepper flakes add gentle heat, but you can leave them out for a milder flavor or add extra for more kick.

→ Why use reserved pasta water?

Reserved pasta water, rich in starch, helps thin and emulsify the sauce so it wraps evenly around the pasta, making it silkier.

→ Is it necessary to use freshly grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and adds great flavor. Pre-grated cheeses may not melt as well or taste as vibrant.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

You can prepare the components ahead and combine before serving, but for best texture, toss pasta and sauce together just before eating.