Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and irresistibly comforting — the kind of dish that could inspire a marriage proposal. With tender pieces of seared chicken breast nestled in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, each bite melts in your mouth. The penne pasta clings to the luxurious sauce, making every forkful a perfect harmony of flavor and texture.

Infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice, this pasta doesn’t just satisfy hunger — it captivates. Whether you’re cooking a romantic dinner, treating yourself to a cozy night in, or impressing guests with minimal effort, this dish delivers big on both taste and wow-factor.

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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Flavor-packed: The sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, herbs, and parmesan is bold, rich, and unforgettable.
• Weeknight-friendly: It looks fancy but takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish.
• Versatile: Works equally well for date nights, meal preps, or family dinners.
• Comfort food at its finest: Creamy, cheesy, herby goodness with perfectly cooked chicken and pasta.
• One-pan option: With a few tweaks, you can cook everything in a single skillet.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment + Their Importance)

Before diving into cooking Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it helps to be fully prepped and organized — this ensures a smooth experience and maximizes flavor in every step. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where the magic happens. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) to sear the chicken evenly and build the sauce directly in the same pan, soaking up all the flavor from the browned bits.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling your pasta to a perfect al dente. Make sure it’s big enough to let the pasta move freely to prevent sticking.
• Tongs or Spatula: Essential for flipping the chicken without tearing the meat. They also help toss the pasta into the sauce at the end.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing chicken breasts, chopping garlic, and prepping herbs — precision here makes a difference.
• Colander: To drain the pasta quickly and safely.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: You don’t want to overdo or underdo the seasonings or cream — accurate measurement keeps the balance just right.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Chicken Dry: This ensures you get a golden-brown sear instead of steaming the chicken in its juices.
• Cook Pasta Just Shy of Al Dente: The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing flavor while maintaining texture.
• Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out ½ cup of the starchy water. It helps loosen the sauce and make it cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Herbs: For a deeper, fresher flavor. Dried herbs are okay, but fresh thyme or basil elevates this dish.
• Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil: These are more flavorful and tender compared to dry-packed. Use a bit of the oil for sautéing for bonus flavor.

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Ingredients for This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you need to recreate this indulgent, flavorful pasta dish at home. Most ingredients are pantry staples, but a few fresh items really make the flavors pop:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (preferably from sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for silkier sauce)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (optional, to adjust sauce consistency)

This combination creates a bold, creamy, savory sauce that clings to every bite of pasta and chicken. Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes — they bring a deep, slightly tangy sweetness that defines this dish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out), reduce the heat to medium. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in butter and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.

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Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes in the sauce so the flavors meld.
Then, stir in the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Use reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to thin the sauce if needed.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

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Notes

• Control the Heat: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer — boiling may cause the cream to break or curdle.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After searing, let the chicken sit for a couple minutes before slicing or returning to the pan. This helps it stay juicy.
• Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water: Use small splashes of the reserved water to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much before serving.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Pasta: You want it slightly underdone so it can soak up flavor when tossed with the sauce.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt smoothly and may cause a grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan is a must.
• Skipping the Pan Deglaze: Scraping up the bits after cooking chicken adds big flavor to the sauce base — don’t skip this step.
• Cooking Chicken on Low Heat: This results in a pale, soggy texture. High heat gives that golden sear and locks in moisture.
• Drowning the Dish in Cream: Balance is key. Too much cream will overpower the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs.
• Adding Cheese at Boiling Point: Stir it in after reducing the heat to avoid clumps or separation.
• Neglecting Seasoning at Each Step: Taste and adjust salt throughout cooking to layer flavors properly.
• Rushing the Simmer: Letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes helps meld the garlic, tomato, and Parmesan into a cohesive flavor.

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What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

While this dish shines on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take your dinner to the next level — whether you’re going for cozy comfort or a more elegant, full-course meal.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Perfect for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce left on your plate.
2. Simple Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
   A peppery, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness beautifully.
3. Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts
   Adds a slightly bitter, crispy element that balances the creaminess.
4. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
   Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo the Italian flavor profile of the pasta.
5. Steamed Asparagus with Parmesan
   Light and elegant — a great complement to creamy dishes.
6. Buttered Green Beans with Almond Slivers
   Crunchy and tender, these add texture without stealing the spotlight.
7. Crispy Caesar Salad
   Classic, crisp, and salty — a reliable crowd-pleaser next to a rich pasta.
8. Glass of Chardonnay or Light Pinot Noir
   For a more refined experience, a glass of wine pairs wonderfully with the creamy, herby sauce.

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Storage Instructions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores surprisingly well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Let the pasta cool slightly before sealing to avoid condensation.
• Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round. Add a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to separate and become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, do so without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on brands used and any adjustments made (e.g., different pasta types or lighter cream substitutes).

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?

The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s rich, flavorful, and comforting — the kind of meal people fall in love with.

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2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more moisture and a deeper flavor. Just make sure to trim excess fat and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

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3. Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes. You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt, but the sauce will be less rich. Use less cheese, and go easy on the butter.

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4. Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and combine it right before serving. Otherwise, the pasta may absorb too much sauce and become mushy.

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5. What other pasta shapes work well with this?

Penne is great, but rigatoni, fettuccine, or even farfalle (bow ties) work just as well — anything that holds onto creamy sauces.

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6. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes don’t contain hidden gluten.

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7. How spicy is this recipe?

It has a gentle kick thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them entirely if you’re sensitive to heat, or add more if you love spice.

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8. Does it work without sun-dried tomatoes?

Technically yes, but you’ll miss a key flavor. If you really don’t like them, try roasted red peppers or a spoon of tomato paste to keep the sauce rich and balanced.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a viral recipe — it’s a heartwarming, restaurant-quality dish that delivers every time. Creamy, savory, and layered with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and parmesan, it checks all the boxes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking to impress someone or just want something cozy and indulgent, this pasta brings comfort and joy to any table. One bite, and you’ll understand the name.

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