Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Chicken Pasta:; 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 lb pasta; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; Sauce:; 3 tbsp butter; 3 tsp garlic, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 2 cups chicken broth; 1½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 7 oz sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil), drained and chopped; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp red pepper flakes; 2 tbsp chopped basil; ¼ cup chopped parsley

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that will make you say “I do” to seconds! This creamy, flavorful pasta features perfectly cooked chicken in a rich, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s packed with so much flavor, it’s sure to win over anyone who tries it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a showstopper that combines the rich flavors of a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, and the fresh herbs bring it all together. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in just 25 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to impress. It’s a comforting, satisfying meal with an irresistible flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb pasta
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp butter
3 tsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
2 cups chicken broth
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
7 oz sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil), drained and chopped
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp red pepper flakes
2 tbsp chopped basil
¼ cup chopped parsley

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry and season with half the salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to develop the flavor.
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the skillet.
Add the heavy cream, half of the parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce:

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet.
Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.

5. Add Fresh Herbs:

Stir in the chopped basil and parsley for a burst of freshness.

6. Serve:

Garnish with additional basil and parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

Add Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture in the dish.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Chicken Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp or turkey for a different protein option.
Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based cheese for the parmesan.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before serving.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to fully thaw it before cooking, as frozen chicken may not cook evenly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?

If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can omit them or substitute them with fresh cherry tomatoes for a milder, fresher taste.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a slight heat, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

Can I use store-bought tomato paste?

Yes, store-bought tomato paste works perfectly fine for this recipe.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce it. Alternatively, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delicious, rich, and creamy dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and the savory cream sauce makes every bite satisfying and full of flavor. With a quick cook time and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you’re cooking for two or a family, this pasta is sure to impress!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Author: Jessica
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish with tender chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan sauce. It’s a quick, delicious meal that’s sure to impress, perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with half the salt and pepper.
Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165˚F). Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
Make Sauce: Add garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Add heavy cream, half the parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the pasta and toss everything together to coat in the sauce.
Finish and Garnish: Stir in fresh basil and parsley. Garnish with additional basil and parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
For extra flavor, top with extra parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
Pair with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.