Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Craving a dish that’s as unforgettable as it is delicious? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true showstopper, living up to its name with every creamy, flavorful bite. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich Parmesan sauce come together effortlessly, making it perfect for date nights or family dinners. What makes this marry me chicken pasta recipe stand out? It’s easy to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality taste. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive in!

1. Why This Recipe Stands Out

Have you ever tasted a dish so delicious it made you want to propose? That’s the magic of our Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe —a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that lives up to its name! Perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, date nights, or holiday gatherings, this marry me chicken and pasta dish is as versatile as it is irresistible. Packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it’s no wonder it’s called marry me chicken pasta. This high protein chicken pasta recipe satisfies cravings while offering a nutritious boost, making it a must-try for any occasion.

Here’s why this marry me chicken with pasta recipe stands out:

• Rich Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic create layers of taste that are anything but boring.
• Creamy Comfort: The velvety sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese feels indulgent yet balanced.
• Customizable: Add spinach for extra nutrients or swap ingredients to make it a healthy marry me chicken pasta option.

2. Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Now that you’re excited to make this marry me chicken pasta , let’s talk about the star players in this dish. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet high-impact ingredients—each one bringing something special to the table. Don’t worry, you likely already have most of these in your pantry or fridge!

The Essentials

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy masterpiece:

• Pasta: 12 oz of rigatoni (or your favorite type). Rigatoni holds sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap it with penne or fusilli if you prefer.
• Chicken: 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work wonderfully, too!
• Seasonings: Paprika for a hint of color and warmth, garlic and herb seasoning for depth, and chicken bouillon powder (optional but highly recommended) for an extra layer of savory goodness.

Flavor Boosters

These ingredients take the dish from good to marry me amazing:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved, they add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped and packed in oil, they bring a rich, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
• Fresh Basil: Torn just before adding, it adds a fragrant, fresh finish that elevates the dish.

The Creamy Sauce

This is where the magic happens:

• Heavy Cream: For that luxurious, velvety texture we all crave.
• Chicken Stock: To balance the creaminess with a touch of savory depth.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh, because pre-grated just doesn’t melt as smoothly or taste as rich.

Pro Tips for Ingredient Success

• Use fresh garlic and basil whenever possible—they make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Invest in a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for a smoother melt and richer taste.
• Want to make it a healthy marry me chicken pasta ? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or add spinach for extra nutrients.

With these ingredients ready to go, you’re well on your way to creating a dish that’s equal parts comforting and impressive. Next up, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the cooking process—trust me, it’s easier than it sounds!

3. How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s roll up our sleeves and bring this marry me chicken pasta recipe to life! Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through each step with clear instructions and helpful tips so you can focus on enjoying the process (and the delicious aromas filling your kitchen).

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—don’t skip the salt; it’s what seasons the pasta from the inside out! Add your rigatoni (or chosen pasta) and cook it until it’s just shy of al dente. Why not fully cooked? Because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce later, soaking up all those incredible flavors.

• Pro Tip: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid is a secret weapon for achieving the perfect consistency in your marry me chicken.Pasta sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with paprika, garlic and herb seasoning, and a sprinkle of chicken bouillon powder if you’re using it. Mix well to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (less cleanup—win!), melt a teaspoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and torn fresh basil. Let them soften slightly and release their juices—it’s like creating a flavor base that’ll make your sauce unforgettable.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring gently to combine. Add a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to soak up all that goodness. Now, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.

• Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash (or two) of the reserved pasta water. It’ll loosen things up while enhancing the creaminess.

Final Touches

Give everything a final stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. And just like that, your easy marry me chicken pasta recipe is ready to impress!

For more recipe ideas, explore our Dinner Category, where you’ll find a variety of delicious recipes and tips.

4. Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You’ve got the basics down, but let’s take this marry me chicken pasta golden grace to the next level with a few expert tips. These small tweaks can make a big difference, ensuring your dish turns out creamy, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable every time.

Don’t Rush the Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish, so give it the love it deserves! Stir constantly while adding the Parmesan cheese to prevent clumping and ensure a silky-smooth texture. If the sauce feels too thick, remember that reserved pasta water is your best friend—it adds creaminess without diluting flavor.

Fresh Ingredients Matter

Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy, and dried herbs just don’t pack the same punch as fresh ones. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it!

Customize to Your Taste

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own:

• Add spinach for extra nutrients and flavor—it wilts beautifully in the warm sauce.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half to make it a lighter, healthy marry me chicken pasta option.

5. Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You’ve crafted a show-stopping marry me chicken pasta recette , and now it’s time to present it in a way that wows your guests (or just makes your dinner feel extra special). Here are some ideas to elevate the experience and make this dish shine on the table.

Garnish Like a Pro

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top for richness. Add a handful of torn fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of black pepper can also add a touch of elegance.

Pair with Perfect Sides

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted veggies. Serve it family-style for a cozy Sunday dinner recipes vibe.

6. FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this marry me chicken pasta recipe , along with tips and tricks to help you perfect it every time.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

James

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a creamy, indulgent dish packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Perfect for date nights or family dinners, it’s easy to make and utterly unforgettable!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta or preferred type
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp garlic and herb seasoning
• 2 tsp chicken bouillon powder optional, but recommended
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
• A handful of fresh basil torn
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes optional, for mild heat
• 1 tsp butter

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with paprika, garlic and herb seasoning, and bouillon powder. Cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Cook until softened. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring well. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Add red pepper flakes if desired.

Combine Everything:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Add the pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Optionally, add a handful of spinach at the end for extra nutrients.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 850mg

 

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and based on automated calculations. Actual numbers may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used. For precise information, please check the nutrition labels of your ingredients or refer to your preferred brand’s data.

Keyword Creamy Chicken Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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