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The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
I love making this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta whenever I want something comforting but still a little special.
I enjoy serving it on quiet weeknights, but it also feels fancy enough for date nights or when I want to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen.
The sauce is rich and velvety, and the mix of sun-dried tomatoes and spices adds a warm, bold taste that I always look forward to.
Quick Recipe Info
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~520 per serving |
| Protein | ~29g |
| Carbs | ~48g |
| Fat | ~26g |
| Gluten-Free | No (unless using GF pasta) |
| Dairy-Free | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Main Flavor | Creamy, savory, slightly tangy |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 3–4 |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• It blends creamy sauce with tender chicken for a rich and satisfying bite every time.
• The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth that makes the pasta taste special without any extra effort.
• Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
• The flavors feel fancy enough for hosting but are easy enough for any weeknight.
• It reheats well, so leftovers stay delicious the next day.
Ingredients
I like using simple and easy-to-find ingredients so this dish stays quick and beginner-friendly. Each ingredient adds a specific flavor that helps the creamy sauce and pasta come together beautifully.
- 9 oz dried pasta
This amount gives the perfect pasta-to-sauce balance so every bite is coated. You can choose any shape that holds sauce well. - 1½ tablespoons olive oil
It helps soften the onions and adds a smooth base flavor to the sauce. It also helps the chicken brown nicely. - ½ cup finely diced onion
The onion adds gentle sweetness that deepens as it cooks. It builds the first layer of savory flavor. - 4 cloves minced garlic
Garlic brings warmth and aroma that brighten the cream sauce. It cooks quickly and blends into the dish smoothly. - 1 tablespoon butter
The butter enriches the pan juices and makes the sauce silky. It also complements the creaminess of the heavy cream. - 1¼ pounds chicken breast, cut in small pieces
Bite-size chicken cooks quickly and stays tender. It absorbs the seasoning and blends perfectly with the pasta. - ¾ teaspoon Italian seasoning
This adds a comforting mix of herbs that ties everything together. It gives the dish its familiar, cozy flavor. - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
It adds a soft smoky note that boosts the richness of the sauce. It also gives the chicken a deeper color. - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
These add a little heat without overpowering the dish. You can increase or decrease depending on your spice level. - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
It strengthens the overall garlic flavor in the sauce. It helps balance the cream and cheese. - Salt and pepper to taste
These bring out every flavor in the pan. Adjust as you cook to keep the seasoning balanced. - 1¼ cups heavy cream
This creates the smooth, rich sauce that makes this dish irresistible. It thickens naturally as it simmers. - ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Parmesan melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty depth. It also helps the sauce cling to the pasta. - ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
They add tanginess and a bold, concentrated tomato flavor. Their chewiness adds great texture to each bite. - Fresh basil for garnish
Basil brightens the dish with fresh, fragrant notes. It also adds a pretty pop of color.
Steps to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
These steps are simple and beginner-friendly, and everything comes together in one pan. Follow each step and your pasta will turn out creamy and full of flavor.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender. Save about half a cup of pasta water before draining because it helps loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Warm the olive oil in a large pan and add the onions until they soften. Stir in the garlic and butter so they melt together and bring out their aroma.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces along with all the seasonings and stir to coat them evenly. Let them cook until the edges turn golden and the centers are no longer pink.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, parmesan, pasta water, and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything simmer a few minutes so the sauce thickens and blends smoothly.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss until every piece is coated. Finish with basil on top and serve while it’s warm and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs well with light and fresh sides that balance the creamy sauce. I like serving it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to keep the meal from feeling too heavy.
You can also add warm garlic bread on the side if you want something comforting and extra tasty.
The dish works beautifully for date nights, small gatherings, or cozy family dinners.
If you want to make it feel a bit fancier, plate it with extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan on top. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving can also brighten the entire dish.
Ingredient Substitutes
You can use penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you like if you don’t have the one listed. Just pick a shape that holds the sauce well for the best texture.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half if you want a lighter sauce. It won’t be as thick, but it still creates a creamy finish.
Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a juicier and richer flavor. They stay tender even if cooked a little longer.
Replace parmesan with pecorino or a blend of hard Italian cheeses. These melt easily and give the sauce a sharper taste.
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers for a sweeter, softer flavor. They still add color and depth without being too tangy.
Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic when needed. The flavor is milder, but it still boosts the sauce nicely.
Olive oil can be swapped with butter or avocado oil for cooking the aromatics. Each option gives the dish a slightly different richness.
Can We Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead to make busy days easier. I prefer cooking the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then storing them separately from the pasta so the texture stays perfect.
When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce gently on the stove and boil fresh pasta for the best results. If you want to prepare everything fully, keep the pasta lightly coated in olive oil so it doesn’t stick.
Store the cooked dish in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh for a couple of days. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Tips and Tricks
Use freshly grated parmesan because it melts smoothly and gives the sauce a silkier texture. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Cut the chicken into even pieces so everything cooks evenly. This keeps the chicken juicy and prevents dry spots.
Keep the heat low when adding the cream to avoid curdling. A gentle simmer helps the sauce thicken naturally.
Save extra pasta water in case the sauce gets too thick. A small splash brings the creaminess back instantly.
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Replace the chicken with shrimp for a lighter, quicker version. Shrimp cooks fast and tastes amazing with creamy sauces.
Add spinach or mushrooms if you want extra veggies. They blend into the sauce beautifully and add more texture.
Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or chili paste. This gives the dish a bolder kick without changing the main flavor.
Try using half parmesan and half pecorino for a sharper taste. The mix creates a richer and slightly saltier sauce.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the pasta fresh and creamy. Make sure it cools slightly before sealing to prevent excess moisture.
Keep it in the fridge for up to three days without losing much flavor. The sauce may thicken, but it stays delicious after reheating.
For longer storage, freeze only the chicken and sauce mixture. Pasta doesn’t freeze well, so cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
If freezing, use a freezer-safe container to avoid ice crystals. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Can We Reheat this Pasta?
Yes, you can reheat this dish easily while keeping it creamy. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat to avoid separating the sauce.
Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce. This helps bring back the smooth, silky texture.
If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir in between. This prevents hot spots and keeps the chicken tender.
Cover the bowl lightly while microwaving to keep the moisture in. This helps the pasta stay soft instead of drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, rotini, and farfalle all work perfectly.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk as a lighter substitute. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still creamy.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes, just add extra red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili paste. Adjust the heat to match your preference.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, add it after the onions and garlic soften. Let it warm in the sauce so it absorbs flavor.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check labels on cheese and seasonings. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.
Why did my sauce become too thick?
It thickens as it cools, so add a splash of pasta water or milk. Stir gently until the sauce loosens again.
What can I do if the sauce tastes bland?
Add more parmesan, extra sun-dried tomatoes, or a pinch of salt. These ingredients boost flavor quickly.
Conclusion
This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavors that feel both cozy and special. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a date night or family meal.
Also Try: Marry Me Chicken Recipe
I love how the sauce wraps around every piece of pasta and how the chicken stays perfectly tender. With all the tips, variations, and make-ahead ideas, you can easily adjust this recipe to fit your style.
If you enjoy easy, creamy pasta dishes that never fail to satisfy, this one will quickly become a favorite. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again.
