Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of rich Parmesan sauce, tender bites of chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s hearty, delicious, and perfect for impressing someone special—or treating yourself!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish is an absolute delight for your tastebuds. The chicken is tender and well-seasoned, the pasta is coated in a creamy Parmesan sauce that’s luscious yet not overpowering, and the sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy sweetness to balance everything out—the sauce clings to every piece of pasta, creating a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.
It’s not only delicious but also quick and easy to make, all in one skillet, making it ideal for busy evenings or romantic dinners like Valentine’s Day!
Why you will Love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- It’s a Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for date night, family dinners, or any time you need a dish guaranteed to impress.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated – Even beginners can whip up this recipe, yet it tastes like something straight out of a fine dining restaurant.
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes? Yes, please! The entire sauce comes together in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- Packed with Flavor – With garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan, every bite is layered with incredible taste.
Ingredients and Substitutions
(Ingredients at a glance, you will find the full printable recipe with ingredient amounts in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Chicken Thighs – Provides tender, juicy bites. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used, but with a slightly less rich result.
- Herbs and spices – Garlic cloves, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes, and Paprika – These seasonings create a flavorful crust for the chicken and bring warmth and depth. Adjust red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat. You can substitute an Italian seasoning blend for the oregano and thyme.
- Olive Oil & Unsalted Butter – For searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Enhances the savory flavor. Vegetable broth works well in a pinch.
- Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce luxurious and creamy. For a lighter option, use half-and-half.
- Parmesan Cheese – Opt for freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy sweetness and taste much stronger than fresh tomatoes. Do not leave them out!
- Pasta – Farfalle or penne work best, but rigatoni, pappardelle, or any pasta you have on hand can do the job.
- Optional Garnishes: Basil Leaves and extra Parmesan
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1 Sear the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season. Sear the chicken in a large skillet for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2 Make the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3 Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté the garlic in butter for about 1 minute. (You can deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth first if needed.) Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
4 Add the chicken and pasta: Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer on low for 5-10 minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Recipe Tips
- Dry the Chicken – Patting the chicken with a paper towel ensures a good sear.
- Sear in Batches – Avoid overcrowding the skillet to get that golden crust on the chicken.
- Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so grate it fresh.
- Don’t forget to Save the Pasta Water – The starchy water is excellent for thinning and binding the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings at the End – Parmesan already adds saltiness, so taste the sauce before adding extra salt.
Variations
- Make it even easier – Use rotisserie chicken to speed up the cooking time.
- Want a saucier dish? Use the leftover pasta water to make the dish saucier. Keep adding till you get the desired consistency.
- Add veggies – Toss spinach at the end for extra nutrients and a pop of color. Saute mushrooms in the pan before adding the chicken. Add artichoke hearts for an additional pop of flavor.
- Switch the Protein – Add sliced sausage for a rich and meaty dish, or switch up the protein altogether with shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a unique twist.
- Change the pasta – Use use orzo pasta or fettuccini.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Add mozzarella or a dollop of ricotta on top for extra creaminess.
Storage Suggestions
Leftovers? No problem!
Store the Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy sauce, so enjoy it fresh if possible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the cream?
Yes! Half-and-half or whole milk works for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich or creamy.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Fettuccine and penne or bowtie pasta are ideal choices. However, rigatoni, pappardelle, or any pasta that holds the sauce well will also work.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. This ensures the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t dry out.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add just a tiny kick. If you prefer no heat, leave them out!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. Every bite promises to be unforgettable, from its creamy sauce to its tender chicken! Whether preparing it for a romantic dinner or sharing it with friends and family, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds.
More skillet dinners to enjoy
- Creamy Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe
- Easy One Pot Meatball Stroganoff Recipe (20 min meal)
- Cheesy Penne with Meatballs Recipe (20 Minute Meal)
- Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Spinach and Red Peppers
- Taco skillet recipe
Did You Make This Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and/or a review in the comments section below. If you share an image on Instagram or Facebook, be sure to tag me and use #scatteredmomrecipes!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main dish
- Method: stovetop
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of rich Parmesan sauce, tender bites of chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes. It’s hearty and delicious!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 10.5 ounces dried pasta
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/3 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves, chopped, and/or additional grated Parmesan cheese
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Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside. Deglaze the pan with a bit of chicken broth.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup or so of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is coated in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165℉).
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. If it is too thin, you can simmer for a few more minutes. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 552
- Fat: 29
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Protein: 31
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