Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Rich, velvety, and irresistibly flavorful — this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its romantic name. With tender seared chicken breasts nestled into a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish brings together comfort and elegance in every bite. It’s the kind of meal that turns ordinary evenings into special ones — or even helps seal the deal on a proposal!

The beauty of this dish lies not just in its luxurious texture and bold flavors, but in how effortlessly it comes together. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ideal for weeknight dinners yet stunning enough for entertaining guests. Whether you’re cooking to impress or craving something indulgent and satisfying, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your go-to dish.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Restaurant-quality taste with simple ingredients.
• Creamy, cheesy, and rich without being too heavy.
• Easy to make in one pan for minimal cleanup.
• Great for date nights, family dinners, or special occasions.
• Customizable with your favorite pasta shapes or added veggies.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (In this headline mention the essential Tools and Equipment, also the importance of Each Tool)

To bring this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta to life, a few essential kitchen tools will make the process seamless:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide pan with high sides allows for even cooking and space to mix the pasta with the sauce.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Precision is key when slicing chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
• Tongs or Spatula: These help you flip the chicken easily without tearing the golden crust.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures your seasoning and liquid ratios stay balanced.
• Pot for Boiling Pasta: Choose a deep pot to cook your pasta with plenty of room for water circulation.

Each of these tools ensures efficiency and helps you maintain the ideal texture and flavor balance in this creamy, dreamy dish.

Preparation Tips

To make the most out of your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, start by letting your chicken rest at room temperature before searing — this encourages even cooking and a better crust. Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes; they add a sweet, tangy contrast that elevates the sauce. When making the cream sauce, reduce the heat to low before adding the heavy cream and cheese to prevent curdling. Finish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and brightness. And finally, always reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick after mixing.

Ingredients for this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 pound (8 oz) penne or your favorite pasta
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional for richness)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Pat them dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken pieces.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest. Keep the browned bits in the pan — they’ll flavor the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 1–2 minutes to soften and release their oils.

Step 4: Deglaze and Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. Then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to heat gently before adding Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Boil and Drain the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Optional: Add a tablespoon of butter for extra creaminess.

Step 7: Slice and Add the Chicken

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Nestle the slices over the creamy pasta or mix them in, depending on your preference. Allow everything to heat through together for 2–3 minutes.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. For a final touch, add a light dusting of extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the luxurious flavors!

Notes

This dish is all about balance — between the creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and savory chicken. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan (not the shelf-stable kind), and quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for optimal flavor. Adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes to your taste. If reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to bring the creaminess back to life.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Thin cutlets cook quickly. Monitor the heat and avoid drying them out.
• Adding cream to high heat: This can cause the sauce to break. Always lower the heat before stirring in cream.
• Using pre-shredded cheese: It may not melt as smoothly. Grate it fresh for best texture.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water: This liquid gold helps emulsify and loosen the sauce.
• Crowding the pan: If your skillet is too small, the chicken won’t sear properly. Cook in batches if needed.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving the chicken for too long, as it can turn rubbery.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: ~680 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 150mg
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even fusilli work well. Choose something with grooves to hold the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead, but cook the pasta fresh for best texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but it’s adjustable. Omit or increase based on your heat tolerance.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be used, though the sauce will be lighter. For a non-dairy version, try full-fat coconut milk.

How can I make it more veggie-friendly?

Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the sauce step for a veggie boost.

Can I freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Freezing is not ideal due to the dairy, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and reheat it with a fresh sauce later.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free certified.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a catchy name — it delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and ease. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or cooking to impress, this dish has the power to wow anyone at the table. With a luxurious cream sauce, savory golden chicken, and satisfying pasta, it’s a recipe that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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