Get ready to fall in love with a dish so good, it just might inspire a proposal. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight dinner, combining juicy, pan-seared chicken and tender pasta in a luxuriously creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s a viral sensation for a reason: it’s incredibly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to treat yourself, this is the one recipe you need.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a popular dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a decadent cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. The name comes from the idea that the dish is so irresistibly delicious, anyone you serve it to will want to marry you on the spot! It became a viral hit on social media platforms for its simple preparation and show-stopping flavor. This recipe takes that beloved concept and transforms it into a complete, satisfying pasta dish.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Unbelievably Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh garlic, and Italian herbs build layers of savory, tangy, and aromatic flavor that make this dish truly unforgettable.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: We’ll show you how to get a beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender on the inside.
- Ready in Under 45 Minutes: It’s a sophisticated meal that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something special. If you’re looking for other quick pasta ideas, our Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is another fantastic choice.
The Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Sauce
The magic of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its sauce. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature creamy, savory flavor.
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- Chicken Breasts: Use two large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally to create four thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly.
- Pasta: A sturdy pasta shape like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine is perfect for catching all the creamy sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: A light dusting helps create a golden crust on the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce.
- Olive Oil & Butter: A combination for searing the chicken. Oil prevents the butter from burning, while butter adds flavor.
For the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce:
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for the best flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a rich, luxurious, and creamy sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil for the most intense flavor. Finely chop them to distribute them evenly throughout the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Seasoning: A blend of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper provides the perfect balance of flavors.
- Fresh Basil: Stirred in at the end for a touch of fresh, aromatic flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Making this incredible pasta dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result.
- Prepare and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Just before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is liquid gold and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Sear the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken cutlets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge them in flour. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Start the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze the pan by pouring in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
- Build the Cream Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Return the sliced chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a beautiful, even sear.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a smoother melt.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This is a crucial step! The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, making it creamier and helping it adhere to the pasta perfectly.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before serving. You may need a little more salt, an extra pinch of red pepper for heat, or more Parmesan for richness.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect as is, it’s also a great base for customization. For a different protein, you could easily adapt this into a creamy sausage pasta, similar to this fan-favorite Creamy Italian Sausage Pasta.
- Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end of cooking and let it wilt into the sauce for extra nutrients.
- Introduce Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini mushrooms after the chicken and before the garlic for an earthy depth of flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
What to Serve With Your Pasta
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, like a classic Caesar Salad, adds a fresh, crunchy contrast. For something heartier, consider some Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the chicken tough and the sauce separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare some components in advance, like slicing the chicken. However, this dish is best served fresh, as cream sauces can thicken considerably upon refrigeration. For best results, cook and serve it immediately.
You can, but the sauce will be less rich and may not be as thick and creamy. For the most decadent and stable sauce, heavy cream is highly recommended.
The keys to juicy chicken are to use chicken cutlets of even thickness and to avoid overcooking them. Searing them over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side is usually sufficient. The chicken will also finish cooking as it’s added back to the warm sauce.
Sturdy pasta shapes with ridges or tubes are best for catching the rich, creamy sauce. We recommend penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or pappardelle for the best results.
The name comes from the idea that the dish is so incredibly delicious that if you serve it to your partner, they’ll be inspired to propose marriage on the spot! It’s a testament to its crowd-pleasing, irresistible flavor.
The Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta (The Only Recipe You'll Ever Need)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- While pasta cooks, pat the chicken cutlets dry and season with salt and pepper. Lightly dredge in flour. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Slice the cooked chicken. Return the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency. Stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will result in a much smoother sauce.
Don't skip reserving the pasta water; it's key to a perfectly creamy sauce.
Share Your Creations!
We are certain this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. It’s the perfect meal to share with someone special or to celebrate any occasion. If you make this recipe, we would love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow!
