Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delightfully Creamy & Irresistibly Flavorful Recipe

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Love-At-First-Bite Dinner

Marry me chicken pasta promises a culinary romance that sparks instant attraction between hungry diners and their plates.

Tantalizing ingredients blend into a symphony of rich, creamy textures that dance across your palate with remarkable elegance.

Surprisingly simple yet profoundly delectable, this dish reimagines ordinary weeknight dinners into memorable gastronomic experiences.

Passionate home cooks adore how effortlessly complex flavors emerge from straightforward preparation techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings infuse each bite with warmth, depth, and an irresistible charm that beckons second helpings.

Robust protein and silky pasta create a harmonious partnership guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy serious comfort food cravings.

The combination feels simultaneously indulgent and balanced, making it perfect for intimate gatherings or spontaneous date nights.

Why You’ll Want to Marry Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Savor Sensational Flavors: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta bursts with a perfect blend of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy Parmesan that creates an explosion of taste in every single bite.
  • Enjoy Effortless Elegance: The recipe combines simple cooking techniques with gourmet-level results, making it possible for home cooks to whip up a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills.
  • Experience Creamy Comfort: The luxurious sauce crafted with heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese delivers a rich, velvety texture that hugs the pasta and chicken, providing ultimate comfort food satisfaction without complicated preparation.
  • Celebrate Versatile Dining: Perfect for romantic date nights, quick weeknight dinners, or impressing guests, this dish transitions seamlessly from casual family meals to elegant entertaining with its irresistible flavor profile and stunning presentation.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients You’ll Fall for

Protein:
  • Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean meat that cooks quickly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its natural texture.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky base for the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce.
  • Butter: Provides richness and helps develop a smooth sauce texture.
  • Minced Garlic: Brings intense, aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offers a tangy, concentrated tomato flavor with slight sweetness.
  • Oregano, Thyme: Classic herbs that add earthy and slightly peppery notes.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle, warm heat to the sauce.
Pasta and Garnish:
  • Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly and serves as the main carbohydrate base.
  • Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish with its aromatic green flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Season chicken tenderloins generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until aromatic (about 1 minute). Add the following ingredients:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens (approximately 5 minutes).

Step 3: Perfectly Cook Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and keep warm.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Slice the cooked chicken into tender strips. Return chicken to the skillet with the luscious sauce. Add drained pasta and gently toss, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Flair

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the dish. Optional: Add an extra shower of Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and sauce is gloriously creamy.

Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Sear Chicken Perfectly: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor and moisture.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce slowly and stir consistently to prevent burning and achieve a silky, smooth texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Select sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for deeper, richer flavor and use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting and taste.
  • Avoid Pasta Overcooking: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce after mixing, preventing a mushy or soggy final dish.
  • Enhance Herb Freshness: Add fresh basil right before serving to maintain its vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for an incredible sensory experience.

Storing & Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta the Right Way

  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
  • Freezing: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original texture and taste.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Pairing Suggestions

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy, rich sauce with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines cut through the heaviness of the dish, balancing the sun-dried tomatoes and creamy Parmesan sauce.
  • Match with Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a bright contrast by serving a fresh mixed green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The salad's acidity will help lighten the pasta's richness and provide a vibrant, crisp texture alongside the creamy chicken.
  • Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with warm, toasted garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly complement the pasta's creamy texture and absorb the flavorful sauce.
  • Accompany with Sparkling Water with Lemon: A bubbly, citrusy drink cleanses the palate between bites, cutting through the richness of the Parmesan and cream sauce while refreshing your taste buds.

Fresh Variations on Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Vegetarian Herb Delight: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, maintaining the creamy sauce's rich flavor profile and adding extra herbs like rosemary and sage.
  • Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Swap chicken with shrimp or scallops, incorporate feta cheese, and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version of the classic pasta dish.
  • Spicy Cajun Kick: Season chicken with Cajun spice blend, use andouille sausage, and add cayenne pepper to the sauce for a bold, southern-style transformation that brings intense heat and depth.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Substitute traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, keeping the luxurious sauce and protein intact for a lighter, vegetable-forward meal that's perfect for health-conscious eaters.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delightfully Creamy & Irresistibly Flavorful Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delightfully Creamy & Irresistibly Flavorful! Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta seduces palates with its luxurious blend of sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and rich cream sauce. Parmesan-kissed and herb-infused, this Italian-inspired dish promises to win hearts and spark culinary romance with its irresistible flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Generously season chicken tenderloins with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and creates a slight ripple effect.
  3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each piece to develop a rich golden-brown crust. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior appears crispy and caramelized.
  4. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest while preparing the sauce.
  5. In the same skillet, melt butter and add finely minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 60 seconds until the aroma becomes fragrant and the garlic turns slightly translucent.
  6. Pour heavy cream, chicken broth, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
  7. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, allowing it to thicken and develop deep, complex flavors for about 5 minutes.
  8. Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to package instructions until it reaches al dente consistency. Reserve of pasta water before draining.
  9. Slice the rested chicken into diagonal strips and gently reintroduce them into the creamy sauce.
  10. Add drained pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, velvety sauce. If needed, incorporate reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  11. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
  12. Serve immediately, presenting a luxurious and aromatic pasta dish that promises to tantalize taste buds.

Notes

  • Perfect for impressing your sweetheart, this chicken pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste right in your kitchen.
  • Creamy sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs creates an explosive flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Cooking chicken separately ensures a golden-brown exterior and juicy interior, preventing soggy or undercooked meat.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and smoother sauce consistency compared to pre-packaged alternatives.
  • Thyme and oregano bring Mediterranean-inspired depth, transforming simple ingredients into a sophisticated meal.
  • Allow sauce to simmer gently, which helps blend flavors and naturally thicken without burning or separating cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 145 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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