Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe -

Ever wondered why this dish earned such a romantic name? Legend has it that this creamy, sun-dried tomato pasta is so irresistible, serving it to your significant other might just result in a marriage proposal! As someone who’s made this dish countless times, I can tell you – while I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise an unforgettable meal.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces with al dente pasta, all wrapped in a luxuriously creamy sauce that’s elevated with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication – fancy enough for a special date night but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.

What You’ll Need

Kitchen Equipment

Large pasta pot
Deep skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board and sharp knife
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

8 oz dried pasta (half standard box)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
½ cup finely chopped onion
3-4 cloves minced garlic
1 Tablespoon butter
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
½ teaspoon EACH: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Boil large pot of salted water
Cook pasta until al dente
Important: Save ½ cup pasta water before draining

Step 2: Prep Base

Heat olive oil in large pan
Cook onions until soft (2-3 min)
Add garlic + butter, cook 30 seconds

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add chicken to pan
Sprinkle all seasonings over chicken
Cook until golden (3-5 min)

Step 4: Make Sauce

Pour in heavy cream
Add Parmesan + sun-dried tomatoes
Simmer until thickened (2-3 min)
Add splash of pasta water if needed

Step 5: Finish

Serve hot

Add pasta to sauce

Toss until well coated

Top with fresh basil

Tips for Success

Pasta Choice: While any pasta works, I find that penne or rigatoni are perfect for catching the sauce in their ridges and hollows.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed tomatoes, drain them well but save a tablespoon of the oil to add extra flavor to your sauce.
Cheese Matters: Fresh-grated Parmesan will melt better and taste richer than pre-grated options.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamiest. A side of garlic bread and a simple green salad make perfect accompaniments. And if you’re really going for that proposal, maybe light a few candles too!

Storage and Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s silky texture.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s rich without being heavy. The Italian seasoning and garlic provide depth, while the touch of red pepper flakes adds just enough heat to keep things interesting. Fresh basil brightens the whole dish, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.

Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving something delicious, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers every time. And who knows? Maybe it really will lead to a proposal – at the very least, it’ll lead to requests for seconds!