Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Ready in 30 Minutes

Ever wondered what dish is so delicious it could spark a marriage proposal? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name! The combination of tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy sauce creates an irresistible flavor that’s perfect for date nights or special occasions. I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times to ensure it delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

I’ve spent years perfecting this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, testing countless variations until I found the magical combination. The secret? A splash of chicken broth and red pepper flakes that transforms this classic dish into something extraordinary. Trust me, this will become your new go-to recipe!

Recipe Overview

⏱️ Total time: 30 minutes
🔪 Prep time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook time: 20 minutes
👥 Servings: 4 people
🔥 Difficulty: Moderate
💰 Cost: Medium

Freshly prepared homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Ready in 30 Minutes | Recipe by Louisa Jannet

What Our Readers Are Saying

“I’ve made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta five times now and it’s always a hit! My family requests it weekly. Louisa’s instructions are so clear and it really does take just 30 minutes.”
— Sarah L.

The creamy sauce in this recipe is absolutely divine! I added some extra sun-dried tomatoes as suggested and it was restaurant-quality. My husband proposed all over again!”
— Monica T.

Contents

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• Ingredients you’ll need
• Step-by-step instructions
• Pro tips for best results
• Best ways to serve
• Nutritional information
• Storage and leftovers
• Frequently asked questions

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

✅ Quick and easy – The best way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights!

✅ Family-approved – Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this quick and easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe!

✅ Foolproof results – Follow my simple method for perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta every single time!

✅ Versatile recipe – Easily customizable with ingredients you already have in your pantry!

✅ Budget-friendly – Save money with this homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta that tastes better than restaurant quality!

Ready in just 30 minutes! This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike. With Louisa’s detailed tips below, you’ll get professional results from the very first try.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For the pasta:

• 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice, uncooked
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup finely diced onion
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

Must-have ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Quality ingredients: For the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it significantly affects the final flavor. However, if you can’t find premium quality, a standard pre-grated version will still produce good results.

Best spices for Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The perfect blend includes Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for that authentic flavor that makes this dish proposal-worthy.

Dietary alternatives: For gluten-free Marry Me Chicken Pasta, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Make a dairy-free version by replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step

Preparing the Pasta and Chicken

Step 1
First, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water!

Step 2
While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning for an incredible flavor boost and better browning that will make everyone ask for your secret!

Step 2: Perfectly searing chicken pieces for maximum flavor development

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Step 3
Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4
Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits (that’s pure flavor!).

🔍 SNACKABLE TIP: The fond (those browned bits at the bottom of the pan) contains incredible flavor compounds! Make sure to scrape them up when adding liquid for a professional-quality sauce!

Step 5
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Bringing It All Together

Step 6
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese before serving!

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Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

🌡️ Perfect temperature – The secret to amazing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is medium-low heat when making the cream sauce. Too hot and it breaks or curdles; too cool and it won’t get that gorgeous silky texture.

⏱️ Timing is everything – Can I prepare the components ahead? Absolutely! Make the seasoned chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the heating time when combining with the fresh sauce.

👁️ Visual doneness test – What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta extra special? Look for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon but still flows – that’s when you know it’s perfectly done!

🔪 Quick flavor variations – Transform this recipe by adding: 1) baby spinach for color and nutrition, 2) artichoke hearts for Mediterranean flair, or 3) a splash of white wine to the sauce for an elevated twist!

🥣 Quality ingredients hack – Can’t find sun-dried tomatoes? Use roasted red peppers with a splash of balsamic vinegar to recreate that signature flavor profile.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the pasta – Solution: Instead, cook it 1 minute less than package directions for perfect al dente texture when combined with the sauce
• Mistake: Using cold cream straight from the refrigerator – Solution: Rather, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before adding to prevent sauce separation
• Mistake: Cooking on too high heat – Solution: To prevent this, maintain a gentle simmer when making the cream sauce to avoid breaking

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The best way to serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta is immediately after cooking, with a sprinkle of fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top. This showcases the incredible flavors and textures at their peak!

Perfect pairings:

• Side dishes: Serve alongside garlic bread, a simple green salad, or fresh roasted vegetables for a complete meal
• Drinks: This pairs beautifully with a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the creamy flavors
• Occasions: Perfect for date nights, anniversary dinners, or a simple weeknight meal that feels special

Serving suggestion: Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a fresh side salad for a complete meal

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	40 g
Fat	27 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	680 mg

Approximate values. Consult with a nutritionist for personalized information.

Dietary adaptations

• Low-carb version available! Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles, bringing the total down to just 15 g of carbs per serving.
• High-protein option: Add an extra 4 oz of chicken to boost protein content to 42 g per serving – perfect for fitness enthusiasts!
• Gluten-free option: Use certified gluten-free pasta for an equally delicious meal that’s celiac-friendly!

Storage & Leftovers

🧊 How to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta leftovers?

After preparing this dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before doing so, make sure it has cooled completely to prevent condensation that could make it soggy.

❄️ Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. First, divide into individual portions for easier thawing. Then, wrap well in plastic wrap and subsequently in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Finally, freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

♨️ What’s the best way to reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

For that fresh-made taste, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk for 5-7 minutes. This method preserves the moisture and texture. However, avoid microwaving on high power because it can make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce separate and the pasta become rubbery.

4 FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! You can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just make sure it’s completely cooled first. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?

Don’t worry if you’re missing heavy cream! You can easily use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter instead. Just adjust the amount slightly by reducing the liquid by about 2 tablespoons to maintain the perfect flavor balance in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish! Prepare everything up to step 5, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When your guests arrive, just finish the final steps by gently reheating the sauce and adding the pasta. This actually allows the flavors to develop even more for an extra-tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?

Kids absolutely love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! If you’re cooking for little ones with more sensitive palates, simply reduce the red pepper flakes to a pinch and they’ll still clean their plates. My 7-year-old nephew asks for this dish every time he visits!

Have You Tried This Recipe?

If you’ve made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I’d LOVE to see your creation! Share your photos on Instagram and tag @LouisaJannet with the hashtag #SlamRecipes so I can feature your masterpiece!

Rate This Recipe

★★★★★ from 38 votes

Ready to Make the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ever?

There you have it – all my secrets for making the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta that will have everyone asking for your recipe! This dish truly brings together incredible flavors with minimal effort – the ideal combination for both special occasions and busy weeknights.

Don’t forget to let me know in the comments when you try this recipe! What did your family think? Did you add your own special twist? I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

Until next time, happy cooking and enjoy your delicious homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

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