Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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I’ve been hearing all the buzz about “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” for a while now, and I’ve always been curious about what makes it so special. Everyone seems to be raving about it!

So, being the adventurous cook that I am, I decided to try out a few recipes and made some fun tweaks along the way. I can’t wait to share the delicious result with you! Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe together!

This recipe is a complete pasta dish that’s not just proposal-worthy but also perfect for those regular Tuesday nights when you’re just trying to remember why you fell in love with your partner in the first place.

This dish delivers big on flavor with minimal kitchen drama.

Let’s get cooking – wedding planning is optional! 💍

Recipe At a Glance

• Kitchen Time: 15 minutes to prep, 25 minutes to cook
• Feeds: 4 to 6 devoted fans, depending on how hungry everyone is.
• Difficulty: Intermediate but forgiving
• Adaptability: Works with gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium breasts)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Heavenly Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – always a huge fan.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste – mine is probably a bit much, though 🙄)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chiffonade, plus more for garnish
• 1 dessert plate of fresh arugula, for finishing. Just wait for the flavor. Actually, we don’t really measure it, but for this recipe I had to calculate it a bit.

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne – our favorite for this dish, or rigatoni work beautifully)
• 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
• ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water

Prep & Cook

1. Season the Star Ingredient: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing gently to adhere.
2. Begin the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt (it should taste, well, salty). Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy cooking water.
3. Transform the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into ½-inch strips.
4. Create Sauce Magic: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter, whisking constantly for one minute to create a roux.
5. Build Luxurious Texture: Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once incorporated, gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to whisk. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
6. Develop Complex Flavors: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
7. Reunite All Elements: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish with Freshness: Remove from heat and fold in the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve with Intention: Transfer to a large serving platter or individual bowls, garnishing with additional basil leaves, some fresh arugula chopped by hand, and a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

• Chicken Thickness Matters: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or pounding to an even thickness of about ¾ inch for more even cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Selection: Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil rather than dry-packed for this recipe—they’re more flavorful and tender. Save the flavored oil for drizzling on salads or bread.
• Parmesan Perfection: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Take the extra two minutes to grate fresh Parmesan—your sauce will thank you with silky smoothness.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 24 hours ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce gently, adding a splash of cream if needed, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
• Storage Notes: Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled—add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to revive its creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This rich pasta deserves a bright counterpoint— Italian bread makes the perfect companion.

Wine enthusiasts will find that a crisp Pinot Grigio or an unoaked Chardonnay beautifully balances the creamy richness of the dish.

Put Your Spin On It

• Protein Variations: Substitute boneless chicken thighs for more richness.
• Vegetable Additions (if you decide not to use arugula): Fold in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and texture.
• Dairy-Free Options: Replace butter with olive oil, and substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan to create a dairy-free alternative that retains the creamy richness.
• Herb Inspirations: Fresh oregano or tarragon can replace or complement the basil for a different aromatic profile.

If you enjoy pasta, be sure to try this other delicious recipe: “Vibrant Pasta Primavera.” It’s delicious and includes one of my Mamy’s favorite ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes.

Nutrition Notes

Each serving provides approximately:

• 580 calories
• 34g protein
• 48g carbohydrates
• 28g fat
• 3g fiber

Tasty Thoughts

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that manages to be simultaneously comforting and impressive. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta straddles that line perfectly—it’s approachable enough for a weeknight dinner yet sophisticated enough for occasions when you want to remind someone why they fell in love with your cooking.

Whether you’re cooking for a potential spouse, a longtime partner, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish delivers on its promise of creating memorable moments around the table. After all, isn’t that what the best recipes do? They bring us together, spark conversation, and sometimes—just sometimes—inspire declarations of love.

What special occasion might you prepare this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for? I’d love to hear your plans or any questions you might have about this recipe!

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs will work beautifully and often stay more tender. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed—thighs typically need an extra 2-3 minutes.

Is there a lighter option instead of heavy cream? Half-and-half can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Add an extra teaspoon of flour to help maintain thickness.

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and use 1 tablespoon cornstarch instead of flour for the roux.

How spicy is this dish? With ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, it has just a gentle warmth. Adjust up or down according to your preference, you already know mine, or omit entirely for a completely mild version.

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