Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Irresistible Dish That Might Just Get You a Proposal: Marry Me Chicken Pasta

There are some meals that speak straight to the soul. You know, the kind of dishes that make people pause mid-bite, raise their eyebrows, and mumble, "Oh wow" through a mouthful of food. For me, that dish was the first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

I wasn’t expecting much that evening—just a quick creamy chicken pasta to use up what I had in the fridge. But by the time we finished dinner, my partner looked at me with wide eyes and said, only half-joking, "This might be the best thing you’ve ever cooked. I might just propose!" And just like that, the legend of Marry Me Chicken was born in our home.

Whether you’re looking to impress your date, make Sunday dinner special, or simply want a new easy chicken dinner idea, this creamy chicken pasta dish checks all the boxes. It's perfect for a romantic evening, a family dinner idea, or a quick weeknight meal. It's one-pan chicken pasta magic.

What is "Marry Me Chicken Pasta"?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, pasta with creamy sauce made with chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic and Italian seasoning. It’s spicy, savoury, slightly tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. The name comes from its reputation: it’s so delicious, it might just prompt a marriage proposal.

This dish is a Pinterest favourite and a viral Marry Me Chicken recipe for a reason. It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian restaurant, but it comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pasta:

• 8 oz dried pasta of your choice (fettuccine, penne or rigatoni work best)

For the chicken:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the sauce:

• ½ cup onion, finely chopped

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)

• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, then reserve about half a cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Sauté the aromatics In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. Cook the chicken Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

4. Make the sauce Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and reserved pasta water. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine and serve Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: Try boneless chicken thighs or even turkey for a new twist – or go meatless with tofu.

• Seafood fans: This also makes a lovely easy pasta recipe with chicken or shrimp!

• Dairy-free: Use a plant-based cream alternative and a vegan Parmesan-style cheese.

• Want spice? Add a jalapeño or more red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a deeper flavour.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key so it holds up when tossed in the sauce.

• Reserve pasta water: It’s liquid gold and helps the sauce coat the pasta beautifully.

• Cook pasta to order: This dish is best served immediately.

Serving Ideas & Styling Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for smooth melting and bold taste. (parmesan cream sauce perfection!)

• Don’t overcook your pasta – al dente is essential.

• Reserve that pasta water – it helps create the best chicken pasta with Parmesan and cream.

• Want to wow? This is the best creamy chicken pasta recipe for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using low-quality ingredients: The flavour depends on fresh, bold ingredients.

• Skipping the aromatics: Garlic and onion are foundational to the sauce.

• Rushing the sauce: Give it time to thicken slightly for that velvety texture.

• Serving cold: This dish is at its best when hot and fresh.

Serving & Styling Ideas

Want to impress? This is a pasta dish for special occasions.

• Plate it in shallow bowls for elegance.

• Garnish with basil or parsley, drizzle with olive oil.

• Add crusty garlic bread and a green salad.

• Pair with chilled white wine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prep the sauce and chicken, but cook pasta fresh for best texture.

Q: Is this really a romantic dinner recipe?
A: Yes! This is the ultimate dinner recipe to impress.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Absolutely – just use your favourite gluten-free pasta option.

Q: What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Totally – add more pepper flakes or jalapeño.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal – it’s a mood. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner, something for guests, or just a way to say “I love you” through food, this Italian seasoning chicken pasta brings the flavour.

So next time you’re wondering how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, bookmark this page and dive in. It’s creamy, dreamy, and sure to be a repeat favourite.

Happy Cooking!