Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Dreamy One-Pan Dinner

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs all tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any night you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta

This recipe is inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” — a skillet chicken dish so good it’s said to inspire proposals. We’ve taken those beloved flavors and turned them into a hearty, satisfying pasta recipe that’s sure to win hearts.

 Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta:

  • ½ tablespoon olive oil
  • ¾ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

  1. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 20–30 seconds.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, whisking until smooth.
  5. Stir in Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Add the drained pasta and stir everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
  3. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It helps create a silky sauce.
  • Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if overcooked. Keep it at 20–30 seconds.
  • Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
  • Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs add even more juiciness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this creamy chicken pasta with:

  • A fresh green salad or Mediterranean-style veggie salad
  • Homemade garlic breadsticks or toasted baguette slices
  • Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a lighter side
  • Finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or chocolate mousse

Storage & Reheating

  • Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Pasta pot
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1.5 Cups)

  • Calories: 664 kcal
  • Protein: 33g
  • Carbs: 56g
  • Fat: 34g (Sat. Fat: 19g)
  • Sodium: 386mg
  • Potassium: 1006mg
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Calcium: 189mg
  • Iron: 3mg

Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.

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