Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Dish to Win Hearts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken, a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The recipe’s name suggests that it’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving comfort food, this dish is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadently Creamy: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible sauce.
• Easy Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe is simple and requires minimal effort.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper adds depth without overpowering the dish.
• One-Pan Convenience: The sauce comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup easier.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress.

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Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets.
• Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
• Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
• Add heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter, stirring until smooth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.

4. Cook the Pasta

• While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

5. Combine Everything

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, letting it warm in the sauce for a couple of minutes.
• Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

• Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Try shrimp, salmon, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
• Spicier Version: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make great additions.

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Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How did Marry Me Chicken Pasta get its name?

The name suggests that the dish is so good it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s a fun way to highlight its deliciousness!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the dish.

What type of pasta is best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work best because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but the sauce may thicken as it sits. Add a little extra broth or cream when reheating to restore the consistency.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes offer a more concentrated flavor. If using fresh tomatoes, consider roasting them first for a richer taste.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair well with this dish.

Can I make it lighter?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan for a lighter version.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer for a few more minutes, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water).

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! A splash of white wine (such as Chardonnay) can enhance the depth of flavor.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that delivers bold flavors, creamy richness, and an elegant presentation—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a romantic evening or a cozy family dinner, it’s sure to impress. Try it out, and who knows? It just might become your new favorite comfort food!

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