Creamy Chicken Pasta Delight

This creamy, delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta earned its cheeky name for good reason. The combination of tender chicken bites and pasta swimming in a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce creates the kind of meal that might just inspire a proposal. I've turned this viral favorite into a pasta dish that delivers all the original wow-factor in one satisfying bowl.

I first made this for my partner on our anniversary when I wanted something special but didn't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The name proved prophetic two months later when we got engaged, and now it's our traditional celebration meal.

Ingredients

• Dried pasta of choice: Provides the perfect canvas for this rich sauce and works with any shape you prefer
• Olive oil and butter: Create a flavorful base that adds depth to the dish
• Onion and garlic: Form the aromatic foundation that makes this dish so irresistible
• Chicken breasts: Cut into bite sized pieces cook quickly and evenly for tender results
• Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and garlic powder: Create a complex flavor profile with minimal effort
• Heavy cream: Produces that luxurious, silky texture that makes this dish so special
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty saltiness while helping thicken the sauce
• Sun dried tomatoes: Bring concentrated, sweet tomato flavor and beautiful color to the dish
• Fresh basil leaves: Brighten the rich sauce with their aromatic punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil generously salted water and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. This dish works best when the pasta retains some firmness, as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add your finely chopped onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, as burnt garlic will turn bitter.

Cook the Chicken:

Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely. Immediately add your bite sized chicken pieces to the pan in a single layer if possible. Season with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and reaches 165°F internally. The fond developing on the bottom of the pan is culinary gold.

Create the Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon. This thickness is crucial for properly coating your pasta.

Combine and Finish:

Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes to the sauce, stirring to distribute them evenly. Fold in your cooked pasta and toss continuously until every strand is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer to serving plates or a large serving platter, then sprinkle with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and tear fresh basil leaves over the top. The heat from the pasta will release the basil's aromatic oils, perfuming the entire dish beautifully.

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The sun dried tomatoes are my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when I accidentally added twice the amount called for. What could have been a disaster turned into our favorite version, with their intensely concentrated flavor punctuating every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

This pasta can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop and deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce's silky texture, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until just heated through. Avoid boiling, which can cause the sauce to separate.

Simple Variations

Transform this dish by swapping chicken for shrimp, which cooks even faster and adds a sweet seafood dimension. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with roasted mushrooms and artichoke hearts. The earthy mushrooms absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully. For an extra decadent twist, stir in 4 ounces of cream cheese when making the sauce for an even richer, tangier result that pairs wonderfully with the sun dried tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. A side of garlic bread is ideal for soaking up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For wine pairing, choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay whose acidity balances the creamy elements of the dish. If serving for a special occasion, consider starting with a light appetizer like bruschetta to set the stage for this show stopping main course.

The Story Behind the Name

Marry Me Chicken originated as a simple chicken dish so delicious it supposedly prompted marriage proposals. The internet popularized this comfort food sensation with its catchy name and incredibly rich flavor profile. My pasta adaptation maintains all the original appeal while creating a complete one dish meal. Whether or not it leads to matrimony, this pasta consistently impresses dinner guests and has become my go to recipe when I need to guarantee smiles around the table.

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Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Any medium-sized pasta shape works well in this dish. Penne, farfalle (bow-tie), fusilli, or rigatoni are excellent choices as they hold the creamy sauce well in their ridges and crevices. For a more elegant presentation, linguine or fettuccine also pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute for chicken breasts in this dish. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicier when cooked. Simply cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and follow the same cooking instructions. The cooking time might be slightly longer to ensure they're fully cooked through.

→ How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, you can omit or reduce the red pepper flakes. The smoked paprika adds flavor rather than heat, so you can keep that ingredient. If you'd like a milder version that still has depth of flavor, try using just a pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute with a dash of regular black pepper.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time, though it's best enjoyed fresh. If making in advance, slightly undercook the pasta, prepare the sauce and chicken separately, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, combine the pasta with the sauce mixture and heat gently on low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Fresh garnishes should be added just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream to make it lighter?

As mentioned in the notes, half-and-half is a good substitute for heavy cream for a lighter version. You could also use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch (to help thicken it), or evaporated milk for a similar creamy texture with less fat. Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk can work too, though add it off-heat to prevent curdling.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli, or garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors nicely.