Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dish

This creamy chicken pasta loaded with sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan is more than just dinner for two or four it is the kind of meal that people remember and make again when they want something extra special and cozy. Marry Me Chicken Pasta got its name for a reason people rave that it is delicious enough to inspire proposals but honestly it is also weeknight easy and full of real flavor.

The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta for my friend is still one of my fondest kitchen memories she called the sauce magic and would not stop stealing spoonfuls straight from the pan while laughing at how good it smelled

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: sliced into thin cutlets this helps them cook evenly and quickly choose chicken with no added solution for best texture
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste builds up layers of seasoning use freshly ground pepper for brighter flavor
• Olive oil: brings richness and helps the chicken brown choose extra virgin for best results
• Pasta: like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce in every bite buy a quality brand for improved texture
• Garlic minced: gives the sauce a classic Italian depth use fresh garlic not jarred for the best aroma
• Sun dried tomatoes chopped: add tangy sweet flavor and color look for tomatoes packed in oil for easy chopping and tender texture
• Heavy cream: transforms the dish into a luxurious silky sauce go for real cream for maximum flavor avoid lower fat substitutes here
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: brings nutty saltiness grate your own and skip pre shredded for smooth melting and best taste

How to Make It

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into thin even cutlets to help them cook quickly Season both sides with salt and pepper Warm one tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet on medium high heat Arrange the chicken pieces in the pan without crowding Cook undisturbed for about three to four minutes before flipping Cook the second side for another three to four minutes until golden and cooked through Remove the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm

Cook the Pasta:

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil Once boiling add a generous pinch of salt to the water Drop in the pasta and stir occasionally Cook according to the package directions aiming for al dente which usually takes eight to ten minutes When pasta is almost done ladle out half a cup of pasta water and set aside Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander

Build the Sauce Base:

Return the original skillet to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil Once oil is shimmering toss in minced garlic Stir constantly so it does not burn letting it cook just until fragrant usually about thirty seconds quickly add the chopped sun dried tomatoes Give everything a good stir and let the tomatoes sizzle for about one to two minutes infusing the oil

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Pour the heavy cream straight into the garlic and tomato mixture Stir well and wait for the cream to start bubbling quietly at the edges Lower the heat and begin gradually stirring in the grated Parmesan cheese Continue stirring gently until all the cheese has melted into the sauce and it becomes smooth If the sauce thickens too much splash in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency Taste and add a pinch more salt and pepper if needed

Finish the Dish:

Take the cooked chicken and slice it into bite sized pieces or strips Add both the chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until the pasta is fully enveloped in the creamy sauce Immediately plate the pasta and sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you have some on hand for a fresh finish

My favorite part of this recipe is the sun dried tomatoes that little bit of tang and sweetness makes every bite burst with flavor My husband once said the first taste reminded him of a favorite meal on our honeymoon and ever since it has been our go to for celebrations

Flavor Boosters

Marry Me Chicken Pasta tastes fantastic as leftovers Store any extra pasta tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days When you want to reheat add a touch of cream or milk before microwaving so the sauce stays smooth instead of drying out Use medium low heat for gentle reheating on the stove

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce For a festive meal pair it with roasted green beans lemony asparagus or a quick garlic sautéed broccoli This pasta is rich so keep the sides simple and bright

Creative Twists

No sun dried tomatoes Try roasted red peppers chopped up instead For extra nutrition stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end while tossing in the pasta Gluten free pasta is also a great swap here and works well with the creamy sauce

Do not stress about being perfect with this recipe it is forgiving and leaves plenty of room for happy cooking mistakes Sometimes the meals you make with love really are the ones everyone requests again and again

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well to catch the creamy sauce.

→ Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add unique flavor, but cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be substituted.

→ Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a delicious, juicy alternative to breast cutlets in this dish.

→ How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, simmer longer; for a thinner consistency, add reserved pasta water as needed.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead?

The components can be prepped ahead, but assemble and toss everything together just before serving for best results.

→ What toppings go well?

Extra freshly grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, or cracked pepper enhance flavor and presentation.