Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy and full of flavor, this delightful dish is going to quickly become your new favorite chicken pasta recipe. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish features tender chicken and Penne pasta smothered in a rich sauce.
Perfect for romantic dinner or any family gatherings, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta dinner is the perfect solution that is also ready in just 35 minutes. It’s a quick creamy and savory chicken pasta dish that is sure to impress.
This post is about how to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
ONE-POT MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE
If you’re looking to impress your loved ones with a heartwarming dish, this easy and delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate recipe you need to add to your recipe book.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Ready in 35 Minutes. This chicken pasta dish is super convenient when you want something quick but equally good!
Rich Flavor Profile. This chicken pasta dish is combined with a rich, creamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and herbs. So yum!
Heartwarming and Delightful Dish. This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with creamy goodness, tender chicken, and pasta, making it both comforting and extremely delicious.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe. See the recipe card below for the exact amounts you will need to make this yummy chicken pasta dish –
HOW TO MAKE MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a small amount of additional olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer and scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the pasta, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
RECIPE FAQ’S
Q: What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?
A: You can use any pasta you like! Popular choices include penne, fusilli, or fettuccine, as they hold the sauce well.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream?
A: Yes, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce may be thinner. To thicken, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
A: Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or add 1 tsp of cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp of water.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may add extra flavor.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from separating?
A: Add the cheese on low heat or after removing from heat. Stir continuously until it melts smoothly.
Q: Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes, but the tomatoes add a rich flavor. If you prefer, try using fresh cherry tomatoes as a substitute.
Q: Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?
A: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you want a milder dish.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, leftovers should last up to 3 days.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, just substitute with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken in advance. Add freshly cooked pasta and heat it all together when ready to serve.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the sauce?
A: Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to help maintain the sauce’s texture.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes, just add the pre-cooked chicken to the sauce and let it warm up in the skillet before combining with the pasta.
Q: What other cheeses work well in this dish?
A: Asiago or Gruyere can add unique flavors, or you can use mozzarella for a milder taste.
Q: Do I have to reserve pasta water?
A: It’s optional, but adding pasta water helps control the sauce’s consistency. Just add a little at a time to reach your preferred thickness.
Q: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A: Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be great additions. Just sauté them before adding to the sauce.
Q: What can I use instead of chicken broth?
A: Vegetable or beef broth can be used. You could also try adding a bit of white wine for extra depth of flavor.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: You can use coconut milk or almond milk, though it will change the flavor slightly. Use a dairy-free cheese substitute as well.
Q: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
A: Yes, but the texture may change slightly. It is best to Freeze just the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat with a splash of cream to revive the sauce and serve over fresh cooked pasta.
Q: How much basil and Parmesan should I add as garnish?
A: Use about 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for each serving to add fresh flavor and presentation.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Creamy and full of flavor, this delightful dish is going to quickly become your new favorite chicken pasta recipe. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory dish features tender chicken and Penne pasta smothered in a rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta of your choice (1lb)
- 1 lb chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 tsp fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1/2 tbsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh basil, chopped for garnish
- additional grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a small amount of additional olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Then add chicken broth, bringing it to a simmer and scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it begins to thicken. Add the pasta, stirring to coat it evenly in the sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
LOVED OUR MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA RECIPE? PIN IT FOR LATER!
[…] Marry Me Chicken Pasta […]