Description
Marry Me Chicken with Pasta is a creamy, savory, and flavorful dish that’s so delicious it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! With tender, juicy chicken nestled in a rich parmesan cream sauce and served with perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for romantic dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a juicier option)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to tasteFor the Sauce:
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth (or white wine for extra depth)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (preferably fresh)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
12 oz pasta (pappardelle, fettuccine, or penne)
1 cup reserved pasta water (to adjust sauce consistency)
Garnish:
Fresh basil, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth or white wine, scraping the bottom to release flavorful bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Cook the Pasta:
While the chicken simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Assemble the Dish:
Slice the cooked chicken and set aside.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a silky texture.
Top with sliced chicken and garnish with fresh basil, parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier texture. Adjust cooking time slightly as they take longer to cook.
Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes for a spicier or milder dish.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken with Pasta, creamy chicken recipe, romantic dinner, comfort food