Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, from Grill Drip, and I’m SO excited you’re joining me in my little corner of the internet. You know I’m all about those comfort foods that just make you feel warm and fuzzy inside? Well, get ready, because today, we’re diving headfirst into a dish that does just that and more – my Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

I’m not exaggerating when I say this recipe is a game-changer. It’s a flavor explosion, it’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights. The story of how it came to be is a testament to my love of playing around in the kitchen!

Picture this: late night, cravings hitting HARD. I wanted something creamy, something comforting, but with a little something extra, you know? A dish with a big ol’ kick of flavor! After some experimenting, I ended up with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and the rest, as they say, is history. What started as a happy accident is now one of my all-time favorite recipes. I knew right then that my Marry Me Chicken Pasta would quickly become a staple!

This isn’t your average pasta dish, my friend. It’s a flavor adventure, a comfort food masterpiece, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one. It’s one of those meals that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly special. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! You’re about to fall head-over-heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

INGREDIENTS You Need

Okay, let’s talk ingredients. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab most of these during your normal shopping trip.

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
1 lb pasta: I love using penne or rotini, but any shape will work!
1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing.
1 small yellow onion: Diced.
3 cloves garlic: Minced.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed, drained. These add a burst of intense flavor that makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta something special.
1/4 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor.
1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it irresistibly creamy!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best!
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a touch of freshness.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: My go-to spice blend!
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: For a little kick! (Optional, of course, if you like it mild!)
Salt and pepper: To taste.
2 tbsp butter: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta gets a rich taste from this ingredient.
1/4 cup pasta water: Reserve this before draining your pasta to help the sauce cling to the noodles!

Ingredients for making Marry Me Chicken Pasta displayed on a table.

Ingredient Swaps & Flavor Boosters:

No sun-dried tomatoes? No worries! I use roasted red peppers all the time in my Marry Me Chicken Pasta, and it’s still delicious. If you’re not a basil fan, parsley works great too.

Here’s my Marry Me Chicken Pasta secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of smoked paprika! It adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the other flavors perfectly. I also love adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor!

For busy weeknights, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can grab the best sun-dried tomatoes during your normal shopping trip and they last forever in oil!

I love adding extra red pepper flakes to my spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for that extra kick. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking!

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, fellow food lovers, let’s get down to business and whip up some Marry Me Chicken Pasta! I promise, it’s easier than it looks, and the results are totally worth it. I’m so thrilled to show you how to create the creamy tomato chicken pasta of your dreams! This recipe is really easy to make!

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This is where the magic starts happening! You should start to see the chicken browning in about 5-7 minutes. In my kitchen, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!
Sauté the aromatics: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and broth: Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is my favorite part of making Marry Me Chicken Pasta – watch the magic happen!
Make it creamy: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Add the Parmesan cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. The sauce should be rich and creamy!
Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Finish it off: Stir in the fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately: Serve hot and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Don’t worry if your Marry Me Chicken Pasta looks a little different from the pictures – it’ll still taste incredible! Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. While your Marry Me Chicken Pasta is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!

How to Serve Up This!

Okay, so you’ve made this incredible Marry Me Chicken Pasta… now what? Let’s talk serving suggestions! People literally do happy dances when this Marry Me Chicken Pasta hits the table with a side of garlic bread!

I love serving this with a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly. Crusty bread is also a must for soaking up all that delicious sauce!

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also great for potlucks, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family.

For presentation, I like to serve it in a large bowl and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It just makes it look extra fancy!

Leftover Transformations:

Got leftovers? No problem! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is just as good the next day. You can also use the leftovers to make a creamy chicken and pasta bake. Just toss it with some extra cheese and breadcrumbs and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Fusion Variations:

I’ve also experimented with adding different vegetables to this dish. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus would all be delicious additions. You can even add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright, citrusy flavor.

When I serve this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the reactions are always the same: pure joy! It’s a dish that just makes people happy, and that’s what I love most about it. For another recipe that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, check out my recipe for Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail this. Trust me!

What if I mess up my Marry Me Chicken Pasta? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

Hey, we all make mistakes in the kitchen! But honestly, this recipe is pretty forgiving. If the sauce is too thick, just add a little more pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes. No matter what, it’ll still taste amazing! My sister once added too much red pepper but we all still enjoyed the Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

How can I prep this Marry Me Chicken Pasta for busy weeknights?

You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the chicken and veggies, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. You can even make the sauce ahead of time and just add the pasta and chicken when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Of course! I love using penne or rotini, but any pasta shape will work. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce. I always have a great time finding new pasta types to pair with my Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Can I make this vegetarian?

You bet! Just skip the chicken and add some extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can even add some chickpeas or white beans for extra protein. This will make a very creamy tomato chicken pasta!

How long does this Marry Me Chicken Pasta last in the fridge?

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this?

I don’t recommend freezing this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, as the cream sauce can sometimes separate when thawed. However, if you do freeze it, make sure to thaw it completely before reheating and add a little extra cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Check out this recipe by Hungry Foodie for another take on Marry Me Chicken Pasta. You can also check out this one by Nomadette!

CONCLUSION:

So, there you have it, my friends! My Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your dinner table. I truly love this recipe because it’s so versatile, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser. I hope you love it as much as I do!

My Marry Me Chicken Pasta Flavor Secrets:

Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds so much flavor and richness to the sauce.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika! This adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the other flavors perfectly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed! Don’t be afraid to add a little extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta Variations I’ve Tested:

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Garlic Lovers Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Add an extra clove or two of garlic to the sauce.
Lemon Herb Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some extra fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano to the sauce.

The spicy version is perfect for game night, while the lemon herb version is great for a light and refreshing summer dinner. You can also try this recipe for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Wraps!

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun! Don’t be afraid to trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen. I’m so excited for you to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my White Chicken Chili!

Now go forth and make some delicious magic! You can also learn more about the original Marry Me Chicken from Delish! Let me know how your Marry Me Chicken Pasta turns out! I can’t wait to hear about your flavor adventures! 💕

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

This creamy and decadent Marry Me Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to impress! Tender chicken and pasta are bathed in a rich, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce for a dish that’s both easy to make and utterly irresistible.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz pasta of your choice (fettuccine recommended)
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Season chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until sauce has thickened slightly.
Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra touch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.