If you have ever dreamed of a dish so delicious it just might inspire a proposal, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your culinary life. This stunning one-pan meal combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta with the savory punch of sun-dried tomatoes and fragrant basil. It’s comfort food elevated with a gourmet flair that will sweep anyone off their feet. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just want to treat yourself to an unforgettable dinner, this dish brings together hearty flavors and a luxurious texture that tastes like a dream come true.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple at first glance, but each one plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor profile and comforting creaminess. From the fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning that infuse the chicken, to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes that brighten the sauce, every element adds a special touch.
- 1 tablespoon oil: Preferably from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, this oil carries intense tomato flavor perfect for browning the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious sauce texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into ½-inch pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbs that elevate the chicken’s flavor.
- ¾ teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors throughout the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Roughly 3 cloves; it gives the sauce a fragrant base.
- 1/3 cup dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity; chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses flavor into the pasta and sauce.
- 1 (7-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and chopped for bursts of intense, slightly sweet tomato flavor.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce beautifully rich and silky.
- ½ cup grated parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish; save some for serving if you’d like.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat.
- 1 handful chopped basil: Fresh basil brightens the dish and adds a gorgeous pop of green.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating the oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes along with butter in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. This combination gives a fragrant base and golden color. Toss in the diced chicken breasts, seasoning them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until they develop a beautiful golden crust, locking in juiciness. Then lower the heat slightly and stir in minced garlic, cooking it just enough to release its aroma without burning.
Step 2: Add Liquids, Tomatoes, and Pasta
Pour in the dry white wine, making sure to scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pan – that’s where the flavor magic happens. Next, stir in your chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked penne pasta. Bring everything up to a boil; this allows the pasta to begin absorbing liquid and the tomatoes to infuse the broth.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender
Turn the heat down to low and let it gently simmer while stirring often. After about 5 minutes, cover the pan and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the pasta looks dry at any point, add a splash more broth to keep things creamy and smooth. Stir in the heavy cream to enrich the sauce, then cook uncovered until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce has thickened enough to coat each bite beautifully.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated parmesan, basils’ fresh fragrance, and if you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. This step is all about bringing everything together into a luscious, comforting finale that screams “I love you” through flavor.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil and extra parmesan over the top for an inviting look and extra bursts of flavor. A tiny drizzle of good olive oil or a few basil leaves on the side adds a beautiful finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or steamed asparagus to add a fresh crunch contrast. Garlic bread is always a winner, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls with a small basil sprig resting on top. Using white or pastel plates helps the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and basil pop, making the dish look as irresistible as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen, and the creamy sauce stays luscious, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
While the sauce contains cream, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion the pasta into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat in a skillet or microwave to prevent the cream from breaking. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick, stirring to bring back that fresh-from-the-stove creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta type for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Penne is great for holding the creamy sauce, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep things creamy and flavorful without dairy.
What if I don’t have white wine? Can I skip it?
You can replace the white wine with extra chicken broth for a wine-free version. The dish will still be delicious but with a slightly different taste profile.
How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. You can always leave them out or add more to suit your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce ensure plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple but full of layered flavor and texture. Whether you’re impressing a guest or craving something special for dinner, don’t hesitate to make this recipe your next go-to. Trust me, once you try it, it might just become your favorite meal to share around the table.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta all cooked together in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, basil, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or when you want an impressive, hassle-free meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon oil (preferably from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into ½-inch pieces (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or more to taste)
- ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
Liquids and Pasta
- 1/3 cup dry white wine (or more chicken broth)
- 3 cups chicken broth (or more as needed)
- 1 (7-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, reserve 1 tablespoon oil for cooking, chopped)
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
Finishing Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving, optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 handful chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon oil reserved from the sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned. Reduce heat to medium and stir in minced garlic, cooking for another minute to release its aroma.
- Add liquids, tomatoes, and pasta: Pour in the dry white wine, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Stir in chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Cook pasta and sauce: Reduce heat to low simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, stirring often. Cover the pan and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes more, stirring 1-2 times, until pasta is nearly tender. Add more broth if the mixture looks dry. Stir in the heavy cream, uncover, and continue cooking until the pasta is fully cooked and the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and chopped basil. Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with extra basil and Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor when browning the chicken.
- If you don’t have white wine, use additional chicken broth instead.
- Keep an eye on the liquid level while cooking pasta; add more broth as needed to prevent sticking.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh basil brightens the finished dish but can be substituted with dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
- Leftovers keep well and taste great reheated the next day.
