Why Everyone is Obsessed with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’ve ever wondered what dish could be so good that it inspires a marriage proposal, look no further than Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato-infused dish is a viral sensation for good reason. It’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make – perfect for date night, family dinners, or anytime you want to impress.
💡 Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
The name isn’t just catchy. The idea is that this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. According to Delish, this recipe became an internet favorite because of its creamy flavor profile and romantic feel – the perfect combination of indulgent and simple.
The rich cream sauce paired with tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a balance that feels elegant without being fussy, making it ideal for special occasions.
Whether it’s your first time cooking it or your tenth, this irresistible recipe might just win more than hearts at the dinner table.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- a large skillet or frying pan to cook the chicken and sauce
- Large pot for boiling the pasta
- Tongs or spatula to flip and remove the chicken
- Strainer or colander for draining the pasta
- Knife and cutting board essential for slicing the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes
- Measuring cups and spoons will help you get the ingredient quantities just right
- Mixing spoon or whisk necessary for stirring the sauce
- Grater useful for freshly grating Parmesan, which is optional but highly recommended
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced or pounded
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 250 g pasta penne or fettuccine work best
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Start by boiling water, adding a generous amount of salt, and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side or until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and chili flakes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Add the Cheese
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Mix well until coated.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped basil or parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and watch the compliments roll in!
Notes
📌More Pro Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta a showstopper with these expert tips to ensure every bite is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked:
- Sun-Dried Tomato Swap: As noted, you can sub sun-dried tomatoes with 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes for a fresher, juicier vibe, but they’re less intense. For a deeper flavor, roast the cherry tomatoes first (15 minutes at 400°F with a drizzle of olive oil) to mimic sun-dried tomatoes’ rich, caramelized taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and just cooked (165°F internally). Be careful not to overcook it, as that will dry it out—using a meat thermometer can help you get it just right. Let it rest while making the sauce to keep it juicy before slicing or adding it back.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Boil the 250g of penne or fettuccine until just shy of fully cooked (check package, usually 8–10 minutes). It’ll finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up the creamy, garlicky goodness without turning mushy.
- Reserve Extra Pasta Water: Save more than ¼ cup of pasta water—it’s starchy magic for adjusting the sauce. If it thickens too much (cream and Parmesan can do that), add a splash at a time to keep it silky and clingy.
- Sauté Garlic Gently: Cook the 3 minced garlic cloves and optional chili flakes over medium heat for 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let them brown, or they’ll turn bitter. Stir constantly and have the broth ready to deglaze.
- Thicken the Sauce Right: Simmer the cream, broth, and sun-dried tomatoes for 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced, then add Parmesan gradually, stirring to melt it smoothly. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute; if it’s too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water.
- Fresh Herbs Last: Add the basil or parsley garnish just before serving to keep their vibrant color and flavor. Chop finely and sprinkle generously—about 2 tablespoons—for a fresh, aromatic lift that cuts through the richness.
🥗Nutrition Highlights (Per Serving – Approximate)
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, satisfying dish with a surprising nutritional balance—here’s what you get per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: ~550–600
- Total Fat: ~30g (15g saturated from cream and Parmesan, 10g monounsaturated from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: ~45g (mostly from pasta, some from sun-dried tomatoes)
- Protein: ~25–28g (chicken, Parmesan, pasta)
- Calcium: ~15–20% of daily value (Parmesan, cream)
- Vitamin A: ~10–15% DV (cream, sun-dried tomatoes)
- Vitamin C: ~10% DV (sun-dried tomatoes)
- Sodium: ~600–800mg (varies with broth, cheese, and salt)
- Fiber: ~2–3g (pasta, tomatoes, more if veggies added)
Why It’s Balanced: The chicken breasts deliver lean protein for muscle health and satiety, while pasta provides energy-boosting carbs. Rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute calcium and a creamy texture, complemented by the heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. Sun-dried tomatoes provide antioxidants such as lycopene and a hint of vitamin C, while optional vegetables like spinach can enhance fiber and vitamin content. It’s indulgent but portion-controlled—pair with a salad or light side to keep it wholesome!
Calculation Notes:
- Chicken (2 large breasts, ~12oz total): ~400 cal, 52g protein
- Pasta (250g dry, ~8.8oz): ~800 cal, 28g protein, 160g carbs
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): 240 cal, 28g fat
- Heavy cream (¾ cup): ~600 cal, 60g fat
- Parmesan (½ cup): ~110 calories, 10g protein, 8g fat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup): ~70 cal, 10g carbs
- Broth, garlic, seasonings: ~20 cal
- Total: ~2240–2300 cal ÷ 4 = ~560–575 cal/serving
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Variations to Try
Keep your Marry Me Chicken Pasta exciting with these creative twists to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Swap: Skip the chicken and add 1–2 cups of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or portobello) or roasted eggplant cubes. Mushrooms bring an earthy, meaty texture, while eggplant soaks up the sauce—both keep it hearty and vegetarian-friendly.
- Spicy Boost: Double the chili flakes to 2 tsp or add a diced jalapeño with the garlic for a fierier kick. The heat plays off the cream and Parmesan, giving the dish a lively edge—adjust to your spice tolerance!
- Pesto Twist: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of basil pesto with the cream for a herby, nutty layer. It complements the sun-dried tomatoes and adds a vibrant green hue, making the sauce even more irresistible.
- Veggie Load-Up: When adding the pasta, toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach or ½ cup of peas (frozen, thawed). They add color, nutrients (vitamin K, C), and a sweet crunch, making it a more balanced one-pan meal.
- Different Pasta: Swap penne or fettuccine for rigatoni, farfalle, or spaghetti (250g). Rigatoni holds the sauce in its tubes, while farfalle adds a playful shape—any short or long pasta works as long as it’s sturdy enough for the creamy coating.
- Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier bite or mix in ¼ cup mozzarella for extra gooeyness. Stir until melted for a smooth, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, romantic dish that’s even better with the right sides and pairings to complete the meal:
- Crisp Green Salad: Balance the richness with a salad of arugula, spinach, or mixed greens dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The tart acidity and crunchy greens complement the creamy sauce, while cherry tomatoes or cucumber add a fresh pop—healthy and colorful!
- Garlic Bread: Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette generously spread with butter and a sprinkle of garlic powder. It’s perfect for scooping up the luscious sauce, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. The sun-dried tomatoes’ caramelized sweetness enhances the tang and keeps the meal nutrient-packed.
- Refreshing Drink: Enjoy with a chilled sparkling water infused with lime or a glass of tart pomegranate juice. These bright, non-alcoholic drinks cleanse the palate and match the dish’s bold, creamy flavors—halal-friendly and refreshing.
- Side Grain: For a heartier spread, serve with a small portion of quinoa or couscous (½ cup cooked) tossed with a touch of olive oil and herbs. The grains soak up the sauce and add fiber without stealing the spotlight.
This dish is versatile—perfect for a cozy date night or a family dinner. Plate it hot, garnish generously, and watch everyone fall in love!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta all work well with this sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce in advance, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheating might cause the cream to separate slightly.
What can I serve with it?
A fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables can provide a nice balance to the richness of the dish. For a more indulgent meal, you can also add garlic bread.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan, though the flavor will slightly differ.
Final Thoughts on Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than a catchy name – it’s a meal that delivers creamy satisfaction with every bite. Whether you’re making it to impress, to celebrate, or just because you crave something comforting and delicious, this recipe won’t disappoint.
❤️ Try it once, and you might find it becoming your go-to dish for every special moment.
Have you tried making Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Did it win someone’s heart? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below—let us know your special take on the recipe!
