Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich parmesan sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. This comforting meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with loved ones.

Ingredients

• 12 oz dry pasta
• 1-2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3: Rub half of the seasoning mix onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Step 5: Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Optionally add a splash of sun-dried tomato oil. Reduce heat to low and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
6. Step 6: Pour in chicken stock and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
7. Step 7: Add half & half and room-temperature parmesan cheese gradually, stirring frequently over low heat until the cheese melts completely into the sauce.
8. Step 8: Increase heat to medium and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in the remaining seasoning mix. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken when done. Continue simmering the sauce gently to adjust thickness if needed.
9. Step 9: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary. Slice the chicken and place on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan.
10. Step 10: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated parmesan for better melting and flavor.
• Add a splash of white wine when deglazing for extra depth.
• Swap half & half for heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
• For more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for more intense flavor and add a little of the oil to the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape works well with this dish. Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine are great alternatives if you want a variation.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Simmer the chicken in the sauce for 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. You can check doneness by cutting into the thickest part—there should be no pink inside and juices should run clear.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 72 reviews

A rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender seared chicken breasts in a savory sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh basil. This dish combines comforting flavors with simple stovetop preparation, perfect for a cozy dinner.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 12 oz dry pasta
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 large chicken breasts

Seasonings

• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce

• 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
• Optional: splash of sun dried tomato oil
• 1 1/2 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup half & half
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (at room temperature)

Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
2. Mix Seasonings: Combine dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
3. Season Chicken: Rub half of the seasoning mix thoroughly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to low and add minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes (plus optional sun dried tomato oil) to the skillet. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
6. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate into the sauce.
7. Add Cream and Cheese: Slowly stir in half & half and gradually add the parmesan cheese at low heat, stirring frequently to melt it smoothly into the sauce.
8. Simmer with Chicken: Increase heat to medium and bring sauce to a gentle simmer. Stir in the remaining seasoning mix. Return the chicken breasts to the pan and simmer for 5-10 minutes until cooked through and sauce slightly thickened, adjusting timing based on chicken thickness. Remove chicken once done.
9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to combine thoroughly. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water as needed. Slice chicken breasts and place on top of the pasta.
10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Notes

• Ensure parmesan cheese is at room temperature before adding to prevent clumping and promote smooth melting.
• Simmer the sauce gently to avoid curdling when adding dairy ingredients.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spice level.
• Reserved pasta water can be added gradually to thin the sauce if it thickens too much.
• If sun dried tomato oil is unavailable, a splash of olive oil can be used for sautéing.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan sauce, stovetop pasta dish, easy chicken dinner