This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, cozy, and just a little luxurious the kind of dish that wins hearts with its rich sun-dried tomato sauce and tender bites of chicken. It’s wonderfully simple to make, yet feels special enough for a date night at home.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or linguine)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh basil for topping
Steps
- Cook the pasta. Boil until al dente and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water it helps make the sauce silky.
- Season and cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and fully done.
- Add the garlic. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant just enough to bloom its flavor.
- Build the sauce. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Don’t worry if it looks thin it thickens perfectly as it simmers.
- Simmer gently. Let the sauce bubble for 3–5 minutes until creamy. Stir in a splash of pasta water if you want a looser, silkier finish.
- Combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is beautifully coated.
- Finish. Top with fresh basil and a little extra Parmesan.
Chef’s Tips
- Slice chicken evenly: It cooks more quickly and stays tender.
- Add cheese gradually: This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents clumping.
- Taste for balance: A small squeeze of lemon brightens the whole dish if you want extra freshness.
Variations
- Marry Me Shrimp: Swap chicken for shrimp and cook just 2–3 minutes.
- Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
- Spicy lovers: Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.