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Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 oz dried pasta of choice (half standard box); 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup onion (finely chopped); 3-4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 Tablespoon butter; 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces); ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup parmesan cheese grated; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); basil leaves (for garnish)

on Feb 18, 2024

4.62 from 18 votes

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a combination of tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces that are smothered in a creamy garlic sundried tomato sauce. This 30 Minute Pasta is Quick, easy and SO good and will have everyone running to the dinner table!

A few months ago I shared my Marry Me Chicken Recipe and it went viral on Tiktok so today I’m sharing my Marry Me Chicken Pasta! One bite of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta and you will be in heaven. There’s just something so incredible about your favorite pasta joined with pan-seared chicken pieces in a flavorful sauce with plenty of cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. The sauce in this recipe could not be more of a hit! It’s perfectly rich and creamy, and the addition of the sun-dried tomatoes really takes it to the next level. This dish is bound to be a family favorite!

Not only is this dish loaded with amazing flavor, it also comes together with very little effort in no time! While the pasta boils, you can sauté the onion and garlic and cook the chicken. Then, simply add the cream, Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and toss it with the pasta. So easy, yet it tastes like something you’d order in a fancy restaurant!

Ingredients needed

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is made with super simple ingredients and pantry staple spices. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Pasta: Choose any pasta you’d like! We like to use a noodle that will trap the sauce inside like penne, ziti or rigatoni.
Onion and garlic: Gives the dish major savory flavor.
Chicken breasts: This recipe uses 1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces. This recipe also works with salmon!
Seasonings: A blend of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt and pepper provides this dish with so much wonderful bold flavor.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce deliciously rich and creamy.
Parmesan cheese: Adds to the richness of the sauce and gives it sharp, cheesy flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes: This is a signature ingredient in ‘Marry Me’ recipes that offers tangy, delightful flavor. You can use the chopped or paste.
You will also need oil, butter, and basil leaves for extra color and a gorgeous presentation.

How to make this recipe

This satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal is ready to serve in less than 30 minutes! Quick, easy and SO good! You’re going to want to add this to your regular dinner rotation! Here’s how everything comes together:

Boil the pasta: Place a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté onion: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large heavy-duty pan over medium-high. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.

Sauté garlic and chicken: Add the garlic and butter and sauté for 30 seconds, then add the chicken and seasoning. Sauté for 3-5 minutes or until chicken pieces are browned and cooked through.

Make the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt to taste.

Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the pan and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Expert tips

This chicken and pasta recipe is really straightforward to make, but here are some tips so it’s perfect every time you make it!

Chicken size: It’s best if all of the pieces of chicken are similar in size. This will help them cook evenly and at the same rate.
Chicken doneness: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, it’s best to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is done cooking when it reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Freshly-grated cheese: If you have the time, grate your own Parmesan. It will melt better into the sauce and have a more delicious taste.

Frequently asked questions

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry me chicken pasta sounds like a silly name, but with just one bite, you’ll know exactly why it is called this. The taste is so ridiculously amazing, you’ll want to marry anyone who makes it for you! It’s most often made with chicken breasts and pasta that are simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that includes sun-dried tomatoes.

What to serve with marry me chicken pasta?

Marry me chicken pasta is plenty satisfying on its own but we love to enjoy some crusty garlic bread served alongside of it for sopping up all of that lovely sauce. It would also be great paired with a side salad or a green veggie like roasted broccoli.

How long does it take for chicken to cook in a pan?

Since the chicken breasts in this recipe are cut into bite-sized pieces it will cook very quickly over medium-high heat. It should be fully cooked in less than 5 minutes!

Storing recommendations

Even though this dish is best served hot off the stove, it makes great leftovers, too!

Store in the refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days.
To reheat: You can reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream, broth or even water, if needed for extra moisture.