Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Have you ever heard of Marry Me Chicken? It’s a creamy Tuscan-inspired chicken dish that’s said to be so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Now imagine taking that same rich, flavorful sauce and tossing it with pasta—comfort food perfection.

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of spice. The result? A pasta dish that’s bold, romantic, and unforgettable.

According to Google Trends, searches for “Marry Me Chicken” and “Tuscan chicken pasta” have been skyrocketing—making this recipe not only crave-worthy but also highly searched. If you’re looking for the next viral pasta recipe to impress family, friends, or that special someone, this is it.

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to spice level)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• Reserved pasta water (½ cup)

---

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove, let rest, then slice.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes.
• Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in Parmesan until creamy.

Step 4: Combine

• Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

---

Tips for Success

• Sear chicken first for maximum flavor before making the sauce.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil—they blend seamlessly into the sauce.
• Add pasta water gradually to get that silky, restaurant-style texture.
• For more richness, swap heavy cream with half mascarpone cheese.

---

Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 540
• Protein: 32g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g

---

Variations

• Marry Me Shrimp Pasta – swap chicken for shrimp.
• Low-Carb Version – use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Extra Veggies – add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
• Spicy Version – increase red pepper flakes or add Calabrian chili paste.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread to soak up extra sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad with balsamic dressing.
• For date night, enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

---

Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth.
• Freezer: Not recommended, as cream sauces can separate.

---

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re making it for a date night, family dinner, or a special occasion, this recipe will win hearts (and stomachs) instantly.

So, will this pasta earn you a proposal? You’ll have to try it and see. 😉

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but store sauce separately and toss with pasta just before serving.

Q2: What pasta works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce beautifully, but fettuccine also works well.

Q3: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Not recommended—sauce won’t be as rich. Half-and-half can work as a lighter alternative.

Q4: Can I make it spicy?
Yes—double the red pepper flakes or stir in hot sauce.

Q5: Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for roasted veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.