Oh, my sweet friends! Let me take you back to a magical evening when I first discovered The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Picture this: a cozy kitchen filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs wafting through the air, the soft glow of candlelight illuminating the faces of loved ones gathered around the table. I had just returned from a delightful trip to the farmer’s market, bursting with excitement over the vibrant ingredients I had chosen. With each stir of the skillet, the flavors melded together, creating a dish so creamy, luscious, and utterly comforting that it made even the most hectic days feel like a warm hug.
This recipe isn’t just beloved by me—it’s cherished by everyone who’s had the joy of tasting it. Friends and family alike have swooned over its flavors, making it a staple for gatherings and cozy weeknight dinners. With its rich creaminess and delightful hints of smoky paprika and sun-dried tomatoes, The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a charming way of bringing people together, one forkful at a time. I promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again, and who knows, it might just seal the deal for you too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Quick: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes!
- Crowd-Pleasing: With such a delightful combination of flavors, everyone from the picky eaters to the foodies will adore it.
- Comforting & Cozy: The creamy sauce and savory chicken envelop you in warmth like a well-worn blanket.
- Versatile: Great as a main course, it pairs beautifully with various sides, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Impressive Yet Approachable: You can feel like a gourmet chef without spending all day in the kitchen!
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|————|—————-|———–|———–|————|——-|————-|
| Main Dish | Italian-American | 10 minutes | 20 minutes| 30 minutes | 4 servings | Easy |
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed): The star of the show! Aim for even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate the flavor of the chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps create a lovely sear on your chicken.
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter makes everything better! It adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic base that adds depth and a wonderful fragrance.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps thicken your sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A flavorful yet not overpowering liquid—you’ll love this in your sauce!
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that dreamy, velvety finish! Look for the freshest cream you can find.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor. Grating it fresh makes a world of difference!
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped): They bring a delightful burst of sweetness to balance the savory components.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: A game changer! It adds a subtle smokiness that brings out the flavor magic.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dish together—easy on the palate!
- ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape for holding onto that luscious sauce.
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): A fragrant, colorful finish that brightens the dish!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Season and Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear it until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Your kitchen will start to smell divine! Set the chicken aside on a plate.
Make the Roux
In the same skillet, melt the butter, letting it bubble and swirl around. Add your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—trust me, you’ll want to savor this moment! Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
Create the Sauce
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. As it thickens, you’ll see the magic happen! Stir in the parmesan until melted, creating that creamy backdrop for the other flavors.
Add Flavor
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes as those flavors mingle together—oh, the delicious smells!
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer it in that dreamy sauce. Meanwhile, boil water and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it into the sauce, coating it beautifully with that creamy goodness.
Garnish and Serve
Top your masterpiece with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while it’s all hot and cozy. Get ready for those “oohs” and “aahs” around the table!
Pro Tips for Success
- Sear the Chicken Well: A good sear adds layers of flavor, so resist the urge to stir too much during cooking.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and high-quality cheese make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better in the dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Season to your preference for the perfect balance.
Flavor Variations
- Swap the penne for farfalle or spaghetti for a fun twist!
- Add fresh spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Kick up the spice with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Serving Suggestions
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines on its own, but why not pair it with a simple arugula salad and a glass of white wine? A sprinkle of lemon juice on the salad brightens everything up! For plating, a fun sprinkle of extra parmesan and a few sprigs of fresh basil add that restaurant-style flair.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the chicken and sauce a day ahead and simply cook the pasta when you’re ready to serve. When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just remember to heat it gently to maintain that creamy texture!
Leftovers
Use leftover pasta in a salad, toss it with roasted vegetables, or stuff it into bell peppers and bake until bubbly!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze the sauce without the pasta for up to 3 months! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the creaminess. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir in between to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! Thighs would work great too, just cook them until they’re tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free!
What can I substitute the heavy cream with?
You can use a mix of half-and-half or whole milk, but it won’t be quite as creamy!
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead.
Final Thoughts
Oh, dear friends, I hope you feel inspired to whip up this hearty, creamy goodness that is The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta in your own kitchen! It’s not just about the food; it’s the love and warmth you share around the dinner table. So gather your loved ones, pour a nice drink, and embark on this cozy culinary adventure. Remember, cooking is about love, laughter, and plenty of flavor. Happy cooking from my cozy kitchen to yours! ❤️
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (sliced or cubed) Aim for even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Salt and pepper, to taste Simple seasonings that elevate the flavor of the chicken.
- 1 tbsp olive oil A heart-healthy fat that helps create a lovely sear on your chicken.
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced The aromatic base that adds depth.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Helps thicken your sauce.
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth A flavorful liquid for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a dreamy, velvety finish.
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Adds a nutty, salty flavor.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped) Brings a delightful burst of sweetness.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds a subtle smokiness.
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that ties the dish together.
Pasta
- ½ lb penne pasta The perfect shape for holding onto sauce.
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Season and Sear the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
Make the Roux
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
Create the Sauce
- Slowly pour in chicken broth, followed by heavy cream, whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in parmesan until melted.
Add Flavor
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Cook penne pasta until al dente, drain and toss into the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
- Top with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately.