Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious and irresistible that it could make someone propose on the spot. While there’s no official origin, the name caught on because of its rich, romantic, and comforting flavors , making it a popular meal for date nights and special occasions.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta made of?

This dish features seared chicken in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, and pasta . The combination of flavors creates a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy goodness .

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta without heavy cream?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with: Half-and-half + butter for a lighter version Greek yogurt + milk for a protein boost Coconut cream for a dairy-free option Cashew cream for a vegan-friendly alternative These swaps maintain a creamy texture while reducing calories or catering to dietary restrictions.

How do you thicken the sauce for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

If your sauce is too thin, you can: Simmer longer to let excess liquid evaporate Add more Parmesan cheese to naturally thicken it Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) Mix in cream cheese for extra richness Avoid over-thickening, as the pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes in Marry Me Chicken?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use: Roasted red peppers (sweet and smoky) Cherry tomatoes (fresh and slightly tart) Tomato paste + water (rich and concentrated) Canned fire-roasted tomatoes (charred and tangy) Each substitute brings a unique twist while keeping the dish flavorful.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy & Easy to Make!

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy dish that’s packed with bold flavors and an irresistible sauce. Made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, this dish is perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal. It’s so good that it might just inspire a marriage proposal—hence the name!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

For the Pasta:

8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
Add the Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well, then add Parmesan cheese, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Slice the Chicken: While the sauce simmers, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American