Description
Get ready to wow your loved one with Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the viral sensation that’s stolen hearts everywhere. This quick, 30-minute dish features tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato garlic sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or just craving comfort food, this flavorful, restaurant-worthy meal will have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even a proposal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional, for sauce consistency)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet, let rest, then shred or slice.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
- Add Cream & Cheese: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add shredded chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness, if needed.
- Garnish & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
- Add fresh spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Want to jazz it up? A splash of white wine or prosecco in the sauce can add an extra layer of flavor.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American