Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

What Makes Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta So Special

Close your eyes and imagine a dish that feels like a warm embrace. Succulent chicken nestled in a luxurious, creamy sauce, fragrant with garlic and the sweet, tangy punch of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of meal that makes you pause, savor every bite, and wonder, “Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta really that good?” The answer, my dear reader, is a resounding yes.

This recipe has become a staple in my home, a go-to for those evenings when I want a quick chicken dinner that feels anything but ordinary. The secret is in the symphony of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. It’s a story of comfort and joy, told one delicious forkful at a time.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
• Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 35 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step builds a foundation of flavor for your entire Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. This is where the magic begins!

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You’ll see it transform into a velvety dream.

Step 6: Simmer the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and hug every piece of chicken.

Step 7: Combine and Toss

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is well coated in the creamy sauce. This easy Tuscan chicken dish comes together beautifully in one pot.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with fresh basil before serving. The pop of green and fresh aroma is the perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Every kitchen has its secrets, and after making this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta countless times, I’ve gathered a few of my own to share with you.

• Flavor Swap: For a richer taste, use a combination of half heavy cream and half cream cheese.
• Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, swap half-and-half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta.
• Prep Fix: If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. If it’s too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
• Storage Tip: This dish stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more!

Healthier Alternatives for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

I often get asked, “Can I make it healthier?” Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a lighter creamy chicken pasta, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Using a whole-grain or legume-based pasta adds fiber, and you can always increase the volume of sun-dried tomatoes and add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for an extra nutrient boost. Cooking should be a joy, not a stress, so feel free to make it your own.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is a celebration in itself, but I love to serve it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A warm, crusty loaf of bread is non-negotiable for sopping up every last bit of that incredible sauce.

Picture this: a Tuesday evening, the table is set, and this magnificent one pot chicken pasta is the centerpiece. It’s a meal that turns an ordinary night into a small, beautiful occasion, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions