- Why you’ll love it
- What you’ll need
- Pro tips
- How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Leftovers and storage
- Serving Suggestions
- Common Questions
- Give it a shot tonight
Ever had one of those evenings where your brain refuses to decide between a takeout order or cobbling something edible together? Marry Me Chicken Pasta swoops in and saves the day. This recipe is basically dinner magic – you only need some simple stuff you already have (promise, no wild goose chase for weird spices), and the payoff tastes like something from a five-star restaurant. Picture this: creamy sauce, flavorful chicken, and pasta all loaded in one dreamy bowl. Imagine impressing your picky family or friends with a meal that takes less effort than sorting socks. Seriously, if you haven’t tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta yet, it’s about time.
Why you’ll love it
Look, I’m about as patient as a cat at dinnertime. So when I say Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pure gold for weeknights, I really mean it. First off, it comes together fast. Like, by the time you finish scrolling Instagram, that chicken is cooked and ready. Next, it’s creamy without being heavy and loaded up with real-deal flavor (you’ll actually want seconds).
My favorite part? Folks genuinely think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours. Nope! This is one of those meals where the sum is so much greater than the parts. I’ve served it at big family gatherings (my mother-in-law called it “better than a restaurant”… high praise, right?), and even my leftovers-adverse partner begs for it two days later. If you want a dinner that wins hearts without stress, this is it.
“I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta for my birthday dinner, and even my picky cousin asked for the recipe. The leftovers were just as tasty the next day. Ten out of ten!”
| Ingredient Amount Notes | ||
| Chicken Breast or Thighs | 1 lb | Choose based on preference |
| Pasta (Penne) | 8 oz | Can substitute any pasta type |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced for best flavor |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | 4 oz | Adds depth to the dish |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | For a rich sauce |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup | Shredded, for garnishing |
| Chicken Broth | 1 cup | For flavor enhancement |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste | Adjust to your preference |
What you’ll need
You’re going to love how basic these ingredients are. No fancy stuff, nothing you can’t grab at any old grocery store. Here’s what you’ll want on your counter:
- Chicken breast or thighs: Both work, just pick what you like (or whatever’s cheaper that week).
- Pasta: Penne is classic, or use whatever’s in the pantry. I’ve subbed in spaghetti and even bowties before. Still delicious.
- Garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Trust me, don’t skip these. They bring real depth.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, velvety richness.
- Parmesan cheese: Because, obviously, cheese makes everything better.
- A splash of chicken broth, dried herbs (thyme or Italian mix), salt, and pepper. You could be fancier if you want but honestly, these get the job done. Oh, and a skillet or big pan for cooking. No need for complicated equipment.
Pro tips
Want the chicken super juicy? I always pat it dry before seasoning – helps the spices stick and gives you the perfect sear. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a little pasta water. It makes all the difference. Seriously, pasta water solves everything. Ran out of heavy cream once and used half-and-half. Still turned out killer. Honestly, don’t stress if you miss an ingredient (as long as you’ve got the big ones covered).
When you add the Parmesan cheese, take the pan off the heat for a sec. Otherwise, it can get stringy or clump up. Learned that the hard way! Taste as you go, add seasoning bit by bit. Your taste buds always know better than a recipe.
How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s go step-by-step. Get yourself a big pan and heat some oil. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, maybe a little dried thyme if you’re feeling it. Cook it until golden, then set it aside for a sec.
Now, add some garlic to the pan. After thirty seconds (don’t burn it!), toss in those sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in some chicken broth, scrape up the brown bits (they’re flavor gold), then add the heavy cream. Let it bubble away until it looks creamy.
Slice your cooked chicken and put it back into the pan. Stir in a good handful of Parmesan, then mix in your cooked pasta. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Taste-test. Add salt or pepper if you want.
Serve piping hot with extra cheese. Maybe a sprinkle of parsley if you wanna be fancy.
Leftovers and storage
So here’s the good news: Marry Me Chicken Pasta actually gets BETTER the next day. Seriously, the flavors just hang out together overnight and become best friends. Pop leftovers in a tight container, store in the fridge. Reheat it gently (low and slow, with a splash of milk if it looks dry).
Try not to forget about it in the fridge, although… honestly, someone will probably sneak those leftovers first. Freezing works fine if you need to meal-prep, just let it cool completely first. Frozen pasta does change texture a little, but no one at my house has ever complained.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty bread: Perfect for sopping up all that luxurious sauce.
- A quick green salad: Brightens up the richness of the dish.
- Roasted vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus are super easy.
- A sprinkle of red pepper flakes: Adds a tiny kick if you’re into spicy. You really can dress it up or keep it simple, whatever your mood (or whatever’s in your fridge).
Common Questions
What pasta works best?
Any type, really. Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine—all good. Whatever is lurking in your pantry will do.
Can I swap the chicken for something else?
Absolutely, I’ve had friends throw in shrimp or leftover rotisserie chicken. Still super tasty.
Is it spicy?
Not by default, unless you use those red pepper flakes. Totally safe for spice-sensitive folks.
How long does it keep?
Usually fine in the fridge for up to three days, but it never lasts that long here.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Sure thing. Use your favorite plant-based cream and skip the cheese, or swap for a dairy-free alternative. The basics of Marry Me Chicken Pasta still work just fine.
Give it a shot tonight
If you’ve been stuck in a dinner rut, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an easy, crowd-pleasing reset. You seriously don’t need fancy skills or pricey ingredients. Just a little time and a big appetite! I swear, with this recipe, you’ll have folks asking for seconds and the secret. Want even more easy comfort food ideas? Check out this list of best weeknight dinners for endless inspiration. Dive in, have fun, and let dinner win tonight!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or pan
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs choose based on preference
- 8 oz pasta (penne) can substitute any pasta type
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 cup chicken broth
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and optional dried thyme. Cook until golden and fully cooked through. Set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Slice cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Add shredded Parmesan cheese and stir until melted (remove from heat briefly to avoid clumping).
- Stir in cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water. Season to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with extra cheese and optional red pepper flakes or chopped parsley.