This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and romantic dish that’s perfect for a date night or a special occasion. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich and creamy sauce are tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Romantic: The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes creates a delicious and romantic meal that’s perfect for a special occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Quick and Convenient: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Pasta: Uncooked, choose your favorite shape. This recipe uses 8 ounces, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Tomato paste: Adds a concentrated tomato flavor and richness to the sauce.
- Dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Heavy cream or whipping cream: Creates a rich and creamy sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Italian herb flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a touch of heat.
- Cooked or rotisserie chicken: Shredded, for convenience and flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor.
- Fresh basil: Torn or chopped, adds a fresh herb flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about a minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Step 3: Finish the Sauce
Whisk in the heavy cream, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Cook for a few minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and basil, and remove the skillet from the heat. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Before draining the pasta, reserve some of the hot pasta water. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, especially the chicken, cheese, and tomatoes, the better the flavor of the dish.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the pasta to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce.
- Adjust the sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Main Course: This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
- Side Dish: You can also serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish.
- Special Occasion: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like, but medium-sized shapes, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle, work best for this recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses, such as Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken or use a vegetarian chicken substitute, such as tofu or tempeh.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes or a diced chili pepper to the sauce while cooking.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Marry Me Chicken Pasta that’s perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy!
PrintMarry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy and indulgent dish that’s sure to impress. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce are tossed with your favorite pasta for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any shape)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
- Make Sauce: While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add garlic, tomato paste, and white wine (or broth). Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in heavy cream, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Cook until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil. Remove from heat and season generously with salt and pepper. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Cream: Avoid substituting heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, as the sauce may curdle due to the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Make Ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated. Cook the pasta just before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg