Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – 5 Steps to the Best Creamy Dish!

Introduction

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and romantic pasta dish, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe! This dish is packed with juicy, pan-seared chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, making it irresistibly delicious. The name itself suggests its bold, love-at-first-bite flavors that might just make someone propose after the first taste.

In this recipe guide, we’ll cover everything from the history of Marry Me Chicken, the best pasta choices, how to thicken the sauce, and step-by-step cooking instructions to help you make this restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Looking for other indulgent recipes? Check out this Easy Steak Butter Recipe for an extra boost of rich, buttery flavor in your meals.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The Origin of Marry Me Chicken

The Marry Me Chicken recipe became famous because of its incredibly rich flavors and creamy texture. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts

with a Parmesan cream sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, making it a favorite for date nights and special occasions.

Why is it Called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it might just make someone propose! It originally started as a skillet chicken dish but quickly evolved into a pasta version, making it even more indulgent and comforting.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Essential Ingredients for a Creamy Dish

To make the perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll need the following key ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into fillets or strips)
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for added color and depth)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, thyme, and basil blend)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth (to thin out the sauce)
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best melt)

For the Pasta:

• 10 ounces pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne)
• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh basil leaves (for a bright, fresh flavor)
• More grated Parmesan (for extra cheesiness)

Best Seasonings for Marry Me Chicken

The seasonings in Marry Me Chicken Pasta play a crucial role in creating depth and complexity in flavor. Here are the main seasonings used:

✅ Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances all flavors
✅ Paprika – Adds a subtle smokiness and color
✅ Garlic – The backbone of the sauce
✅ Italian Seasoning – A classic blend of oregano, thyme, and basil
✅ Red Pepper Flakes – For a slight

heat kick
✅ Parmesan Cheese – Brings a nutty, umami-rich taste

What Pasta to Use for Marry Me Chicken?

Best Pasta Choices for a Creamy Sauce

Not all pasta shapes work the same way with Marry Me Chicken sauce. The goal is to choose a pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce well. Here are the best options:

Pasta Type	Why It Works
Linguine	Holds sauce well while staying delicate
Fettuccine	Thick and creamy, perfect for a rich dish
Penne	Tube shape captures sauce inside
Tagliatelle	Elegant and great for creamy dishes
Rigatoni	Large tubes grab onto the sauce well

Gluten-Free and Low-Carb Alternatives

• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A great low-carb option
• Chickpea Pasta – A high-protein, gluten-free alternative
• Brown Rice Pasta – A good substitute for a lighter texture

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step-by-Step

1. Dredging Chicken in Flour for a Crispy Coating

Before cooking, dredging the chicken in flour helps create a light crust that soaks up the creamy sauce.

✅ Step-by-Step Process:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Dredge the chicken in a thin layer of all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
4. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
6. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Cooking the Perfect Chicken for Maximum Flavor

For tender and juicy chicken, avoid overcooking! A golden sear locks in moisture while keeping it flavorful.

🔥 Pro Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. Chicken is cooked through at 165°F (75°C).

3. Preparing the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

The sauce is the heart of this dish—rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

✅ How to Make the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir well.
4. Simmer for 5 minutes, then add Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.

4. Combining the Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

1. Slice the seared chicken into strips.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
3. Toss the pasta into the skillet with the sauce.
4. Add the chicken back in and let everything simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Garnish with fresh basil and more Parmesan.

Tips to Perfect the Sauce & Make It Extra Creamy

How to Thicken Marry Me Chicken Sauce Naturally

If your sauce is too thin, try these methods:

• Simmer longer – Let the sauce reduce naturally.
• Add more Parmesan cheese – It thickens while adding a nutty flavor.
• Use a cornstarch slurry – Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water, then stir into the sauce.

Can You Use Alfredo Sauce for Marry Me Chicken?

Yes! You can swap the homemade sauce with store-bought Alfredo sauce, but homemade always tastes better!

Best Sides and Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

What Goes Well with Marry Me Chicken?

Serve your pasta with:

• Garlic Bread – To soak up the extra sauce
• Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – For a fresh contrast
• Caesar Salad – Light and refreshing

Wine and Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a lemon wedge

Substitutions & Dietary Modifications

Can You Use Coconut Milk in Marry Me Chicken?

Yes! Coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. However, it will add a slightly sweet and nutty flavor to the dish.

✅ How to Substitute:

• Use 1 cup full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• For extra thickness, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water.

Dairy-Free & Keto Modifications

If you’re looking for dairy-free or keto alternatives, try these swaps:

Ingredient	Dairy-Free Alternative	Keto Alternative
Heavy Cream	Coconut Cream	Heavy Cream (low-carb)
Parmesan Cheese	Nutritional Yeast	Parmesan (keto-friendly)
Pasta	Gluten-Free Pasta	Zoodles or Palmini Noodles

For those who love keto-friendly meal ideas, you might enjoy 5 Expert Tips for a Moist & Fluffy Chocolate Cake, which includes techniques to make desserts healthier.

How to Store & Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store them properly to keep the flavors intact.

✅ Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
✅ Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating Without Losing Creaminess

When reheating, the sauce may thicken. Here’s how to fix it:

🔥 Stovetop Method (Best Option)

1. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
2. Heat on medium-low, stirring occasionally.

🔥 Microwave Method

1. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
2. Add a little milk or broth to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What seasoning is in Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken uses Italian seasoning, garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for flavor.

Can you use Alfredo sauce for Marry Me Chicken?

Yes! You can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, but making your own results in a fresher, richer taste.

How to make a simple chicken pasta?

For a quick chicken pasta, simply:

1. Cook chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic.
2. Add cream, broth, and Parmesan for the sauce.
3. Toss with cooked pasta and serve!

How to dredge chicken in flour?

Dredging is easy:

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Coat lightly in flour, shaking off excess.

How to thicken Marry Me Chicken sauce?

• Simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
• Add more Parmesan cheese to thicken naturally.
• Use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Can you use coconut milk in Marry Me Chicken?

Yes! It works as a dairy-free alternative but adds a slight sweetness.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy, flavorful, and indulgent dish that brings comfort and elegance to the table. Whether you’re preparing a romantic date-night dinner, a cozy family meal, or a special occasion feast, this dish never fails to impress. The combination of tender, juicy chicken, a rich and savory sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates an unforgettable flavor experience.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it also allows for customization—whether you want to swap in a different pasta, adjust the spice level, or try a dairy-free alternative. Pair it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, or a glass of wine, and you have a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Give this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe a try, and you might just hear the words… “Marry me!” after the first bite! ❤️