This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals! Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs, this pasta dish has it all. Perfect for date night or any occasion when you want to impress, it’s rich and satisfying yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
Tongs: To handle the chicken.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Wooden Spoon: To stir the sauce.

Ingredient Overview

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give the dish a lean, protein-packed base.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce for a rich, creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor that brings everything together.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
Fresh Basil: For a fragrant, herby finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken
Season 2 large chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice) and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add ½ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring well, and bring to a simmer. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta and Chicken
Slice the chicken and add it to the sauce, along with the cooked pasta. Toss to combine, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Finish with Basil
Sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta and give it a final toss. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Recipe Tips

Choose the Right Pasta: Hearty pastas like penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best for holding the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Use a few spoonfuls of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to add extra flavor to the dish.
Consistency: Adjust the sauce with pasta water for a thinner texture or more cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve with a fresh green salad, crusty bread, or garlic knots to round out the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and may even add more flavor.

Q: How can I make it less rich?
A: Substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or chicken broth for a lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is great for a romantic dinner, or it can be served at a family gathering with a side of roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet until golden and cooked through; set aside.
Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, add heavy cream and Parmesan, then simmer.
Combine: Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to sauce, toss to coat.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Summary

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and bound to impress. With sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan, it’s a perfect meal for any special occasion!

Notes

Customize with red pepper flakes for extra heat, or add spinach for more greens!