Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta — The Creamy, Irresistible Dish That Wins Hearts

If there’s one dish that truly lives up to its romantic name, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, savory, and flavor-packed pasta has captured hearts all over the world — and for good reason. With tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dish that’s simply unforgettable.

Perfect for date nights, cozy family dinners, or when you want to impress, this pasta dish is so good it might just earn you a proposal — hence the name!

✅️ Why You’ll Fall in Love with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This viral favorite combines creamy texture, bold seasoning, and the perfect balance of tang and spice. Each bite delivers the comforting warmth of home-cooked food with a touch of elegance — an ideal recipe for any occasion.

🔹️ Ingredients and Their Roles

◾️ For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch pieces) ➡️ Tender, juicy, and perfect for absorbing all the sauce’s flavor.

½ tsp salt & ¼ tsp cracked pepper ➡️ Essential for seasoning and balance.

1 tsp garlic powder ➡️ Adds savory depth.

½ tsp paprika ➡️ Provides gentle smokiness and color.

½ tsp chili powder ➡️ Introduces mild heat.

½ tsp oregano ➡️ Gives an earthy, Mediterranean touch.

4 tbsp olive oil, divided ➡️ Ensures the chicken sears beautifully and enriches the sauce.

◾️ For the Pasta and Sauce:

10 oz pasta (treccioni, penne, or rigatoni) ➡️ The perfect base for holding the creamy sauce.

2 tbsp butter ➡️ Adds richness and flavor.

3 tbsp flour ➡️ Thickens the sauce for a luscious texture.

1 clove garlic (minced) ➡️ Aromatic foundation for the sauce.

1 tsp tomato paste ➡️ Adds depth, color, and sweetness.

1 cup heavy cream ➡️ The luxurious heart of the sauce.

2 cups chicken broth ➡️ Balances the richness with savory depth.

2 oz cream cheese (softened) ➡️ Makes the sauce ultra-creamy.

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese ➡️ Melts into the sauce for nutty, cheesy goodness.

¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes ➡️ Tangy-sweet contrast that defines the dish.

1 tbsp Italian seasoning ➡️ Infuses classic herby flavor.

¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder ➡️ Enhances every element.

Fresh parsley (for garnish) ➡️ Adds color and brightness to the final presentation.

✅️ Step-by-Step Instructions:

▶️ 1. Season the Chicken

👉 In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, oregano, and 2 tbsp olive oil.

Mix until every piece is evenly coated. This ensures juicy, flavorful bites every time.

▶️ 2. Cook the Pasta

👉 Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente.

Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

▶️ 3. Sear the Chicken

👉 In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove and set aside.

▶️ 4. Build the Sauce Base

👉 In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Whisk in flour and cook for another minute to create a smooth roux — this is what makes your sauce thick and creamy.

▶️ 5. Create the Creamy Sauce

👉 Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to remove lumps.

Add heavy cream, tomato paste, and cream cheese, stirring until smooth and velvety.

▶️ 6. Flavor and Finish

👉 Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.

When the sauce thickens, fold in the sun-dried tomatoes and let simmer for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

▶️ 7. Combine Everything

👉 Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan.

Toss gently until every piece is coated in the luscious sauce.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

▶️ 8. Garnish and Serve

👉 Plate your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, then top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Serve warm — and prepare for instant compliments!

✅️ Pro Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use chicken thighs — they’re juicier and more flavorful than breasts.

Grate your own Parmesan for a smoother melt.

Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes — they’re the secret to the sauce’s tangy-sweet magic.

Simmer gently, never boil, to keep your sauce creamy and smooth.

Add pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

🔹️ Serving Suggestions

Pair this heart-stealing pasta with:

◾️ A fresh Caesar salad or arugula salad with balsamic glaze

◾️ Warm garlic bread or buttery rolls to mop up every drop of sauce

◾️ A crisp glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

◾️ And for dessert — a simple chocolate mousse or tiramisu to complete the romance

✅️ Conclusion: Simple, Elegant, and Unforgettable

There’s a reason this dish is called Marry Me Chicken Pasta — it’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of tender chicken, silky Parmesan sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Whether you’re cooking to impress someone special or treating yourself to something divine, this recipe guarantees love at first bite.