If you are seeking a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. Whether you’re aiming to impress that special someone or simply want to indulge in a restaurant-quality dish at home, this recipe hits all the right notes with its rich flavors, delightful textures, and surprisingly simple preparation. Get ready to savor every forkful of this irresistible comfort food classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward staples, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor and creamy texture that makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe so unforgettable. From the tang of sun-dried tomatoes to the aromatic herbs and cheesy finish, every element enhances the dish beautifully.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne, fettuccine, or rotini work wonders for holding onto sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Provides a rich base to develop the sauce and a silky mouthfeel.
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce perfectly without lumps.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with robust, savory aromatics.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Adds a concentrated burst of umami and balances the creaminess with a mild tang.
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan, lifting all those flavor bits for a bright finish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The luxurious heart of the sauce that coats every ingredient in silkiness.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a chewy, sweet-tart contrast that elevates the entire dish.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a subtle earthiness and Mediterranean flair.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just the right hint of heat to awaken the palate.
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded: The protein star that makes this pasta hearty and satisfying.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Injects a salty, nutty richness that ties the sauce and chicken together.
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped: Provides a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lightens the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente—it should still have a tiny bit of bite to hold up well in the creamy sauce. Before draining, scoop out a cup of pasta water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and continuously stir for about one minute to cook off the raw flavor and form a light roux. This step ensures your sauce will be perfectly smooth and thick.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Add minced garlic, tomato paste, and the white wine or chicken broth to the roux. Stir well and let everything cook for another minute as the liquid slightly reduces. This elevates those sharp garlic notes and incorporates the rich tomato sweetness into your sauce.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Whisk in the heavy cream next, and then toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Stir frequently as the sauce simmers gently, thickening to a luscious consistency that will cling to every piece of pasta.
Step 5: Finish and Combine
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the torn basil leaves. Remove the pan from the heat and season generously with salt and pepper. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss together to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will achieve the perfect silky texture.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if you like, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors that make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe such a beloved favorite.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to add a final flourish is with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn fresh basil leaves on top. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a crack of black pepper can also add a nice visual and flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to introduce a crunchy, fresh contrast. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia also complement the creamy sauce by providing the perfect vehicle to scoop up every last luscious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, serve portions in shallow pasta bowls with a sprig of basil perched on top for that restaurant-worthy look. You can also bake the pasta briefly with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden finish that adds a delicious textural element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken as it chills, so it may need loosening when reheated.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately if possible to maintain the best texture. Use freezer-safe containers or bags and consume within 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked and shredded chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and flavor, making the dish even more decadent.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Any shape that holds sauce well works wonderfully, such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. Choose what you love and have on hand.
Is it okay to skip the wine or broth?
Yes! If you prefer to avoid alcohol, chicken broth is a perfect substitute that still provides depth without altering the dish’s character.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein, but keep in mind the sauce’s richness comes from the creamy, cheesy elements.
How spicy is the recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick—easy to adjust to your heat preference or omit entirely if you want a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple yet packed with flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your home!
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan pasta dish combining tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan-infused cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels gourmet.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any shape)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
Finishing
- ⅓ 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, and dry white wine (or chicken broth if preferred). Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, allowing the alcohol to cook off and the flavors to meld.
- Thicken Sauce with Cream and Flavorings: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil. Remove the skillet from heat and season the sauce generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the noodles completely with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and basil if desired. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Dry white wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Add more crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if preferred.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; dried basil can be used if fresh is unavailable but add less in amount.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
