Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy seared chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, and basil in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a quick, elegant Italian-American dinner that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for date night!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g total)
½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
¾ cup (180 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (85 g) sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed and drained
¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 oz (340 g) penne, fettuccine, or linguine
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then lightly coat them in flour.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low.
Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly in the sauce.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Add a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
**David’s Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta**
• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for faster, even cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
• Stir the sauce gently — boiling can cause the cream to separate.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
• Substitute spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for extra color and texture.
• This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.