Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – tender chicken in an irresistible creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms and fresh herbs tossed with your favorite pasta. Easy, 30 minute meal – quick enough for weeknights – elevated for date night – so good it may update your relationship status.

You may have seen Ina Garten’s version of Marry Me Chicken on social mediation. Adding pasta is a no-brainer for an easy dinner recipe in just 30 minutes.

It’s ideal even when you’re not interested in a marriage proposal – busy weeknights, time with good friends –  a Tueday night . . .you’ll be in love from the first bite.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Versatile: this chicken dish is ideal for weeknight, entertaining friends – it’s also the perfect dish for special occasions.

Handful of ingredients from the grocery store.

30 minute meal: I love an easy recipe ready in 30 minutes and this one checks all the boxes: juicy chicken breasts, creamy pasta and a burst of sweet-tang from the sun-dried tomatoes.

I do? It’s been said, “I’d marry you for that chicken!”.

Delicious comfort: for anyone who loves a cozy, comfort meal at home, this Marry me hCicken recipe is it.

Ingredients needed for Marry Me Chicken:

One of the reasons this is such a great recipe is because it starts with simple ingredients – many you may already have on hand. The complete list of ingredients with amounts is in the printable recipe card below.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer):  A non-sexy fact but chicken is a great source of protein, easy on the wallet and cooks quickly because we cut it in bite size pieces.

Sun-dried tomatoes – for bright, zesty flavor in every bite.

Pasta – this recipe works well with any kind of pasta from fettuccine to angel hair pasta to short pasta. I like the pop of color from the spinach fettuccine but use what you like best!

Heavy cream – don’t skip it – it helps create this decadent sauce.

Grated parmesan cheese – a key element that melts right into this creamy sauce and adds another layer of flavor.

Spices and flavors: salt and black pepper, fresh garlic cloves and fresh herbs.

Vegetable – I love sauteed mushrooms in this dish, but you can definitely leave them out if they’re not for you.

Miscellaneous – olive oil keeps the chicken from sticking to the skillet and butter and a splash of dry white wine add rich flavor. A little flour thickens the sauce.

Subs and variations to this recipe:

• Need this meal even faster? Use rotisserie chicken.
• Want it spicy? Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Gluten free pasta can be used for dietary needs.
• Wilt in fresh spinach leaves for a Tuscan chicken vibe.
• Fresh basil is a great addition on the finished dish – especially in the summertime when I grow basil.

How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Slice or pound chicken breasts thin then generously season them on both sides with salt and black pepper.

Cook the pasta according to package directions in a pot of generously salted water to al dente, then reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain.

To a large skillet add butter and olive oil over medium to medium-high heat.

Place chicken into the hot skillet, searing 3-4 minutes per side to golden brown then remove it from the skillet and set aside.

Add mushrooms and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook 3 minutes or until the mushrooms are lightly brown then season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Pour the wine into the skillet scraping any browned bits from the bottom and cook 2-3 minutes letting the wine reduce.

Pour in chicken stock and drained sun dried tomatoes (slice smaller if necessary). Slice reserved chicken, add to the skillet and simmer another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes are tender.

In a small bowl whisk flour and parmesan cheese together (this is to thicken the sauce). Reduce heat to medium low then add heavy cream, parmesan mixture and diced parsley. Simmer a couple of minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Add reserved pasta, tossing gently to coat well. Simmer a couple of minutes then serve right away with extra parmensan cheese at the table.

Best side dishes with Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

I love a nice bakery style crusty bread to get every drop of this delicious sauce. Fresh green beans would be a good addition along with a glass of the dry white wine you used in the recipe.

Tips for the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• Sauce too thick? Splash in a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s the thickness you’re looking for.
• Cook pasta just until al dente without overcooking it because it’s finished in the sauce.
• Searing the chicken adds tons of flavor to it and don’t skip the brown bits from the bottom fo the skillet. They also add extra deliciousness to this recipe.
• Be sure to reduce heat before adding cream.

FAQ:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes! Boneless skinless thighs – or even rotisserie chicken work well too.

What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta different from regular creamy chicken pasta?
It’s the rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic, parmesan, and herbs that sets it apart—and rumor has it, it’s so good it could spark a proposal!

What kind of pasta works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Whatever pasta you like best — from short pastas like penne or rigatoni to fettuccine. All are amazing.

What’s the best way to store Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Let it cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 3 days – reheat in the micro.

More delicious chicken recipes:

Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Brussels Sprouts

Chicken Tortellini Alfredo

Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Enjoy!