The sauce in this Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly the heart and soul of the dish. Creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor, it has that perfect balance of richness without feeling too heavy. As it simmers on the stove, the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes meld together, releasing a sweet, tangy depth that’s nothing short of intoxicating. When you toss it with the tender chicken and pasta, every bite feels like an indulgence. There’s a little kick from the red pepper flakes, just enough to keep things exciting, while the basil and Parmesan finish off the dish with a fragrant, savory punch. It’s the kind of meal that not only satisfies the stomach but also wraps you in comfort, making you feel like you’re dining at a cozy Italian trattoria, no matter where you are. And the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day—if you’re lucky enough to have any!
Key Ingredients in Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role, working together to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. From the creamy base to the perfectly cooked chicken, everything comes together in a way that feels both comforting and indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe truly shine:
* Chicken breast
Tender, boneless, and skinless chicken breast provides the perfect canvas for the sauce to soak into, adding a lean source of protein to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
* Pasta
Penne or fettuccine—either one will work beautifully here. The pasta is like the vessel that carries all the creamy goodness from the sauce, soaking it up and making each bite decadent.
* Olive oil
A staple in so many dishes, olive oil adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the chicken and aromatics, giving the dish a subtle fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients.
* Butter
The butter enhances the sauce’s creamy texture and provides a silky, melt-in-your-mouth finish. It adds depth and a little indulgence without being overpowering.
* Onion
A small, chopped onion brings a sweet, savory depth to the dish, forming the flavor base when sautéed and blending beautifully with the garlic and herbs.
* Garlic
Freshly minced garlic is a flavor powerhouse. Its pungency mellows as it cooks, lending a warm, aromatic essence to the sauce that is simply irresistible.
* Dried thyme
Thyme adds a herby, slightly earthy note that elevates the sauce, making it feel fresh and balanced against the richness of the cream and cheese.
* Dried basil
Sweet and aromatic, basil brings a burst of Italian-inspired flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the chicken and tomatoes in the sauce.
* Dried oregano
Oregano is another herb that adds a savory, slightly peppery undertone, enhancing the Mediterranean flair of this pasta dish.
* Crushed red pepper flakes
Just a touch of heat from the red pepper flakes cuts through the creaminess, giving the sauce a little kick without overpowering the other flavors.
* Chicken broth
This savory liquid infuses the sauce with a deep, rich flavor, helping to loosen the sauce while adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
* Heavy cream
The cream is the star of the show, giving the sauce its velvety, luxurious texture and creating that dreamy consistency that makes this pasta so irresistible.
* Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty, and slightly salty flavor that helps balance the richness of the cream, rounding out the sauce perfectly.
* Mozzarella cheese
Shredded mozzarella contributes a melt-in-your-mouth quality and a subtle creaminess, helping the sauce stretch and cling to the pasta beautifully.
* Salt
Salt is essential for bringing out all the other flavors and enhancing the richness of the sauce. It helps to tie everything together.
* Black pepper
Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the dish, bringing out the herbs and spices in the sauce.
* Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds a touch of brightness and color, providing a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce while also offering a subtle herbal note that ties everything together.
How to Make Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Let the oil warm up, making sure the skillet is nice and hot before moving on to the next step.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Don’t be shy with the seasoning—this will help bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
3. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
You should hear a satisfying sizzle when they hit the pan. This is key to getting that golden-brown crust.
4. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
Don’t rush this part—let the chicken get that crispy exterior while staying juicy inside.
5. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
This helps the chicken stay tender while you finish the sauce.
6. In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
The leftover bits in the pan will help flavor the butter, creating a savory base for the sauce.
7. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
You want the onion to mellow and turn sweet, not browned, so keep an eye on it.
8. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Garlic cooks quickly, so be sure to stir it around so it doesn’t burn.
9. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
The herbs and spice will infuse the butter and oil, creating a fragrant base for your sauce.
10. Stir the spices with the onions and garlic to release their flavors, cooking for another minute.
You’ll smell the spices bloom as they toast in the pan—this is a great time to breathe in those savory aromas!
11. Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
These little bits (called fond) are packed with flavor, so make sure to loosen them up for the sauce.
12. Allow the broth to simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
Let the broth cook down, concentrating its flavor and creating a richer base for the sauce.
13. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
The cream will create that dreamy, velvety texture for the sauce—don’t rush this step.
14. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
This will give your sauce that luxurious, cheesy depth you crave.
15. Taste the sauce and add more salt and black pepper as needed.
Adjust the seasoning to your taste—sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper is all it takes.
16. While the sauce is simmering, cook 8 oz of pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente.
The pasta should be firm but tender, with a slight bite to it when you taste it.
17. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
Let the pasta absorb all that creamy sauce—this is the moment when everything starts to come together!
18. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and place them on top of the pasta.
This allows the chicken to blend seamlessly into the pasta, with each bite offering a bit of tender chicken.
19. Gently toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce together to combine.
Be careful not to break up the chicken too much—you want to keep those lovely slices intact.
20. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley over the dish for garnish.
The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that balances the richness of the dish.
21. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Grab a fork, dig in, and let yourself be swept away by the creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta
– *Pair with a crisp white wine*
The creamy richness of the pasta needs a little brightness to cut through the indulgence. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be perfect, offering a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce while complementing the herbs and chicken.
– *Add a side salad*
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds the perfect balance to this rich dish. The crisp, tangy greens will cleanse your palate between bites of creamy pasta, giving you that perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
– *Top with extra cheese*
If you’re anything like me, more Parmesan cheese is never a bad idea! A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving will elevate the flavors and add that irresistible salty, nutty finish to each bite.
How to Store Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or you want to make this dish ahead of time), storing it properly ensures that you can enjoy it again without sacrificing that creamy, flavorful goodness.
– Refrigerate
Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up the sauce, so when reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up a bit.
– Freeze
If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze your leftovers. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, making sure it’s well-sealed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a bit of added cream or broth to bring back that silky texture.
– Reheat
The best way to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop. Add a small amount of chicken broth or cream and warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Reheat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
By following these easy storage methods, you’ll have no trouble enjoying your Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta even after the first meal. Just make sure to savor those leftovers—they might just be the best part!
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta! This dish is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness, with just the right amount of kick from those red pepper flakes. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just craving a comforting meal, it’s guaranteed to impress. The flavors come together in such a magical way, and the best part? It tastes even better the next day, if you can manage to have leftovers!
Feel free to print this article and keep it on hand for whenever you need a quick, delicious meal that’ll make everyone feel like they’ve stepped into a cozy Italian kitchen. If you’ve tried the recipe, I’d love to hear how it went! Drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions or feedback. I’m always here to help, whether you need tips for the perfect chicken or just want to chat about how you made this dish your own. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Description
Tender chicken bathed in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, paired with al dente pasta and a hint of sun-dried tomatoes. The rich, savory flavors are so irresistible, they’ll make you believe in love at first bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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While the skillet is heating, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
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Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
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Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
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In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter.
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Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent.
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Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
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Stir the spices with the onions and garlic to release their flavors, cooking for another minute.
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Pour in 1/2 cup of chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
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Allow the broth to simmer for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly.
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Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
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Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
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Taste the sauce and add more salt and black pepper as needed.
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While the sauce is simmering, cook 8 oz of pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
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Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and place them on top of the pasta.
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Gently toss the pasta, chicken, and sauce together to combine.
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Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley over the dish for garnish.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy your Ultimate Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Note
- Use bone-in chicken breasts for added flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a richer sauce, increase the amount of heavy cream to 3/4 cup.
- Swap the mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- To make the dish spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
