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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is just the ticket. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and just the right amount of spice, it’s a dish that never fails to impress yet is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself to a decadent comfort meal, this recipe blends tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting a luscious, satisfying dish. Every element contributes something special—from the juicy chicken breasts bringing protein and heartiness, to the sun-dried tomatoes adding a pop of color and tang, and creamy Parmesan sauce tying everything harmoniously together.
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender and juicy bites.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for a perfect sear, adding subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky smooth texture to the sauce and helps develop golden chicken crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a pungent aroma and foundational depth to the dish.
- 1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds a sweet, tangy burst that lifts the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and a savory base to deglaze the pan and flavor the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Roles in the rich and velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta and chicken.
- 3⁄4 cup grated parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, nutty punch enhancing every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to bring an aromatic and balanced herbal undertone.
- 1⁄4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick to keep your taste buds intrigued.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simple essentials that elevate all flavors.
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente: Perfect tubular pasta that catches the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet finish and a pop of green color.
How to Make Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. This is where simple ingredients begin to build mouthwatering layers of flavor. The salt brings out the natural juices, while the pepper introduces a gentle warmth.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. You want a beautiful crust that seals in juices. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest briefly.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic will infuse the oil with aromatic goodness, while the tomatoes add a sweet, tangy complexity. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant — keep an eye so your garlic doesn’t burn.
Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step is key for a layered depth of flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens just enough to coat your pasta beautifully.
Step 5: Add Chicken Back to Simmer
Slice the cooked chicken breasts into medallions and return them to the sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken soaks up all that creamy, herbed goodness. This melding of ingredients is the magic that makes this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe irresistible.
Step 6: Toss in the Pasta
Finally, add your cooked rigatoni pasta straight into the skillet. Toss everything carefully to ensure each pasta piece gets luxuriously coated with the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors blend perfectly and the pasta absorbs some of that creamy texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the top for a bright, herbaceous touch. Serve the dish piping hot and prepare for the endless compliments that come with this scrumptious Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is an excellent choice to add freshness and color, but you could also sprinkle extra Parmesan or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an elegant finish. A few red pepper flakes on top will amp up the visual appeal and hint at the dish’s gentle spiciness.
Side Dishes
This creamy and richly sauced pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted asparagus or garlic bread also complement the flavors and textures without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant sauce and garnishes. Consider topping with toasted pine nuts or adding a small handful of baby arugula for a peppery contrast. For dinner parties, individual ramekins baked briefly with a crust of extra Parmesan can turn it into an elegant casserole-style delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, keep pasta and chicken with sauce together in freezer-safe containers. For best texture, consume within 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the delightful creaminess and tender chicken.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to re-loosen the sauce if it seems thickened. Alternatively, rewarm in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. This helps keep the pasta from drying out and the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs provide a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through before proceeding with the recipe.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
While rigatoni is recommended because its shape catches the sauce well, penne or fusilli also work nicely to hold the creamy sauce in every bite.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. Keep in mind this will subtly change the flavor but can still be delicious.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth; if you prefer less heat, reduce or omit them entirely without sacrificing flavor complexity.
Can I prepare this dish for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredient amounts proportionally. The Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe scales well for gatherings, making it a great make-ahead crowd-pleaser.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that feels both indulgent and effortless, and this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe captures that perfectly. From the tender chicken to the creamy, savory sauce with bursts of sun-dried tomato, every bite is a celebration of flavor. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new go-to dish for both casual weeknights and impressive dinners alike.
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Print
Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan, tossed with perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta. This one-pan meal is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Pasta and Garnish
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4–5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add chicken back: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer together for 2–3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Combine pasta: Add the cooked rigatoni pasta to the skillet and toss everything together so the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until fully combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped basil if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be found packed in oil or dry; either works but if dry, consider soaking them briefly for softness.
- If you prefer less spice, omit or reduce red pepper flakes.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half though sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh basil adds a nice herbal brightness, but you can also garnish with parsley or oregano.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
