Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta worth making from scratch when dinner time feels like a deadline? I’ve made this dish more times than I can count tweaking the sauce, swapping ingredients, testing every shortcut because I wanted it to be doable, repeatable, and worth your time.
This isn’t just another marry me chicken recipe it’s a reliable, high-protein chicken meal that fits right into real life, even for families relying on quick fixes or meal kits.
Golden Garlic Parmesan Comfort, Bite After Bite
- It’s my weeknight reset button with chicken and pasta no fancy, just flavor that hugs back.
- torn basil, garlic in my hands, and this creamy chicken pasta recipe that makes the kitchen feel like a deep breath.
The Ingredients – Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 tablespoon flour
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan (plus more for topping)
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stuffani’s Comfort
This isn’t just marry me chicken with pasta it’s what I reach for when the day’s been loud and I need something warm and forgiving. It works whether you’re feeding two or stretching it for quick chicken dinner recipes.
Instructions – Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook in salted water until al dente. Drain, but save some pasta water for later.
Stuffani’s Tip
Pasta water is liquid gold. If the sauce gets clingy, a splash brings everything back to silky.
Step 2: Build your base
Melt butter in a skillet, stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Add garlic, tomato paste, and wine or broth. Let it bubble.
Stuffani’s Advice
Smells like my mom’s late shifts. That deep, garlicky sizzle? It still slows me down. That’s flavor worth waiting for.
Step 3: Creamy magic happens
Whisk in cream, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken. Let it thicken.
Stuffani’s Whisper
This marry me chicken sauce is why my daughter asks, “Is this the pasta with the red bits?” Yes, the one she sneaks before it’s even served.
Step 4: Make it come together
Stir in parmesan and basil. Season well. Add drained pasta. Toss gently. Splash in hot pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
Stuffani’s Advice
Don’t just pour it all together toss like you’re folding in something sacred. This creamy chicken pasta recipe deserves that softness.
Step 5: Serve hot
Plate with extra parmesan and fresh basil. Eat now. Don’t wait.
Stuffani’s Whisper
This is why easy dinner recipes for two matter some meals are better shared, even if it’s just two tired people and a quiet table.
Want a full plate moment? Pair a slice stretching it for quick chicken dinner recipes with leftover rotisserie.and watch everyone dive in like it’s Sunday dinner.
Variations And Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce
Variations of Marry Me Chicken Pasta You’ll Love
- Classic:
- Heavy cream, garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- This is the creamy chicken pasta recipe I go back to every time.
- Healthy/Light:
- Greek yogurt instead of cream. Whole wheat pasta. Spinach folded in.
- It’s still cozy but works for quick and cheap meals.
- Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free:
- Coconut milk or cashew cream. Gluten-free pasta. Vegan parmesan.
- I tried it for a friend she couldn’t believe it was dairy-free.
Stuffani’s Note
I found these variations after running out of ingredients, and each one turned into its own comfort.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Sauce
- Heavy cream matters:
- It won’t curdle under heat. That’s why Marry Me Chicken Pasta stays smooth.
- Cream without cream:
- Greek yogurt with pasta water makes a lighter sauce.
- See my take on cream sauce without heavy cream.
- Don’t overcook the chicken:
- Stop at 165°F. That keeps it juicy. Anything past that dries it out.
Stuffani’s Whisper
My best tricks came from mistakes now they keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta fresh every time.
Troubleshooting And Nutrition & Dietary Notes
Common Problems & Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sauce curdled | Used milk/low-fat | Stick with heavy cream or thicken with a roux |
| Sauce too thick | Too much reduction | Add reserved pasta water to loosen |
| Chicken bland | Under-seasoned | Season in layers before searing and again in sauce |
Stuffani’s Note
Most of these mistakes were mine first, and fixing them taught me how to trust the recipe.
Nutrition and Substitution Options
| Option | Details | Stuffani’s Note |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~650–700 per serving | Balanced if paired with salad or greens |
| Keto | Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta | Still creamy, still filling, lighter on carbs |
| Gluten-Free | Swap in brown rice or GF pasta | I use this when cooking for friends with sensitivities |
| Dairy-Free | Coconut cream or cashew cream | A little sweeter, but it works beautifully |
Stuffani’s Whisper
I learned these swaps the hard way out of missing ingredients and long days and they still keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta on our table.
Serving Suggestions And Storage & Freezing
How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Fridge:
- 3–4 days in a sealed container.
- I mark the lid with the date keeps my family from guessing.
- Freezer:
- I freeze sauce and chicken, never pasta.
- Two months later, I cook fresh noodles and it feels new again.
- Reheat:
- I reheat slow on the stove.
- Out of cream? I stir in yogurt and pasta water my own healthy alternative to heavy cream.
Stuffani’s Note
I learned to freeze the sauce alone after serving mushy pasta once never again.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Classic sides:
- Garlic bread. Roasted vegetables. Caesar salad.
- This turns it into easy dinner recipes for families.
- Wine pairings:
- Pinot Grigio when I want light.
- Sauvignon Blanc when I want crisp.
- Occasions:
- A Valentine’s dinner. A Sunday table.
- Even a potluck this one pot chicken pasta meal always vanishes fast.
Stuffani’s Whisper
The sides don’t matter as much as the company; that’s why Marry Me Chicken Pasta always tastes better at a crowded table.
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FAQ
What kind of pasta is used in Marry Me Chicken?
Short pasta with ridges penne or rigatoni holds the sauce best.
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
Because the creamy chicken pasta recipe is rich, comforting, and unforgettable like a promise.
What is the sauce on Marry Me Chicken?
It’s a creamy mix of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes my kind of chicken pasta with parmesan.
What kind of sides go with Marry Me Chicken?
Garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables simple easy dinner recipes for families that complete the plate.
Conclusion
- Every time I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it feels like bringing comfort to the table fast.
- It’s creamy, simple, and fits the rhythm of easy dinner recipes with chicken.
- From busy nights to family Sundays, this recipe proves that care can live in a single pan.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful Recipe Worth Sharing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Italian American
- Cuisine: American
Description
You’ll love this chicken pasta recipe! It combines the deliciousness of grilled chicken with a delicious tomato cream sauce and garlic, and it’s ready in no time. Everyone will be wowed at the first bite.
Ingredients
8 ounces uncooked pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 tablespoon flour
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/3 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
1/3 cup grated parmesan (plus more for topping)
1 small handful fresh basil, torn
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook in salted water until al dente. Drain, but save some pasta water for later.
Step 2: Build your base
Melt butter in a skillet, stir in flour, cook 1 minute. Add garlic, tomato paste, and wine or broth. Let it bubble.
Step 3: Creamy magic happens
Whisk in cream, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and chicken. Let it thicken.
Step 4: Make it come together
Stir in parmesan and basil. Season well. Add drained pasta. Toss gently. Splash in hot pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
Step 5: Serve hot
Plate with extra parmesan and fresh basil. Eat now. Don’t wait.
Notes
A golden tip from a mom who grew up cooking: Substitute heavy cream for anything lower in fat, like milk. Tomato sauce curdles, so you’ll need to add more flour to thicken it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 667kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 308mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 142mg
Keywords: marry me chicken, marry me chicken pasta, marry me chicken recipe, marry me pasta with chicken, creamy chicken pasta recipe
