If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is your ultimate answer. This sensational pasta combines tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious creamy sauce that’s spiked with just a hint of heat and herbaceous notes. It’s comforting yet elegant enough to impress family and friends, making every bite feel like a warm, loving hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe promises to win hearts, guaranteed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, bringing creamy texture, savory depth, and a burst of color to the final dish.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose any shape you love; each will soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps build the base of the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Provides a concentrated tang and vibrant color.
- â…“ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, velvety texture that defines this pasta.
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a sweet, intense tomato flavor with a chewy bite.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm, earthy herbal note.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the dish.
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded: The hearty protein that makes this pasta satisfying and fulfilling.
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Imparts a salty, nutty finish.
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped: Adds brightness and a fresh pop of green.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, as it will come in handy later to adjust the sauce consistency.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
While your pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about one minute to create a smooth roux—it’s the foundation that will thicken your sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and tomato paste, stirring everything together, and then pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth. Let this mixture cook for another minute to cook off the alcohol and meld the flavors.
Step 3: Thicken the Creamy Sauce
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, making sure the sauce becomes smooth and rich. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded chicken. Keep cooking until your sauce thickens to a luscious, spoon-coating consistency—that’s where the magic happens.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Turn off the heat and gently fold in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together. Now add your drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything so that every piece is lovingly coated in that glorious sauce. If needed, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce just a bit—this step ensures each bite stays perfectly saucy and satisfying.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your masterpiece with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves for visual appeal and a fresh herbal punch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil on top can also elevate the dish’s lushness.
Side Dishes
This pasta is rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables creates an inviting, well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the creamy sauce wonderfully if you’re craving a carb-loaded feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel or arrange it neatly on warmed plates for an elegant touch. Adding edible flowers or sprinkling some toasted pine nuts can bring festive flair and delightful texture, turning your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe into a true showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and come together beautifully after resting, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the leftovers, but be aware that the texture of the cream sauce and pasta may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken mixture separately from the pasta and combine after reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid the microwave if possible—it often causes the cream to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is versatile and works well with any pasta shape, though shapes with ridges or tubes hold the sauce best.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the sauce?
Not at all. You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even vegetable broth if you prefer to avoid alcohol; it still adds great depth and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies to keep the dish hearty and delicious.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can adjust the quantity to make it milder or spicier according to your taste.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You sure can! Make the sauce and chicken mixture up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge; just warm it gently when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a comforting hug and impresses with every bite, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect choice. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough for entertaining, bringing together flavors and textures you’ll fall in love with. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to favorites to make time and time again.
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a luscious white wine cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting pasta recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special enough for date night or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any shape)
- Salt, to taste (for boiling water)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- â…“ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
- Make Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the minced garlic and tomato paste to the roux, stirring for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the dry white wine (or chicken broth if preferred) and stir well, cooking for another minute to reduce slightly.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream, then fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and shredded cooked chicken. Simmer the sauce gently, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired creaminess, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and torn basil leaves. Remove the skillet from heat and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, for a rich and comforting meal.
Notes
- Use any shape of pasta you prefer; penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work particularly well.
- Chicken can be homemade cooked chicken breast or convenient rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- If you don’t have white wine on hand, chicken broth is a good substitute that keeps the sauce flavorful.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Reserve some pasta water when draining pasta; it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
