| |

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that blends comfort, creamy indulgence, and a little bit of romance, you’ve just struck gold. I’m excited to share my all-time favorite Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, a dish that’s become a go-to for cozy weeknights and even special dinners. This recipe is seriously fan-freaking-tastic—rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and Decadent: The sauce is rich with cream, parmesan, and sundried tomatoes, creating a luscious blend of flavors you’ll crave.
  • Simple Ingredients: You won’t have to scour specialty stores—most ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find at any grocery.
  • Quick to Make: I love how this dish comes together in about 25 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners when time is tight.
  • Impresses Every Time: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a date night in, this recipe always gets compliments and requests for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients. For this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, every component works beautifully to build layers of flavor and texture. My tip? Use fresh garlic and good quality parmesan to get that next-level taste.

Flat lay of three large boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets, a small mound of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, three fresh garlic cloves unpeeled, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter chunks, a small white bowl of pale chicken stock, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl filled with grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl containing bright red chopped sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of vibrant fresh basil leaves, sprinkled dried chili flakes, dried oregano and dried thyme arranged symmetrically on the white surface, all ingredients fresh and natural, no packaging or utensils, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, romantic chicken pasta, comforting pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner ideas
  • Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced cutlets cook quickly and stay juicy—no dry chicken here!
  • Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning enhances the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
  • All-purpose flour: Helps create a lovely crust on the chicken and slightly thickens the sauce.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps get a beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
  • Unsalted butter: Gives the sauce a velvety texture—don’t skip it!
  • Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings that warm, aromatic kick to the sauce.
  • Chicken stock: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
  • Heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it luscious and dreamy.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into a lovely salty, nutty flavor.
  • Chili flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to wake up the palate.
  • Dried oregano and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that round out the flavor perfectly.
  • Sundried tomatoes: Their chewy texture and tang bring bursts of sweetness and umami.
  • Fresh basil leaves: Garnish that adds freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment; cooking this dish in your own style makes it even more special.

  • Spicy variation: I sometimes add extra chili flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bolder kick that my family goes crazy for.
  • Low-carb version: Swap the pasta for zoodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter feel without losing any of the creamy goodness.
  • Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or firm tofu—I’ve tested this and the sauce still steals the show!
  • Herb swap: If you don’t have oregano or thyme, rosemary also works wonderfully.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts lengthwise into thin cutlets—this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Then, dredge each piece in all-purpose flour, shaking off the excess so you’re left with a light coating. This is key to getting that golden, crispy exterior once cooked.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Perfectly

Heat olive oil and butter together over medium heat in a large skillet. The combo helps the chicken brown without burning. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to get that beautiful golden crust on each side. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through, then transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it to keep warm.

Step 3: Build Your Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant—you’ll know because your kitchen smells like heaven. Add chicken stock to deglaze, scraping up those tasty browned bits that are full of flavor. Once the stock is simmering, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Let everything gently bubble until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add Herbs and Sundried Tomatoes

Season the sauce with chili flakes, oregano, thyme, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Then stir in chopped sundried tomatoes—their tangy sweetness really elevates the dish. Nestle the cooked chicken back into the sauce and let everything simmer for a few more minutes. This helps thicken the sauce further and lets those flavors meld perfectly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle over fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness. I always serve this creamy goodness over al dente pasta—linguine or fettuccine works beautifully—or sometimes on creamy mashed potatoes or rice. The sauce clings so well, making every bite luxurious.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Thin Cutlets Matter: Cutting the chicken thin helps it cook quickly and stay tender, preventing dryness—a mistake I struggled with at first.
  • Don’t Skip Deglazing: Scraping those brown bits off the pan adds a depth of flavor that makes your sauce truly special.
  • Cream and Cheese Timing: Add the cream and parmesan slowly over low heat to prevent curdling and ensure a silky sauce.
  • Simmer, Don’t Boil: Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to let it thicken without separating or burning.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two thick pieces of cooked chicken stacked with creamy sauce on top and around them. The chicken is light brown with a slightly crispy texture on the outside and white inside. The creamy sauce is light yellow with visible chunks of red sun-dried tomatoes and small green herbs mixed in, giving it a rich and textured look. The layers show the thick sauce covering the entire surface of the chicken pieces, with some sauce pooling at the bottom. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, easy creamy chicken pasta, romantic chicken pasta, comforting pasta recipes, quick weeknight dinner ideas

Garnishes

I always top this dish with freshly chopped basil because it brightens the richness of the sauce wonderfully. Sometimes I sprinkle extra parmesan or a few torn sun-dried tomato pieces on top for texture and flavor bursts. A squeeze of lemon zest isn’t traditional, but it adds a lovely fresh note if you’re feeling adventurous!

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance. I especially love it with garlic-roasted broccoli or a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty bread on the side is a must in my house to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this dish in individual wide pasta bowls garnished with whole basil leaves and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. It looks restaurant-worthy and makes dinner feel truly elevated. Another fun trick is to serve it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins for an autumn twist that really wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pasta can be stored separately if you want to maintain texture. This way, reheating is quick and the sauce stays glossy and smooth.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the chicken and sauce before without issue. Just cool it completely, pack airtight, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge to keep the sauce from separating too much.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it up. Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the sauce curdle sometimes, which I learned the hard way!

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Thin slices or pounded thighs work best for even cooking.

  2. What pasta pairs best with this creamy chicken?

    I love serving this with fettuccine, linguine, or penne because their shape holds onto the rich sauce well. But honestly, any pasta you have on hand will be fantastic! Even thick egg noodles or rigatoni work beautifully.

  3. Is this recipe spicy?

    It has just a gentle hint of heat from the chili flakes—not overpowering but enough to add warmth. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes based on your preference.

  4. Can I make this dairy-free?

    Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a vegan parmesan substitute. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift a bit, but it’s still delicious.

  5. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

    The key is to add cream and cheese over low heat and avoid boiling the sauce vigorously. Simmer gently and stir often—this keeps your sauce silky smooth. Also, use fresh, high-quality cream and parmesan when possible.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe turns out every time—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. When I first tried it, I didn’t expect the flavors to be so rich yet balanced, and my family goes crazy for it now. This recipe transformed my weeknight dinners from “meh” to memorable, and I can’t wait for you to experience that too. So go ahead, whip up this dish, share it with your favorite people, and maybe, just maybe, it’ll become your own “marry me” moment in the kitchen.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Marry Me Chicken is a luscious and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken cutlets cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with garlic, sundried tomatoes, and herbs. This recipe promises a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for serving over pasta or rice, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless, sliced lengthwise into thin cutlets)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Cooking Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • 1 cup heavy cream (double cream in the UK)
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon thyme
  • ⅓ cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves


Instructions

  1. Season and Flour the Chicken: Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then dredge them lightly in the all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess to ensure an even coating without clumps.
  2. Heat the Fat: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Swirl the pan to coat it evenly with the mixture, preparing it for browning the chicken.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet without overcrowding; work in batches if necessary. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the browned chicken to a plate, cover it to keep warm, and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze: In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic for about one minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to lift any browned bits, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
  5. Make Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream along with the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet. Simmer the sauce gently for a couple of minutes until it begins to thicken. Season with chili flakes, oregano, and thyme to infuse additional flavor.
  6. Combine and Simmer: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes, then return the chicken cutlets to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken further and the flavors to meld.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing the dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken warm over your choice of pasta or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Marry Me Chicken is creamy, juicy, and full of flavor! It’s said that this chicken dinner is so good that if you cook it for your partner, he will propose to you! Yes, it’s THAT amazing!
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream variant, though it may affect the richness.
  • To intensify the heat, increase chili flakes according to your spice preference.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for the best aromatic flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 447 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 601 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 147 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star