Few recipes have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers like **Marry Me Chicken Pasta**. This creamy, rich, and flavorful pasta dish is so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire proposals—hence the name! With tender chicken, a luscious cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe is the ultimate comfort food for family dinners, date nights, or special occasions. In this article, we’ll explore how to prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta step by step, along with helpful tips, variations, and serving ideas.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta is Special

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that blends hearty ingredients with indulgent flavors. The combination of creamy sauce, seasoned chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes makes it irresistible. It’s a restaurant-quality recipe that you can easily make at home in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this amazing dish:

**For the Chicken:**
– 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp oregano
– 4 tbsp olive oil, divided

**For the Pasta and Sauce:**
– 10 oz pasta of choice (e.g., treccioni or penne)
– 2 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp flour
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp tomato paste
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (plus extra for topping)
– 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
– 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these clear steps to make perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

1. **Season the Chicken:** In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix well to coat evenly.

2. **Cook the Pasta:** Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. After draining, toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

3. **Cook the Chicken:** Heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 7–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.

4. **Make the Sauce Base:** In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute while whisking constantly.

5. **Build the Cream Sauce:** Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps, then add the heavy cream. Stir until the sauce begins to thicken.

6. **Add Cheese and Flavor:** Add the softened cream cheese, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

7. **Add Parmesan and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted, then mix in the sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of tangy flavor.

8. **Combine Everything:** Return the cooked chicken and pasta to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.

9. **Serve and Garnish:** Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm and enjoy!

Cooking and Prep Times

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 30 minutes
– Total Time: 45 minutes

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

– **Chicken Choice:** Boneless thighs are flavorful and tender, but you can substitute with chicken breasts.
– **Pasta Type:** Penne, rigatoni, or treccioni works best for holding the creamy sauce.
– **Extra Creaminess:** For an even richer sauce, add more Parmesan or a splash of half-and-half.
– **Spice Level:** Adjust chili powder to your taste preference.
– **Make Ahead:** You can cook the chicken in advance and refrigerate. Assemble with sauce and pasta when ready to serve.

Recipe Variations

– **Vegetarian Version:** Substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
– **Seafood Twist:** Use shrimp or scallops instead of chicken for a luxurious option.
– **Bacon Upgrade:** Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
– **Cheese Mix:** Blend mozzarella with Parmesan for a gooey texture.

Nutritional Value

Each serving of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is indulgent, with creamy fats from the dairy, protein from the chicken, and carbohydrates from the pasta. While it’s not a low-calorie meal, it’s perfect for special occasions when flavor and satisfaction matter most.

Serving Suggestions

– **Side Salad:** A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness of the pasta.
– **Bread:** Garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
– **Wine Pairing:** A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
– **Dessert:** Finish with a light dessert like fruit sorbet or tiramisu.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just food—it’s an experience. It’s hearty, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for both casual family meals and romantic dinners. The name says it all—this dish is so good, it might just win someone’s heart!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s indulgent, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special occasions. Once you try it, this dish will become a regular star in your meal rotation.

Bring Love to the Table with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Rich, creamy, and irresistible, Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply indulging in comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy every bite. Try it today and enjoy a meal that truly speaks the language of love.