If you’ve ever wished for a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug and a little bit of romance all wrapped into one, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. This luscious dish combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy, garlicky tomato sauce that’s bursting with the flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and just the right touch of heat. It’s comforting yet elegant, simple to make but impressive enough to serve anytime you want to impress yourself or your loved ones. Once you try it, this recipe might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful experience. Each component plays a key role in the dish’s taste, texture, and vibrant color, so it’s worth using fresh and quality items where you can.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Any shape works — pick your favorite kind to customize the texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds rich creaminess and helps build the sauce’s base.
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a savory kick.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrated and tangy, it gives the sauce a beautiful red color and umami flavor.
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and complexity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and silky.
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intense sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbaceous note that complements the tomatoes.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat for a subtle zing.
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded: Adds hearty protein and makes the dish filling.
- ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving: Gives a salty, nutty finish and melts right into the sauce.
- 1 small handful fresh basil, torn or chopped: Freshness and color to brighten every bite.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender with a slight bite. Remember to reserve a bit of the starchy pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Make the Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for about one minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken your sauce. Next, add the minced garlic and tomato paste — cooking them together intensifies the savory flavors and brings a bright depth. Pour in the white wine or chicken broth, letting it bubble up and reduce slightly to concentrate the flavors.
Step 3: Thicken and Flavor the Sauce
Now it’s time for the heavy cream — whisk it in smoothly and watch the sauce start to thicken. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to add bursts of sweetness, herbal warmth, and subtle heat. Toss in the shredded chicken and allow everything to simmer until the sauce coats the spoon thickly. This step really lets the flavors mingle and marry together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Turn off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh basil; the cheese melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy, and the basil adds fresh herbal brightness. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss it gently to coat every piece with that dreamy sauce. If it feels too thick, splash in a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves on top. For a touch of elegance, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper can make each serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that add a fresh, earthy contrast. A warm crusty bread is also perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls and garnish each plate with a sprig of basil and a Parmesan crisp for a bit of crunch. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish and topping with extra cheese before baking can turn it into a bubbling, irresistible pasta bake.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply allow any leftovers to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your pasta will stay fresh for up to three days — giving you plenty of time to relish it again.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. It’s ideal to consume within one month for the best taste and texture. Just keep in mind the cream sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but stirring well during reheating helps bring it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce needs loosening. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between so it heats evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is very versatile. Feel free to use penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti — each will bring a slightly different texture experience but remain delicious.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that still gives the sauce depth and moisture without altering the flavor too much.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Definitely. Use a dairy-free butter alternative, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese to keep the flavors rich without dairy.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken is a time-saver and works wonderfully in this dish, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a mild kick to balance the creaminess. You can adjust the heat up or down according to your preference, or omit entirely if you want a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe — it’s comforting, flavorful, and downright easy to pull together on a busy day or a special evening. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this dish invites you to slow down and savor every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan in a rich white wine and cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this comforting recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any shape)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ⅓ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Chicken and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded
- ⅓ 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 and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to make a roux. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and white wine or chicken broth. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to combine flavors and reduce slightly.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, and the shredded cooked chicken. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Plate the pasta immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta while warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute dry white wine with chicken broth.
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Fresh basil adds a bright aroma, but you can substitute with dried basil if needed.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
