Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta – A Love at First Bite

Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta – A Love at First Bite is a rich, indulgent pasta dish that lives up to its name. Tender, seasoned chicken is nestled in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, all tossed with al dente pasta. This is a recipe made to impress—ideal for date nights, special dinners, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy, savory sauce with layers of flavor

• Hearty, satisfying, and ideal for a romantic dinner

• Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients

• Easily customizable to suit different preferences

• Pairs beautifully with wine, salad, or crusty bread

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

• Olive oil

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes

• Salt and black pepper

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• All-purpose flour

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• Paprika

• Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until golden and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.

5. Add grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until the sauce thickens further and flavors combine.

6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

• Cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy finish.

• Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the sauce’s texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle works well with this creamy sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a slightly richer flavor.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make this dish ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer longer, or add a bit more flour when making the roux. A small amount of cream cheese can also thicken it.

What sides go well with this pasta?

It pairs well with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Use a large skillet or pot to accommodate the extra volume.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Cream-based sauces do not freeze well as they tend to separate. It’s best stored in the fridge and eaten within a few days.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary, or finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Conclusion

Marry Me Creamy Chicken Pasta – A Love at First Bite is a memorable dish full of bold flavors, creamy texture, and hearty ingredients. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re trying to win someone over or just indulge in a rich, satisfying meal, this pasta will never disappoint.