Why “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” Will Make You Propose to Yourself
Picture this: creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato-infused pasta with tender chicken that’s so good, it’s literally named after a marriage proposal. This isn’t just dinner—it’s a commitment. The internet raves about it, food bloggers fight over the best version, and your future self will thank you for making it tonight.
No fancy skills required, just a skillet and poor impulse control around carbs. Ready to cook the dish that’s unofficially banned from first dates because it causes premature proposals? Let’s go.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
The magic lies in the absurdly flavorful sauce.
Cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes create a rich, tangy, umami-packed blanket for the pasta and chicken. It’s indulgent without being heavy, fancy without being fussy, and universally addictive. The name isn’t hyperbole—people genuinely freak out when they taste it.
Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder (mostly), so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time basking in compliments.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts (2, boneless and skinless)
- Pasta (12 oz, penne or fettuccine)
- Heavy cream (1 cup)
- Chicken broth (½ cup)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped)
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden (5–6 minutes per side).
Remove and slice.
- Sauté the garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute.
- Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits. Reduce heat, add cream, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken, tossing to coat. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a side of poor life choices.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
Freezing isn’t recommended—the cream sauce may separate, and nobody wants a sad, grainy proposal.
Benefits of This Recipe
It’s quick (30 minutes max), impressive (looks like you tried way harder than you did), and versatile (swap ingredients, serve with salad or bread, etc.). Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—unless your crowd hates joy. The protein-carb-fat trifecta also means it’s weirdly satisfying without leaving you in a food coma.
Mostly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the chicken. Dry chicken = rejection letter vibes.
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan. It contains anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
Grate it fresh, you monster.
- Drowning the pasta in sauce. Start with less—you can always add more.
- Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes. They’re the MVP here.
Don’t sub fresh tomatoes unless you enjoy disappointment.
Alternatives
- Vegetarian? Swap chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas.
- Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan (IMO, it’s not the same, but it’ll do).
- Low-carb? Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta. FYI, the sauce will be thinner.
- Spice lover? Double the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs are juicier and harder to overcook.
Adjust cooking time to 7–8 minutes per side.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or a tablespoon of tomato paste can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as deep. Proceed with caution.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Simmer it longer to reduce, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). Or just embrace the saucy life.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The sauce and chicken can be prepped 1 day ahead, but combine everything fresh to avoid mushy pasta.
Final Thoughts
This dish earns its name.
It’s the culinary equivalent of a love letter—decadent, unforgettable, and slightly dangerous. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, a date, or your cat (no judgment), it’s a guaranteed win. Now go forth and propose to your skillet.
