Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. With tender pieces of chicken in a rich, flavorful cream sauce, paired with al dente pasta and fresh cherry tomatoes, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The comforting, savory flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning will make anyone fall in love with every bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or any occasion when you want to impress your family or guests with minimal effort. This easy-to-make yet indulgent recipe is sure to be a new favorite in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is incredibly rich and full of flavor, making it perfect for any pasta lover. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, while the creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese adds a luxurious texture that complements the chicken and pasta. The addition of garlic and cherry tomatoes gives the dish a lovely burst of freshness, balancing out the richness. What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic evening or a family meal, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2, diced)
  • Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Garlic powder (1 tsp)
  • Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
  • Heavy cream (1 cup)
  • Chicken broth (½ cup)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup)
  • Garlic cloves, minced (2)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
  • Fettuccine or your favorite pasta (8 oz)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, and there are several ways to make it your own:

  • Use Different Pasta: While fettuccine is a great choice, feel free to substitute it with penne, spaghetti, or any pasta you prefer.
  • Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, try adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
  • Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta for a lower-carb version of the dish.
  • Chicken Variations: Try substituting the chicken with shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a different take on this creamy pasta.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and halved cherry tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the creamy chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, be sure not to overcook it. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, it’s ready to be removed from the skillet.
  • Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors. You can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.
  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more robust flavor than garlic powder. However, garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
  • Pasta Timing: Be sure to cook your pasta al dente so that it holds up well when tossed in the creamy sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta as a standalone dish or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with a light, tangy salad, such as a Caesar or arugula salad, to balance the richness of the pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the cream-based sauce may slightly change in texture upon reheating. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in an airtight container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, use a skillet on low heat to warm the pasta gently, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add extra cream or broth if needed to achieve the right consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole milk instead of heavy cream?

You can use whole milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For a similar texture, you can add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce.

2. Can I make this recipe without chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like tofu or mushrooms.

3. What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Fettuccine is a classic choice, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.

4. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce. Simply sauté them with the chicken or add them to the sauce.

5. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, you can use store-bought chicken broth, but homemade broth will give a richer flavor if you have it available.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat and add the pasta just before serving.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use a dairy-free cheese.

8. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

To prevent the cream from curdling, ensure that you cook the sauce on medium heat and avoid boiling it after adding the cream.

10. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for a larger crowd. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or cook it in batches.

Conclusion

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish that is sure to become a favorite in your household. With tender chicken, a creamy Parmesan sauce, and the burst of freshness from cherry tomatoes, this pasta delivers on flavor and texture. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a romantic evening or a dinner party. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s so irresistibly delicious—it may even have you saying “I do” to this creamy, flavorful pasta!

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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Lina Judi
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

 

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy garlic sauce, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This indulgent recipe is so delicious, it might just make you say “I do!” Perfect for a romantic dinner, family meal, or special occasion, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
  • While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
  • Toss everything together until well combined. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For extra richness, you can add more Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
  • You can substitute the fettuccine with any pasta you prefer, such as penne or spaghetti.
  • Garnishing with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes can add a bit of extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

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