Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Ever made a dish so good it could inspire love? This creamy, flavorful creation took TikTok by storm, racking up over 30 million views—and for good reason. Originally crafted by Delish in 2016, it’s now hailed by the New York Times as one of 2023’s most crave-worthy meals.

The name says it all. Legend has it, a videographer blurted “You should marry me!” after one bite during filming. Home cooks agree: it’s irresistible. One reviewer raved, “Made this for my man…the meal was good. 😳😁”—proof it lives up to the hype.

Perfect for weeknights or romantic dinners, this dish blends tender protein, al dente noodles, and a luxe sauce. Think of it as the upgraded cousin of Ina Garten’s “Engagement Chicken”—but with bolder flavors. Ready to wow your taste buds (or someone special)? Let’s dive in.

Key Takeaways

• Viral TikTok sensation with 30M+ views and NY Times recognition.
• Created by Delish in 2016, named after an on-set love confession.
• Praise for its rich flavor and simplicity from home cooks.
• Versatile for dates or casual dinners.
• Inspired by—but tastier than—classic “Engagement Chicken.”

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Busy weeknights just got tastier with this one-pan wonder. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for hectic schedules—with just one skillet to clean. No wonder it’s earned a 4.9/5 star rating from over 2,000 home cooks.

Adaptability is key. Use rotisserie chicken for shortcuts, gluten-free noodles, or veggie broth to tweak the recipe. The creamy sauce strikes the perfect balance: tangy sun-dried tomatoes, punchy garlic, and nutty Parmesan.

Results speak louder than words. “Perfect for date nights or busy weeknights…done in 30 minutes!” raves one reviewer. In fact, 95% of testers rated it better than restaurant quality.

Social media can’t get enough. Rumored to inspire proposals, this dish blends speed, flavor, and romance—all without fancy ingredients or fussy steps.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Quality ingredients transform this meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Fresh, well-balanced staples ensure creamy textures and rich flavors in every bite.

Protein & Pasta

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts guarantee tenderness, while thighs add deeper flavor. For the pasta, choose shapes like bowtie or penne—their ridges trap the sauce perfectly.

Creamy Sauce Components

The sauce’s velvety base relies on heavy cream and fresh-grated Parmesan (skip pre-shredded—anti-caking agents ruin texture). Sun-dried tomatoes are the MVP: opt for dry-packed and julienned for even distribution.

Flavor boosters:

• Fresh garlic over powdered—it’s sharper and aromatic.
• A splash of chicken broth or white wine for depth.
• Red pepper flakes to taste (adjust for heat).

Pro tip: Swap heavy cream for cream cheese if you prefer tanginess. For a lighter version, use olive oil instead of butter.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Turn simple ingredients into a showstopper with this foolproof method. Each step builds layers of flavor, from golden seared protein to a velvety sauce. Follow closely for best results.

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat a skillet to medium-high. Pat the protein dry—this ensures a crisp crust. Cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic and thyme. Deglaze with broth, scraping up browned bits for depth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cream, simmering until thickened slightly.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

Toss al dente noodles into the sauce. Slice the cooked protein and arrange on top. Finish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Troubleshooting & Storage

• Too thin? Whisk in a flour slurry (1 tbsp. flour + 2 tbsp. water).
• Too thick? Loosen with reserved pasta water.
• Store leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat with broth to restore creaminess.

Conclusion

Ready to impress with minimal effort? This crowd-pleasing meal works for date nights, family dinners, or meal prep. Pair it with garlic bread or Cacio E Pepe Brussels sprouts for a complete feast.

Short on time? Try the Instant Pot version—ready in 25 minutes. Share your results with #MarryMePasta to join the fan club.

Whether you’re craving comfort food or aiming to wow, this dish delivers every time. Dig in!

FAQ

Can I use an air fryer for the chicken?

Yes! An air fryer works well for cooking the chicken breasts. Just season them, cook at 375°F for about 15 minutes, then slice before adding to the dish.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes add a similar depth of flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to revive the creamy texture.

Is there a lighter version of this dish?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt, and use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber. The flavor will still be rich and satisfying.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

For more cooking tips, stay connected with us. We also recommend the cookbook Skinnytaste Simple: Easy, Healthy Recipes with 7 Ingredients or Fewer

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