There are some dishes so comforting, so rich with flavor, they feel like a love letter on a plate. The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that a creamy, garlicky, sun dried tomato studded masterpiece that has become a viral hit across kitchens for good reason.
At gatetasty, we love meals that feel cozy and impressive at the same time, and under the creative direction of Chef Lucas Benetti, we’ve perfected a one pan version that’s rich, savory, and truly unforgettable.
What Makes This Dish So Special?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that it’s so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Whether or not that’s true, the flavors certainly live up to the hype:
- Pan seared chicken that’s juicy with a golden crust
- Creamy garlic Parmesan sauce infused with sun dried tomatoes
- Al dente pasta that soaks up every drop of richness
The combination is comforting, indulgent, and simple enough to pull off on a weeknight yet elegant enough for a romantic dinner.
Chef Lucas Benetti’s Take on the Classic
When Chef Lucas Benetti first tried the original version, he loved its rustic charm but wanted to give it a touch of balance and elegance. His version at gatetasty keeps the creamy richness, but adds:
- A splash of dry white wine to brighten the sauce
- Fresh basil and thyme for herbal contrast
- Shaved parmesan instead of grated for smoother texture
gatetasty’s Cooking Method: Expanded Step by Step Instructions
This creamy, comforting pasta dish is made entirely in one pan perfect for cozy weeknights, date nights, or impressing guests. Follow these fully detailed steps, developed by Chef Lucas Benetti in the gatetasty kitchen, to master the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Start with two boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if you prefer dark meat).
- Pat them dry with paper towels this helps them brown better.
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and optionally garlic powder or paprika for added depth.
Chef’s Tip: Slice chicken in half horizontally if thick, or pound slightly for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
- In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
- Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in ½ cup of chopped sun dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil).
- Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Chef’s Note: Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken that’s built in flavor for your sauce.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in ½ cup of dry white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently to loosen the flavorful bits stuck to the pan.
- Let the liquid reduce slightly this adds a tangy, bright background to balance the richness of the cream.
Step 5: Add Cream and Parmesan
- Lower heat to medium low, then pour in 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Stir gently to incorporate.
- Add ½ cup of freshly shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce begins to thicken.
Pro Tip: Avoid high heat at this stage keep it gentle so the cream doesn’t separate.
Step 6: Return the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top.
- Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F) and infused with flavor.
- Optionally, slice the chicken into strips and nestle them into the sauce for easier serving.
Step 7: Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken simmers, boil 8 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni) in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken.
- If needed, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta in the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Finish with fresh basil, thyme, or chopped parsley.
- Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately, straight from the skillet or plated with a side of salad or garlic bread.
Ingredients Table for Easy Prep
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe pantry staples meet elevated flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 large (or thighs) |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Sun dried tomatoes (in oil) | ½ cup, chopped |
| Chicken broth or white wine | ½ cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (shaved) | ½ cup |
| Cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine) | 8 oz |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Fresh basil or thyme | For garnish |
Best Pasta Types & Side Pairings
Choosing the right pasta and pairing the dish with the right sides can elevate the experience even more.
Recommended Pasta Types
| Pasta Type | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Penne | Tubes catch the creamy sauce inside |
| Fettuccine | Wide noodles carry the rich, thick sauce |
| Rigatoni | Ridged surface holds every bite of flavor |
| Linguine | Great for a romantic, elegant plating |
Ideal Side Pairings
| Side Dish | Reason |
|---|---|
| Garlic bread | Crunchy, buttery contrast |
| Simple green salad | Adds freshness and balance |
| Roasted asparagus | Earthy, pairs well with cream sauce |
| Sparkling water or wine | Cleanses the palate |
Chef Lucas Tip: “Balance the richness with a crisp white wine Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work beautifully.”
Storage & Leftover Tips
This pasta stores well and tastes even better the next day here’s how to save and reheat it without losing quality.
Storage & Reheating Guide
| Storage Method | Time Limit | Reheating Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | Reheat gently on stovetop with splash of broth or cream |
| Freezer (optional) | Up to 1 month | Freeze sauce separately for best texture |
Avoid overheating the cream sauce as it can separate. Stir frequently and add a bit of liquid while reheating.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
1. What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken is typically made with pan-seared chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a rich cream sauce. These ingredients are combined in one pan to create a deeply flavorful, creamy dish that pairs beautifully with pasta. At gatetasty, we finish it with fresh herbs and shaved cheese for added depth and balance.
2. Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?
The name comes from the popular idea that this dish is so delicious, it could spark a marriage proposal. The combination of juicy chicken, velvety cream sauce, and savory sun-dried tomatoes creates a meal that’s comforting, elegant, and sure to impress whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just treating yourself.
3. What goes well with Marry Me Chicken?
This rich pasta dish pairs well with light, fresh sides that balance its creaminess. Great choices include:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Roasted vegetables, especially asparagus or zucchini
- A glass of crisp white wine
4. What wine is good for Marry Me Pasta?
The creamy sauce pairs best with dry white wines that have acidity to cut through the richness. Chef Lucas Benetti recommends:
- Sauvignon Blanc – bright and crisp
- Chardonnay (unoaked) – smooth with subtle citrus notes
- Pinot Grigio – light and refreshing
These wines enhance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a creamy chicken dish it’s a story on a plate. With tender seared chicken, sun dried tomatoes, garlic cream sauce, and perfectly coated pasta, this is a meal that feels luxurious without being fussy.
Thanks to Chef Lucas Benetti’s balanced, one pan technique and our flavor first method at gatetasty, you can bring restaurant quality comfort food to your kitchen any night of the week.
Want more elegant, no fuss dinner ideas? Visit gatetasty.com for chef tested recipes designed to impress.