Cozy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Adore

A Delightful Chicken Dinner

Gather ’round, and let’s talk about coziness in the kitchen. Picture this: a small group of friends, clattering pots and pans, laughter blending with the aroma of simmering garlic and creamy pasta. We’ve all arrived here after busy days, seeking comfort and reliability in our meals. With our Marry Me Chicken Pasta, every spoonful is a warm hug, designed to bring you and your loved ones together, creating a delightful experience that just feels right. Trust us, it’ll become a staple in your weeknight rotation!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Italian
Best Season: Year-Round

Reasons This Dish Will Wow You

Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese leads to an irresistibly rich and satisfying flavor that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. Each bite bursts with goodness that you’ll want to savor.
Simple Steps: With just a few easy steps, you can create a delicious dinner in under 45 minutes. Don’t worry about complicated techniques; this recipe lets you shine without the fuss.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, this dish serves as the ideal centerpiece. It’s a meal that invites shared conversation and companionship around the table.
Leftover Love: The flavors only deepen overnight, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or next-day lunches. You’ll appreciate the excuse to relive those cozy moments again!

Essentials for This Recipe

2 chicken breasts
8 oz fusilli pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Insights

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Fusilli Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce, but you can swap it for penne or rotini.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, though it might not be as rich.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose oil-packed for extra flavor, or go for dry-packed and rehydrate them.
Fresh Parsley: While optional, it adds a fresh pop of color and flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Start by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping that lovely pasta water for any adjustments later.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked, ensuring the center reaches a safe temperature. Remove the chicken from the pan and slice it into strips.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, watching closely to avoid burning.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken for around 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve piping hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that vibrant finishing touch!

Expert Insights for Outstanding Flavor

Add Depth: For even more flavor, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of chicken broth after cooking the chicken to lift all those tasty bits stuck to the pan.
Timing is Key: Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender. Let it rest before slicing to maintain its moisture.
Creaminess Factor: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added aroma.

Delicious Twists on the Original Recipe

Vegan Version: Substitute chicken with grilled mushrooms or chickpeas. Use cashew cream or coconut cream to keep the richness without dairy.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes during the sautéing process to deliver warmth and a little fire to the dish!
Mild Option: Swap the sun-dried tomatoes with steamed broccoli and a hint of lemon for freshness, keeping it light and gentle.
Regional Flair: Try adding Italian sausage and bell peppers for a hearty, regional twist that brings robust flavors to the table.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this lovely dish with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. A refreshing lemonade makes a perfect drink accompaniment, or for a cozy dessert, serve warm chocolate chip cookies.

Prepare Ahead & Freezing Guidance

Feel free to prep the ingredients ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken or chop the sun-dried tomatoes the day before. This dish warms beautifully, so you can refrigerate leftovers for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop for the best texture!

Cozy Styling Ideas

When plating your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, consider using a large serving dish to showcase its colorful beauty. Add sprigs of parsley on top for a pop of color. Arrange bowls and forks around it to invite your guests to dig in. It’s all about those inviting, cozy vibes!

Kitchen Know-how

Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the more flavorful the end result.
Pasta Cooking Tips: Always salt your pasta water—it makes a difference in flavor!
Sauce Consistency: Adjust thickness by adding a little pasta water if necessary for a silky sauce.
Herb Storage: Fresh herbs can be stored in a glass of water in the fridge to prolong their life.

Tips for Storing & Reheating

For best results, store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When reheating, the stovetop is preferable for retaining texture. If using a microwave, do so in intervals, stirring frequently, until warm throughout.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I substitute the pasta?: Absolutely! Any pasta shape works, but the cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?: Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta with similar cooking instructions.
How long does this dish keep?: It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?: Fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be a delightful alternative.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?: Yes, making everything ahead of time and warming it before serving works wonderfully for meal prep.
How can I thicken my sauce?: If it’s too runny, you can simmer it longer or mix in a little cornstarch dissolved in cold water.

Nutrition Info

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 600
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.

A Warm Reflection

There’s something truly special about gathering with friends and family, sharing a hearty meal like Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s more than just food; it’s about love, laughter, and connection around the table. Food has a unique way of fostering community and creating memories, one plate at a time. This recipe symbolizes those cherished moments—a blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something that warms the soul.

Ending on a Delicious Note

As you embark on making this delightful Marry Me Chicken Pasta, remember that it’s not just about the food; it’s about the love and laughter shared with those you hold dear. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and create a meal that’s not only comforting but also rooted in shared joy. Invite your friends to pin the recipe for future gatherings, and let the cozy dinner magic happen!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A delightful and creamy chicken pasta dish bringing you warmth and comfort, perfect for gatherings and meal prep.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 pieces chicken breasts Boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
8 oz fusilli pasta You can swap for penne or rotini.
1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter option.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes Oil-packed for extra flavor or dry-packed and rehydrated.
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preparation

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping some pasta water for adjustments.

Cooking

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Remove chicken and slice into strips.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, dried basil, and oregano. Bring to a gentle simmer, letting the sauce thicken for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to the skillet, tossing to combine.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For leftovers, the flavors deepen overnight. Store in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to three months. Reheat slowly on the stovetop.