Name: Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine); Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes I keep coming back to. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta for a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. It’s perfect for a romantic date night, special family dinner, or even just when I want to treat myself to something irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and satisfying thanks to the pasta. It feels indulgent without being difficult to make, and the Parmesan flavor truly shines through. Whether I’m making it for guests or meal prepping for the week, it’s always a hit. Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Sun-dried tomatoes
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Then I remove it and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté garlic until fragrant, then deglaze with chicken broth.
I stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce simmer and thicken.
While the sauce simmers, I cook the pasta according to package directions and drain it.
I return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce, then add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
I let everything simmer together for a minute or two so the flavors meld.
I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
When I want a richer flavor, I add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic.
For a veggie-packed version, I like to toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
If I need it dairy-free, I use coconut cream and a plant-based cheese alternative.
When I crave a spicy kick, I increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I add a splash of cream or chicken broth and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. It also reheats well in the microwave—just make sure to cover it and stir halfway through heating to keep the sauce smooth. Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta

FAQs

What is “Marry Me Chicken” and why is it called that?

“Marry Me Chicken” is a popular dish known for being so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. The creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan makes it feel romantic and comforting at the same time.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, I sometimes mix in mozzarella or a touch of cream cheese for added creaminess, but I always keep Parmesan as the star.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then reheat and add fresh pasta when I’m ready to serve for the best texture.

What pasta works best with this recipe?

I love using penne or fettuccine because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta I have on hand usually works just fine.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, I use my favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients (especially the broth) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for when I want something creamy, comforting, and completely crave-worthy. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Once I tried it, I understood exactly why it’s called “Marry Me” chicken—it’s just that good.