Are you looking for a delicious, creamy, and flavorful chicken pasta that will impress your significant other? Look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Pasta—a dish so delicious that it might just lead to a marriage proposal! This recipe combines succulent chicken, a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ideal choice for romantic dinner ideas to cook together.
Whether you’re planning a cozy night in, looking for meal ideas for dinner chicken, or need an easy meal prep idea with pasta, this dish will become your go-to recipe. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering Margherita Chicken Pasta and make your dinner date unforgettable!
Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The legend of Marry Me Chicken started with a simple, creamy chicken recipe that became so good that anyone who tried it would immediately consider proposing! Over time, people began experimenting with different variations, adding tortellini, penne, or spaghetti to create the ultimate Mary Me Chicken Tortellini Pasta.
What You’ll Need to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This recipe combines fresh and flavorful ingredients, making it a perfect dinner recipe for date night.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small fillets)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or tortellini)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan for topping
Step-By-Step Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce heat to medium and melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
- Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or cubes and return it to the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese for a cheesy finish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter sides can balance the meal. Here are some Half Baked Harvest Recipes Dinners Chicken inspired side ideas:
- Garlic Bread – The perfect way to scoop up extra sauce.
- Caprese Salad – A fresh mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Steamed Asparagus – Light and healthy to balance the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables – A great way to add some color and nutrition.
How to Make It a Perfect Date Night Dinner
Since this is one of the best dinner ideas to cook together, you and your partner can split the tasks:
- One person can season and cook the chicken.
- The other can boil the pasta and prep the sauce.
- Both can enjoy a glass of wine while cooking!
Recommended Wine Pairing: A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Pasta Variation
If you love cheese-stuffed pasta, swap regular pasta for cheese tortellini. This adds an extra layer of richness and pairs beautifully with the sauce.
Tortellini Cooking Tip:
- Boil tortellini for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the top.
- Drain and mix directly into the sauce.
Easy Meal Prep Ideas with Pasta
This recipe is great for meal prepping since it stays delicious for days! Here’s how you can store and reheat it:
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: The pasta and sauce freeze well for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Date Nights – It’s easy, fun, and delicious to cook together.
- Simple Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor – You don’t need fancy ingredients to impress.
- Customizable – Swap pasta types, add veggies, or make it spicier.
- Meal Prep-Friendly – Make ahead and enjoy it for days.
- Irresistible Creamy Sauce – The sun-dried tomato and Parmesan mix is unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for dinner ideas to cook together that are impressive yet easy, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. Whether you choose the classic version or the Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Pasta, this meal is guaranteed to be a hit.
So, grab your ingredients, turn on some romantic music, and enjoy cooking this Margarita Chicken Pasta for your next date night dinner!
