Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine); Fresh basil, for garnish

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This Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes is a rich and creamy one-pan meal that brings restaurant-quality flavor to the dinner table in just 30 minutes. With tender strips of chicken tossed in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, combined with pasta and Parmesan, it's no surprise this dish is known to inspire proposals.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Before draining, I always remember to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook them for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a plate.

In the same skillet, I sauté garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about a minute until fragrant.

Then, I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. I stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and thyme, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

I return the chicken to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat thoroughly.

Finally, I add the cooked pasta, mixing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, I stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach the perfect creamy consistency.

I garnish with fresh basil and serve the pasta hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian twist.

When I want more vegetables, I add spinach or mushrooms right after sautéing the garlic.

For extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

I’ve also used different pasta types like rigatoni, linguine, or even gluten-free alternatives with great results.

Occasionally, I substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten it up slightly.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce tends to separate after thawing.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?

I like using short pastas like penne or rotini because they hold onto the creamy sauce well. Fettuccine and linguine are great choices too for a more classic look.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay juicy, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, I use a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan, or substitute it with nutritional yeast. It changes the flavor slightly, but still tastes rich and satisfying.

Can I make it ahead of time?

I prefer making it fresh because the sauce is best when just cooked, but I sometimes prep the chicken and sauce components ahead and combine them with freshly cooked pasta just before serving.

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

I check that the chicken is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer helps ensure it's perfectly cooked every time.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes is a keeper in my recipe rotation. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or just treating myself to a cozy meal, this pasta never fails to satisfy.

Recipe:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and flavorful one-pan meal made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. It comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, oregano, and thyme. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and mix until everything is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.