Description
At its core, this dish is a modern twist on a classic Italian-American flavor profile. The phrase Aesthetic Marry Me Chicken Pasta refers to a highly visual, beautifully presented meal featuring succulent chicken pieces and pasta enrobed in a rich, orange-hued cream sauce. The unique color of the sauce comes from the perfect marriage of heavy cream, chicken broth, and tomato paste, punctuated by deep red flecks of sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 10 oz (280 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
- Reserved pasta water (about ½ cup)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
2. Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and oregano.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Combine Everything
- Return the chicken to the skillet.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- If needed, stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
With its velvety Parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta delivers the perfect balance of comfort and elegance in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: High-Protein
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Stovetop
- Calories: 1 serving
Keywords: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Cream Sauce, Romantic Chicken Pasta Recipe