Why is it called "marry me chicken pasta"?

The name "marry me chicken pasta" comes from its rich, creamy, and indulgent flavors that leave people feeling utterly satisfied. It’s said to be so delicious that anyone who tries it might want to propose to the cook—or at least ask for seconds! While it doesn’t have an official origin story, the nickname perfectly captures the dish's wow factor.

Is Marry Me chicken pasta Italian?

While marry me chicken pasta draws inspiration from classic Italian-American dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, it doesn’t have a direct link to traditional Italian cuisine. Instead, it’s more of a modern fusion recipe that combines elements of Italian cooking with American comfort food flair. Think of it as a love child between Italy and your favorite weeknight meal!

Why is my marry me chicken sauce not thickening?

If your sauce isn’t thickening, don’t panic—it happens! There are a few common reasons: you might not be simmering it long enough, or there could be too much liquid in the pan. To fix this, let the sauce reduce over low heat while stirring occasionally. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce for quick thickening. Problem solved!

How many calories are in a serving of Marry Me chicken?

The calorie count for marry me chicken pasta depends on portion sizes and ingredient choices. A typical serving (about 1 cup) can range from 400 to 600 calories, depending on whether you use heavy cream, full-fat cheese, or add extra toppings. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half or reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor. Always check your specific recipe for accurate nutrition info!

Top Secrets for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta Every Time

Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Recipe for a Romantic Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta; 2 tbsp reserved pasta water; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping

Description

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with sun-dried tomato goodness—this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s said to spark marriage proposals!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
2 tbsp reserved pasta water

For Garnish:

2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
Before draining, reserve 2 tbsp of pasta water for the sauce.

2. Cook the Chicken

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until smooth.
Toss in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the sauce. Stir well.
Toss in the chicken and mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Serve hot and watch the compliments roll in!

Notes

✔ Use fresh Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
✔ Prefer it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes.
✔ For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with whole milk and add a cornstarch slurry.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 680
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: marry me chicken, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta