Fast Facts – Italy: A Culinary Journey’s Origin

Before diving into the recipe, let’s appreciate the country that inspires so many beloved dishes, including the Tuscan flavors prominent in our Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience designed for culinary delight and effortless preparation. Here’s why it will quickly become a cherished recipe in your repertoire:

• Incredibly Quick & Easy: From prepping ingredients to serving a steaming plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the ultimate solution for those demanding weeknights, unexpected guests, or when you simply crave something extraordinary without the fuss.
• Elegance on a Plate: Despite its simplicity, this pasta boasts a sophisticated presentation and rich flavor profile, making it ideal for impressing a date, celebrating an anniversary, or any special occasion where you want to elevate the dining experience.
• Rich & Creamy Indulgence: The heart of this dish is its unbelievably rich, velvety cream sauce, infused with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and savory herbs. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and deeply satisfying flavors.
• Versatile Pairing Potential: This pasta dish is a fantastic standalone meal, but it truly shines when paired thoughtfully. Imagine it alongside a crisp glass of white wine, warm, crusty garlic bread, and a refreshing Panzanella Toscana salad for a complete Italian feast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, savory-sweet cream sauce appeals to almost everyone. It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, promising an empty plate and happy sighs all around.

Essential Ingredients & Smart Substitutions for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating this irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta hinges on a few key ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can adapt the recipe to your preferences, ensuring a perfect dish every time.

**For the precise measurements and full list of ingredients, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the end of this post.**

The Pasta: Your Canvas for Flavor

Our top recommendation for this dish is Pappardelle. Its wide, flat ribbons not only add a touch of visual elegance but also provide an ample surface area to truly capture and cling to every drop of that exquisite creamy sauce. This ensures a rich and satisfying bite every single time.

However, the beauty of pasta is its versatility! Feel free to choose your personal favorite. Rigatoni, with its ridged tubes, is fantastic for holding chunky sauces. Fettuccine offers a similar ribbon-like experience to Pappardelle. Even classic penne pasta, with its diagonal cuts, makes an excellent alternative. The key is to select a pasta shape that you enjoy and that can adequately embrace the rich sauce.

The Chicken: Tender & Flavorful Protein

Diced skinless, boneless chicken breasts are our go-to choice for their lean texture and ease of cooking. They absorb the seasonings beautifully and cook quickly, making them ideal for a speedy meal. For a richer flavor and even more tender texture, you can easily substitute chicken breasts with skinless, boneless chicken thighs. Simply cut them into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and seamless integration into the pasta.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bursts of Mediterranean Sweetness

The sun-dried tomatoes preserved in oil are truly crucial for this recipe. They offer an intense, concentrated sweetness and a delightful chewy texture that elevates the entire dish. Before adding them, make sure to drain them from their oil. However, a slight residual cling of that infused oil is a welcome bonus, as it contributes an extra layer of flavor and silkiness to the sauce.

Herbs & Aromatics: The Soul of Italian Flavor

Our recipe expertly combines dried basil and dried oregano to create a classic Italian aromatic base. These dried herbs pack a punch and are readily available. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your preferred Italian seasoning blend, or even opt for an all-basil or all-oregano approach if you have a favorite. For an adventurous twist, Herbs de Provence can add a lovely floral note.

For an extra layer of freshness and a more vibrant aroma, consider swapping dried herbs for fresh ones, adjusting the quantity as fresh herbs are generally less potent than their dried counterparts. If you crave a little warmth and subtle heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be a fantastic addition.

A generous amount of garlic is included in this recipe, which is essential for that rich, savory depth. We recommend using fresh garlic for the best flavor, but if you’re short on time, garlic paste is a convenient and effective alternative. Just be mindful of your meeting schedule for the next day!

Parmesan: The Salty, Umami Finish

We understand that authentic Parmesan cheese can sometimes come with a premium price tag. In such instances, don’t hesitate to explore excellent alternatives that offer a similar hard, robust, and salty cheese flavor. Grana Padano, Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, or Piave are all superb choices that will deliver a comparable depth of flavor to your pasta.

Furthermore, don’t shy away from the convenience and cost-effectiveness of pre-grated hard cheese sachets. They perform admirably in this recipe, saving you valuable time and effort in the kitchen while still contributing that essential cheesy goodness.

Unlock Perfect Pasta: Essential Cooking Tips

Achieving perfectly cooked pasta is fundamental to any great Italian dish. Follow these tried-and-true tips to ensure your pasta is always al dente and never sticky:

• Choose the Right Pot Size: Always opt for your largest saucepan or pot when cooking pasta. A cramped cooking environment restricts water circulation, leading to pasta strands sticking together and uneven cooking. Give your pasta room to dance!
• Generous Water is Key: Ensure your saucepan is filled with a copious amount of water. Insufficient water not only causes pasta to clump but also lowers the water temperature too much when the pasta is added, resulting in a gummy texture. As a general rule, if you’re in doubt, always add more water than you think you need.
• Salt the Water Like the Sea: This is perhaps the most crucial tip! Add a generous amount of salt to your cooking water. For every pound (450g) of pasta, aim for at least a tablespoon of kosher salt. This seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor significantly. Bland pasta is a missed opportunity.
• Prevent Sticking with Initial Stirring: When cooking strand-like pasta, such as Pappardelle, gently separate the pasta “nests” with a fork as soon as they begin to soften – typically within 2-3 minutes of reaching a rolling boil. If you neglect to separate the strands early on, they are very likely to stick together into an unappealing mass after cooking.
• Consistent Stirring for All Pasta Types: Beyond the initial separation, always give ALL types of pasta a quick stir when the water first starts to simmer and then occasionally throughout the cooking process. This simple action prevents the pasta from settling and sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other, promoting more even cooking and a superior texture.

Crafting Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed steps to create a truly enchanting Marry Me Chicken Pasta that will impress with its rich flavors and creamy texture.

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring a generous amount of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt – it should taste like the sea. Add your chosen pasta (Pappardelle is recommended) and cook according to package directions until it reaches a perfect al dente stage. As a guide, approximately just under 1 tablespoon of salt is needed for 400g of pasta. (You can begin preparing the chicken and sauce while the pasta cooks to save time.)
2. Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Resist the urge to rinse it, as the starch on the pasta helps the sauce adhere beautifully.

3. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the diced chicken pieces with the smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the vibrant seasoning.

4. Heat the Pan: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

5. Cook the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Sauté until they are beautifully golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, which should take approximately 6-8 minutes.
6. Rest the Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm, and set it aside while you prepare the sauce. This helps keep the chicken juicy.

7. Sauté the Onions: In the same pan (without cleaning it – those browned bits are flavor!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally. (Yes, the pan will have a vibrant orange tint from the paprika chicken; do not discard this flavorful oil as it contributes essential flavor and color to the sauce.)

8. Soften Onions: Continue cooking the onions over medium-low heat until they become soft, translucent, and lightly browned, typically taking about 4 minutes.
9. Add Garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic (or garlic paste) and cook for just 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

10. Deglaze with Stock: Pour in 120ml (½ cup) of chicken stock. Allow it to simmer for 1 minute. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any caramelized bits of onion and chicken that may be sticking. This process, called deglazing, adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce.

11. Add Tomatoes & Herbs: Stir in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, and the optional balsamic vinegar.
12. Develop Tomato Flavor: Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently. The tomatoes will soften further. As you stir, use your spoon to gently break the larger sun-dried tomato pieces into smaller, more manageable sizes, allowing their flavor to permeate the sauce.

13. Introduce Cream: Pour in 300ml (1 ¼ cup) of heavy cream (or double cream). Stir continuously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the cream gently simmers and slightly thickens. Do not bring to a rolling boil.

14. Melt in Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir it through the sauce until it melts completely, making the sauce even richer and more luxurious.

15. Combine Chicken & Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces from earlier into the pan with the sauce. Stir gently to combine, allowing the chicken to warm through and absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce for about 1 minute.

16. Add Pasta: Finally, tip the thoroughly drained pasta into the pan with the chicken and sauce.

17. Toss & Serve: Using two forks or a pair of tongs, gently lift and mix the pasta into the sauce until every strand is beautifully coated. Ensure an even distribution of chicken and sun-dried tomato pieces throughout the dish. Briefly warm through over very low heat if needed, ensuring everything is piping hot. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
18. Garnish & Enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with fresh, torn basil leaves, an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous grind of fresh black pepper for a final flourish.

Elevate Your Meal: Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This exquisite Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a star on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can transform your meal into a truly magnificent Italian feast. Here are some ideal serving suggestions:

• Wine Pairings: Complement the creamy richness of the pasta with a crisp and refreshing white wine. Excellent choices include a Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. Their acidity cuts through the creaminess, cleansing the palate beautifully.
• Classic Garlic Bread: No pasta dish is complete without warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, ensuring no flavor goes to waste.
• Fresh Italian Salad: Balance the richness with a light and vibrant Italian salad. A classic like Panzanella Toscana, with its fresh tomatoes, cucumber, and crusty bread, offers a wonderful textural contrast and tangy freshness.
• Crusty Italian Bread: Beyond garlic bread, a simple loaf of crusty Italian bread or savory breadsticks are fantastic for dipping into the decadent sauce, providing a rustic and satisfying element to the meal.
• Antipasto Platter: For a true Mediterranean start, consider assembling a small antipasto platter. Olives, marinated artichoke hearts, and thinly sliced cured meats like prosciutto or salami can set a wonderful tone before the main course.
• Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Add more freshness and texture with simply prepared vegetables. Fried courgettes (zucchini) or tender, flavorful roasted tenderstem broccoli with Parmesan and pine nuts make excellent, healthy side dishes.

Storing and Reheating Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is so delicious, you might not have any leftovers! But if you do, here’s how to properly store and reheat it to enjoy its flavors again.

Allow the pasta to cool completely to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prepping.

To reheat the pasta, you have two convenient options: the microwave or the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, place the pasta in a pan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. For both methods, if the pasta appears a bit dry or the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water, chicken stock, or a little extra cream to help loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency. Heat until thoroughly warmed through.

While you can freeze this pasta for longer storage, be aware that the pasta itself may become slightly softer or mushier upon thawing and reheating. Dairy-based sauces can also sometimes separate a little after freezing. If freezing, transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Explore More Quick & Delicious Pasta Recipes

If you’ve loved this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, you’ll surely enjoy these other quick and flavorful pasta recipes from our collection:

Creamy Steak Pasta

Creamy Chicken and Chorizo Pasta

Gigi Hadid Pasta – The VIRAL Sensation

Pasta Alla Sorrentina

Creamy Italian Pasta Salad

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta

Spaghetti Arrabiata

French Onion Pasta

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Tuscan Chicken Pasta)

Ingredients

• 400 grams (14oz) pappardelle pasta – or pasta of choice, like rigatoni, fettuccine etc.
• 600 grams (1.3lb) skinless, boneless chicken breast – cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion – roughly 120g/4oz, diced
• 4 teaspoons chopped garlic/garlic paste – roughly 6 cloves
• 120 millilitre (½ cup) chicken stock – made with one stock cube
• 250 millilitre (1 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil – roughly 170g/6oz drained
• 1½ teaspoon dried basil
• 1½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• 300 millilitre (1 and ¼ cup) double cream – or heavy cream
• 70 grams (¾ cup/2½oz) parmesan, grated
• Fresh basil for serving (optional)

Instructions

**Nutritional Data Disclaimer**

Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is an estimate calculated by a third party, and we cannot guarantee its absolute accuracy. We strive to offer the most precise information possible, but we do not take responsibility for any potential errors. The nutritional value of this recipe may also vary depending on the exact brands and specific products you choose to use. For personalized dietary advice tailored to your needs, we recommend consulting with a qualified healthcare professional or a registered dietitian.

Nutrition