If there’s ever a dish that’s sure to sweep someone off their feet (or satisfy your own comfort cravings), it’s got to be the Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe. This creamy, flavor-loaded pasta brings together juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and a burst of color from sweet red peppers and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s one of those “wow” dishes that looks impressive, tastes even better, and yet is totally approachable for any cook. Get ready for a meal that says “special occasion” and “weeknight ease” all at the same time!

Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe is in the simple, thoughtful combination of ingredients. Each one pulls its weight in flavor, creaminess, and color, helping the dish come together into a true showstopper.

Boneless Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and rich, perfect for soaking up all the saucy goodness.
Olive Oil: Gives the chicken and veggies a gorgeous golden sear and subtle fruity notes.
Garlic Powder: Builds a mellow, aromatic base without overpowering the other flavors.
Smoked Paprika Powder: Adds a smoky, savory warmth that makes the sauce irresistible.
Chili Flakes: Bring just the right amount of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for depth and highlighting every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Red Peppers: Sweet and vibrant, they add crunch and color to every bite.
Onion: Gives a subtle backbone of sweetness and savoriness.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Intensely tangy and chewy, these pack each forkful with a punch of umami.
Tomato Paste: Thickens the sauce and deepens its color and tang.
Heavy Cream: The secret to the luscious, silky sauce that defines this pasta.
Pasta of Choice: Go with your favorite shape – penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work beautifully to catch the sauce.
Fresh Parsley (to garnish): Just a sprinkle adds freshness and a pop of green that brightens the whole plate.
All Purpose Flour: Mixed into a slurry, it’s the quick trick for a perfectly thick creamy sauce.

How to Make Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning your chicken thighs with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. If you have a little extra time, let them marinate overnight in the refrigerator – trust me, this makes the chicken unbelievably flavorful and tender. If you’re pressed for time, no worries at all; just 10-15 minutes will still give you great results!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a swirl of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in a single layer and cook for about 7 minutes, flipping once, until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl, but be sure to leave the tasty oil and browned bits in the pan – that’s where the magic starts!

Step 3: Sauté Peppers and Onion

In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those leftover flavors are pure gold), add diced red peppers and onion. Cook on medium heat for around 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they’re softened and just starting to caramelize. Add the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, stirring well to coat the veggies and really intensify the tomato richness.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in more garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper (add to taste). Stir until everything is smooth and the sauce turns a dreamy, rosy color. Slide the cooked chicken (plus all the juices) right back into the pan. While that simmers gently, mix 1 tablespoon of all purpose flour with a quarter cup of water in a small bowl – this is your slurry for thickening up the sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat, pour in your flour slurry, and immediately whisk to blend it in fully. This step helps the sauce become luxuriously thick without any lumps. Watch as it instantly transforms, ready to cling beautifully to your cooked pasta.

Step 6: Finish with Pasta

In goes your al dente pasta! Toss it all together so every twist and turn gets a lavish coating of that wonderful sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes more, so the flavors can marry and the sauce becomes the perfect consistency for the Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

And that’s it! Plate up this glorious, creamy creation, sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, and get ready for some serious happy sighs around the table. This is the moment your Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe really shines.

How to Serve Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

No pasta plate is complete without some thoughtful finishing touches. A hearty shower of freshly chopped parsley brightens every bite and adds a touch of elegance. You could even add extra chili flakes or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a hint of heat and color. For extra decadence, try a shaving of parmesan cheese just before serving.

Side Dishes

The Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a zingy vinaigrette, or some garlicky roasted vegetables. A basket of warm, crusty bread is also a classic – perfect for scooping up every last drop of creamy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, swirl the pasta onto each plate and top with slices of chicken, then drizzle with an extra spoonful of sauce. A sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh parsley, or red pepper flakes makes the colors pop. If you’re hosting, serve in a big pasta bowl at the center of the table and let everyone dig in family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, simply pop the cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a treat for lunch the next day.

Freezing

Want to extend the life of your Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe? You can freeze it! Transfer the completely cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick comfort meal anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its silky best. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring frequently for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well for this recipe if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out more easily than thighs.

What pasta shapes work best for the Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle are all wonderful choices because they hold onto that amazing sauce. But really, use whatever pasta you love or have on hand!

Is this dish very spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste. If you’re sensitive to heat, just reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether.

Can I make the Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe ahead?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and even make the sauce a day in advance. Simply store components separately and assemble just before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.

Is the recipe adaptable for vegetarians?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or even a plant-based chicken substitute to make a vegetarian version that’s just as comforting and flavor-packed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to fall head-over-heels for this Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and makes any evening a little more special. Grab those ingredients, get your skillet ready, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a creamy pasta hug you’ll want to make again and again!

Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Tender chicken thighs are seasoned and cooked to perfection, then combined with a rich cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta for a delicious meal that will have you coming back for more.

Instructions

Season and Cook the Chicken: Generously season the chicken with spices and olive oil. Cook until golden brown.
Sauté Vegetables: Sauté red peppers and onion. Add tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes.
Make the Sauce: Pour in cream, add spices, and cooked chicken. Mix a slurry of flour and water, add to thicken sauce.
Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Simmer until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian