Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

I love the idea of a classic marry me chicken pasta recipe, but I often crave a little more flavor depth. This recipe takes the beloved concept and elevates it with a rich, smoky roasted red pepper cream sauce that feels both sophisticated and comforting. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. We’ll walk you through how to create this vibrant sauce from scratch using a simple blending technique. Get ready for a delicious twist on the classic that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts (600g / 2 large): Boneless, skinless breasts work best here for quick cooking time. Pat the chicken completely dry before searing for a better golden crust. This high-protein base makes this a satisfying family dinner. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs (adjust cooking time by a few minutes).
• Pasta (340g / 12 oz): Penne pasta or fettuccine are ideal choices for clinging to the creamy sauce in this marry me chicken pasta recipe. Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Reserve at least 1/2 cup of the salty, starchy pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
• Olive Oil (30 ml / 2 tablespoons): Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for both searing the chicken and sautéing the aromatics. It provides the base flavor for building the sauce in the pan.
• Aromatics and Flavor Base (Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes): 4 cloves garlic (minced) and 60g (1/4 cup) oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (finely chopped). Make sure to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; the rehydrated kind will be too chewy for this sauce. The garlic and tomatoes create the foundational sweet and savory flavor for the cream sauce in this marry me chicken pasta recipe.
• Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Cream Base (Roasted Red Peppers, Smoked Paprika): 200g (1 cup) jarred roasted red peppers, drained, and 5g (1 teaspoon) smoked paprika. The red peppers provide a vibrant color and natural sweetness when blended into the cream. Blending the Smoky Red Pepper Cream gives this marry me chicken pasta recipe its signature flavor. Use smoked paprika (not sweet paprika) for the distinct smoky flavor that defines this recipe.
• Dairy and Stock (Heavy Cream, Vegetable Broth, Parmesan Cheese): 360 ml (1.5 cups) heavy cream, 240 ml (1 cup) vegetable broth, 60g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese. The heavy cream creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce. The vegetable broth helps deglaze the pan and prevents the sauce from becoming overly thick. Ensure the Parmesan is freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.
• Seasoning and Fresh Finish (Spinach, Basil, Salt, Pepper): 140g (5 oz) fresh baby spinach, 30g (1/4 cup) fresh basil leaves (chopped), plus salt (5g / 1 tsp) and black pepper (2.5g / 1/2 tsp) to taste. The spinach wilts quickly in the hot sauce, adding valuable nutrients and color. Fresh basil is essential; do not substitute dried basil, as it lacks the necessary bright finish.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Instructions

Here’s how to create this marry me chicken pasta recipe with a smoky red pepper twist in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight meal. Sometimes, when I need to make this even faster, I buy pre-cut chicken strips or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save on prep time for this high-protein meal.

1. Sear the Chicken and Slice: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with half of the salt and pepper. Heat 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 74°C / 165°F), then remove the chicken, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Create Sauce Base: While the chicken rests, add the remaining 15 ml (1 tablespoon) olive oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant; stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the sauce for this marry me chicken pasta recipe.
3. Blend the Smoky Red Pepper Cream: In a blender or food processor, combine the drained roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and 60 ml (1/4 cup) of the heavy cream. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary to ensure no lumps remain. Reserve a small amount (about 2 tablespoons) of this vibrant mixture for garnish later.
4. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour the vegetable broth into the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the remaining 300 ml (1.25 cups) heavy cream and the Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
5. Cook Pasta and Combine: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the pasta cooking water. Add the drained pasta, sliced chicken, baby spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce in the pan and toss gently to combine.
6. Adjust and Finish: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water (a little at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the remaining salt and pepper, and chopped fresh basil. To serve, twirl generous portions of the pasta onto bowls and garnish with a drizzle of the reserved Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Cream, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, and extra basil leaves for color. The final touch for this marry me chicken pasta recipe is a light sprinkle of fresh basil to add brightness to the rich sauce.

Make It Easier: Family-Friendly Shortcuts and Meal Prep

This marry me chicken pasta recipe is surprisingly quick, but a few shortcuts can make it even faster for busy weeknights. Pre-cooked ingredients and making components ahead save valuable time and effort during assembly. These options make it a great choice for easy dinner ideas when you’re short on time.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: If time is tight, skip searing chicken breasts and use 2 cups (approx. 300g) of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead. Add the pre-cooked chicken in the final step with the pasta and spinach to warm through.
• Prepare the Sauce Ahead: The Smoky Roasted Red Pepper Cream sauce (steps 2-4) can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before adding the pasta and chicken. Do not add the pasta to the sauce ahead of time, or it will absorb all the liquid and become soggy.
• Freeze Components Separately: While the full dish with cream doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken strips and the blended red pepper puree separately. Defrost and combine fresh cream, broth, and pasta for a faster assembly on a future night.

Recipe Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

You can easily customize this marry me chicken pasta recipe with vegetables or different proteins to suit your family’s preferences. This makes it a highly versatile meal prep recipe that can be adapted for multiple uses.

• Vegetable Swaps: Add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets for a heartier meal or a vegetarian take on marry me chicken pasta. Sauté denser vegetables (like broccoli) with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to ensure they cook through before adding the cream.
• Protein Alternatives: This recipe works well with other proteins like seared sausages, shrimp, or chickpeas. For shrimp, add the cooked shrimp in step 6 and warm through for only 1-2 minutes to prevent overcooking.
• Spice Level Adjustments: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a spicy kick. You can also increase the smoked paprika from 1 teaspoon to 1.5 teaspoons for a stronger smoky flavor.

FAQs

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much overnight. I find this helps to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture when reheating this marry me chicken pasta recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free or use a lighter cream alternative?

For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream, but note it won’t be as rich. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk (it will add a slight coconut flavor) or a non-dairy creamer, and omit the Parmesan or use a non-dairy alternative.

Why did my sauce split or curdle?

This usually happens when the sauce boils at a high heat or when adding cold cheese directly to a hot sauce. Always keep the sauce at a gentle simmer (low heat) and ensure the cheese is added off the heat or gradually while stirring constantly.

What side dishes pair best with this marry me chicken pasta recipe?

This hearty marry me chicken pasta recipe is best complemented by simple, fresh side dishes. Serve with crusty garlic bread for dipping, a light green salad with vinaigrette, or steamed green beans.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil adds a bright, essential flavor contrast to the smoky cream sauce. While you can substitute dried basil, the flavor won’t be as vibrant; use 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1 tablespoon of fresh basil.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, as it may break down too easily when tossed in the thick sauce for this marry me chicken pasta recipe.

Conclusion

This smoky marry me chicken pasta recipe offers a comforting and sophisticated upgrade to your weeknight routine. The combination of smoky paprika and roasted red peppers creates a sauce that truly sets this family-friendly marry me chicken pasta recipe apart, making it feel like a restaurant meal right in your own kitchen. Pin this recipe for your next family dinner and share the deliciousness with loved ones.

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