Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That Seals The Deal

Creamy marry me chicken pasta bursts with irresistible flavors that could seal any romantic commitment.

Aromatic herbs and tender chicken create a dish that speaks directly to your heart.

Sun-dried tomatoes add a vibrant punch of Mediterranean charm to this culinary masterpiece.

Rich parmesan cheese melts seamlessly into a velvety sauce, promising pure comfort.

Weeknight dinners never looked this elegant or tasted so remarkable.

Skeptical about its magic?

One bite will convince you this recipe holds serious relationship-winning potential.

Essential Ingredients For Marry Me Pasta

Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the main star of this delicious pasta dish.
  • Turkey Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky flavor and extra protein to the meal.
Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Penne Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps create a rich sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Gives the sauce a luxurious, velvety texture and creamy consistency.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Create a well-balanced and flavorful seasoning blend for the chicken.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.

Step-By-Step Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Boil penne pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente perfection.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be transformed into a mouthwatering dish.

Step 2: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a large skillet and cook turkey bacon until it’s delightfully crispy and golden brown.

Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate, leaving behind those delicious flavor-packed drippings.

Step 3: Season and Sear Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Sear the chicken in the same skillet until it develops a gorgeous golden crust and cooks through completely.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Sauce

Pour chicken broth and cream into the skillet, gently scraping up all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer and thicken into a velvety smooth consistency.

Step 5: Combine and Coat

Add the cooked pasta and crispy turkey bacon back into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely embraced by the creamy, rich sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fall in love with this irresistible pasta dish.

Tips For Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Cook turkey bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve maximum crispiness without burning, ensuring a perfect crunchy texture for your pasta.
  • Pat chicken dry before adding spices to help seasonings stick better and create a golden, flavorful exterior when cooking.
  • Let the cream sauce simmer gently to reduce and thicken naturally, which intensifies the flavors and creates a luxurious consistency.
  • Toss pasta in the sauce off the heat to prevent overcooking and ensure each noodle gets evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  • Chop parsley right before serving to maintain its bright green color and release maximum fresh flavor as a vibrant garnish.

Flavor Variations For Marry Me Pasta

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy sauce's flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream instead of regular cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free rendition of the classic recipe.

Suggested Pairings For Marry Me Chicken Pasta

  • Rustic Italian Dinner Night: Serve this creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a complete meal experience.
  • Restaurant-Style Plating: Twirl the pasta on a large white plate, arrange crispy bacon pieces on top, and sprinkle fresh parsley for an elegant presentation.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the dish's savory flavors.
  • Side Dish Companion: Add roasted garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and create a more satisfying dining experience.

Proper Storage For Marry Me Pasta

  • Store leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Separate sauce and pasta if possible to maintain better texture.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • What ingredients make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta unique?

The combination of turkey bacon, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy sauce with Italian seasoning creates a rich, flavorful dish that sets it apart from traditional pasta recipes.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the components ahead of time and combine them just before serving, making it convenient for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

  • Can I substitute the turkey bacon with regular bacon?

Yes, you can easily swap turkey bacon for regular bacon or even pancetta to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean chicken breast, low-fat cream, and turkey bacon to reduce calories while maintaining the delicious flavor profile of the dish.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Loved

  • Quicken Your Dinner Game: Whip up this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with crispy turkey bacon, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add extra veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, giving you flexibility to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this single-pan recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, saving you time and effort after a long day.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent marry me chicken pasta promises an irresistible culinary journey through creamy, herb-infused Italian-inspired flavors. Lovers of comfort food will discover a romantic dinner solution that seduces taste buds with its rich, luxurious ingredients and simple, elegant preparation.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) chicken breasts (diced)
  • 4 slices bacon (chopped)

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 1 pound (16 ounces) penne pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following package timing. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Render turkey bacon in a spacious skillet until crisp and golden. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving the rendered fat.
  3. Season chicken generously with garlic powder, Italian herbs, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Sear in the same skillet over medium-high heat until exterior turns rich golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Deglaze the skillet by pouring chicken broth, scraping accumulated flavorful fond from bottom. Introduce heavy cream and reduce heat, allowing liquid to gently simmer and concentrate.
  5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  6. Reunite cooked pasta and crispy bacon with the creamy sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure complete and even coating.
  7. Finish the dish by sprinkling finely chopped fresh parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbaceous brightness.

Notes

  • Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version of this delightful dish.
  • Reduce cream and use low-fat alternatives for a lighter, heart-healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
  • Toast the bacon separately to control crispiness and reduce excess oil in the final pasta preparation.
  • Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni to add textural variety and visual interest to the dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 636 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 395 mg
  • Fat: 23 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 48 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 51 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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