Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The “Proposal-Grade” Creamy Fusion

Can a dish be so persuasive that it actually inspires a marriage proposal? According to 2026 “Viral-Gourmet” culinary standards, Marry Me Chicken Pasta (known in English as Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Pasta with Seared Chicken) is the gold standard for romantic efficiency. This recipe utilizes the “Pan-Fond Integration” technique—deglazing the savory browned bits from the chicken to build the sauce—resulting in a deep, layered flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours.

This recipe is semantically optimized for “Silken Emulsion,” focusing on the balance of acidic tomatoes and rich heavy cream to create a sauce that clings perfectly to every noodle.


Ingredients List: The “I Do” Toolkit

To achieve a “restaurant-quality” gloss without the sauce breaking, the quality of the sun-dried tomatoes and the timing of the cream integration are the most critical variables.

The Foundation:

  • Pasta (12 oz / 350g): Rigatoni or Penne are best for trapping the thick sauce.
  • Chicken Breast (1 lb): Sliced into bite-sized medallions.
  • All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup): For dredging the chicken to create a golden “crust.”

The “Golden” Sauce:

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, chopped): Use the ones packed in oil for maximum flavor.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced) & Shallot (1 small, finely diced).
  • Chicken Broth (½ cup) & Heavy Cream (1 cup).
  • Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): To provide the salty, umami finish.

The Aromatic Finish:

  • Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): For a subtle “spark.”
  • Dried Oregano (1 tsp) & Fresh Basil (a handful, torn).

Timing: High-Velocity Execution

This is a “One-Pan Base” operation. By using the same skillet for the chicken and the sauce, you preserve the essential flavor compounds (the fond).

PhaseDurationContextual Data
Pasta Boil8–10 MinutesAiming for a firm, “al dente” bite.
Chicken Sear6–8 MinutesCreating the golden, flavorful crust.
The Emulsion5 MinutesReducing the cream into a velvety glaze.
Total TimeApprox. 25 Minutes100% more persuasive than standard Alfredo.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Dredge and Sear

Season your chicken medallions with salt and pepper, then toss in the flour until lightly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Actionable Tip: Don’t crowd the pan. Searing the chicken in batches ensures it “browns” rather than “steams,” which is the secret to the deep flavor of the final sauce.

2. The Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, shallots, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Pro Tip: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to sauté. It is pre-infused with herbs and tomato essence, acting as an instant flavor-booster.

3. The Deglaze

Pour in the chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pan to release the fond (the browned chicken bits). This is where the “Marry Me” magic happens.

4. The Silken Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

5. The Marriage (Integration)

Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully cloaked in the sauce.

Actionable Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the starchy pasta water. This “liquid gold” helps the sauce emulsify and stick to the noodles.


Nutritional Information

This is a rich, satisfying meal designed for peak comfort and celebration.

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories580 kcal
Protein34g
Total Fat28g
Carbohydrates46g

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Using Pre-Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan is coated in cellulose (wood pulp) to prevent clumping, which will make your sauce “gritty.” Grate your own for a smooth finish.
  2. Overcooking the Chicken: The chicken will continue to cook slightly when added back to the warm sauce. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s golden.
  3. Draining All the Pasta Water: Always save at least ½ cup of the boiling water. It is the only way to “fix” a sauce that has become too thick or dry.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta (or Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Cream Pasta with Seared Chicken) is a masterclass in building flavor through pan-deglazing. By merging the acidity of sun-dried tomatoes with a rich cream base, you create a dish that feels like a labor of love, but only takes 25 minutes. Try this for your next date night, let us know if you got a “Yes” in the comments, and subscribe for more efficiency-gourmet guides!

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