Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food that you can whip up quickly on any weeknight. This dish features tender chicken in a rich Parmesan sauce tossed with pasta for a satisfying family-friendly meal. The sauce is silky smooth and perfectly coats every noodle, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples and fresh herbs to make cooking straightforward. For a sweet finish, consider pairing it with my Healthy Nut & Seed Energy Cookies for a balanced homemade meal.
Why You'll Love Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Make this easy Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta in under 40 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor - perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Quick to prepare, ready in just 40 minutes
- Rich, creamy sauce packed with Parmesan cheese flavor
- Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients
- Perfect for family-friendly and beginner-friendly cooking
Ingredients for Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Chicken breasts: Use fresh or thawed chicken breast; you can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated can be used but may not melt as smoothly.
- Chicken breasts: Use fresh or thawed chicken breast; you can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated can be used but may not melt as smoothly.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Expert Tips for Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
- For juicier chicken, pound the breasts to even thickness before cooking.
- Add fresh spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner
Make this easy Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta in under 40 minutes. Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor - perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
Optional Toppings
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Crushed red pepper for added heat
Instructions
How to Make Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Prepare the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese and combine: Lower heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Add cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir in fresh basil.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until pasta is well coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Parmesan Marry Me Chicken Pasta - Easy & Comforting Weeknight Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead and keep pasta separate. Reheat gently and combine before serving.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour for a lighter sauce, but it may not be as rich and creamy.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing to maintain pasta texture.
Overcooking is usually the cause. Cook chicken just until no longer pink inside and remove from heat promptly.
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