If you’re craving a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and effortlessly elegant, the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The balance of creamy richness with the fresh burst of tomatoes makes every bite a celebration of flavor and comfort. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s dubbed “Marry Me” — it’s absolutely swoon-worthy and perfect for sharing with someone special or just treating yourself to something fantastic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role in creating its irresistible taste and inviting texture. From the aromatic garlic to the juicy cherry tomatoes and silky cream, every component is a building block for flavor and satisfaction.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Provides juicy, tender protein that soaks up all the delicious seasoning and sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken to golden perfection.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors wonderfully.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Deepens the garlic flavor in the chicken without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings a bright, herby touch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The ultimate ingredient for creating that irresistible creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Balances the richness of the cream and adds savory depth.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty dimension.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an irresistible punch and wonderful aroma.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with freshness and a slight sweetness that cuts through the cream.
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta: The perfect vehicle to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the fettuccine or your preferred pasta and cook according to the package’s instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has a perfect bite and won’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce. Drain well and set aside, ready to be combined with the creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken pieces. Cook until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the juiciness while giving the chicken a delightful color and flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant – about a minute – so you get that lovely garlic aroma without burning it. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will slowly melt into the sauce, thickening it and adding that signature cheesy richness. This step is where your sauce turns luscious and perfectly velvety.
Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Chicken
Now it’s time to add fresh flavors: toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cooked chicken into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors. The tomatoes soften just enough to release a slight sweetness, balancing the creamy sauce beautifully, while the chicken absorbs even more of those savory notes.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add your cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing everything evenly to ensure each strand is coated with that silky, flavorful cream. This step creates harmony between the pasta, chicken, juicy tomatoes, and rich sauce for a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish to add a fresh, herbaceous note and a lovely splash of color. Serve the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe warm for the best experience — it’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level.
How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks; it adds a bright, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top for a cheesy finish or add a few chili flakes if you enjoy a little subtle heat. These garnishes elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor without overwhelming the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added texture and nutrients. Garlic bread is another fantastic side—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, consider serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge for a subtle zesty contrast. Alternatively, add a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of basil pesto for a fresh twist. This Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious, so presentation can be as fun and creative as you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from this amazing pasta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, so you might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion out the pasta and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, warm the pasta over low heat on the stove, adding a little chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently until heated through for that freshly-made creamy feel. Avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Just be careful to heat it gently to avoid curdling.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe and bring extra juiciness and flavor. Just dice and cook them the same way, adjusting the cooking time if needed.
How do I keep the cherry tomatoes from becoming too soft?
Adding the tomatoes towards the end of the sauce simmering time ensures they soften slightly but still maintain a fresh burst. Overcooking will cause them to lose their shape and become mushy.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently when ready to serve, then toss with freshly cooked pasta. This helps you save time and ensures the pasta stays perfectly al dente.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe that makes it a standout. Its delicious blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors comes together in a way that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or just craving a creamy pasta fix, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe. You’ll be amazed at how quickly it wins hearts and satisfies every craving!
Print
Creamy Marry Me Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Creamy Marry Me Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a flavorful garlic and Parmesan cream sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente fettuccine and fresh cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make skillet recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Season and cook the chicken: Season diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the cream sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add tomatoes and chicken: Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and the cooked chicken to the sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top and serve the pasta warm for a delightful meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst; feel free to substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
- Garnishing with parsley adds color and subtle freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a gluten-free version, swap pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
