Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

There are some recipes that feel like they were made to win hearts, and Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is one of them. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that clings to every curve of perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to feel special, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. Trust me, this dish is the kind of meal that makes people lean in for seconds and say, “You have to give me this recipe.”

Behind the Recipe

The story behind Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta is just as charming as the dish itself. Originally, the “Marry Me Chicken” craze started as a skillet chicken recipe, so good that people swore it could inspire a marriage proposal. Adding pasta into the mix makes it a complete meal—comforting, filling, and layered with flavors that blend beautifully. It’s like the recipe took on new life, becoming a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

While it sounds like a modern internet trend, dishes like Marry Me Chicken have deep roots in Italian-inspired cuisine. Creamy sauces with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan have long been staples in Tuscan-style cooking. The bowtie pasta, or farfalle, dates back to the 16th century in Northern Italy, and its delicate folds are perfect for catching velvety sauces. What we have here is a fusion of traditional Italian flavors with a playful modern twist.

Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

It’s easy to see why this recipe has become a fan favorite. Here’s why you’re going to love making (and eating) it:

Versatile: Perfect for both cozy family dinners and elegant date nights.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable chicken breasts.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with minimal fuss.

Customizable: Add spinach, mushrooms, or swap in whole wheat pasta if you like.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, savory, and deeply flavorful, it’s impossible to resist.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be made in advance and gently reheated.

Great for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Every cook has little secrets to elevate a dish, and here are mine for this recipe:

1. Season your chicken generously before cooking to layer in flavor from the start.
2. Reserve some pasta water—it’s liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency.
3. Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest texture.
4. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing, keeping it tender and juicy.
5. Finish with fresh basil for a burst of color and fragrance.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this dish as smooth as possible, gather these tools:

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken and building the sauce.
Medium Pot: To cook the bowtie pasta to al dente perfection.
Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pan.
Sharp Knife: For slicing chicken and chopping sun-dried tomatoes.
Colander: To drain pasta while reserving some of the cooking water.

Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

The magic of this recipe comes from the way each ingredient plays its part in harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless and skinless, provide lean protein and soak up flavor beautifully.
2. Bowtie Pasta: 12 ounces, holds the sauce in its folds for maximum flavor.
3. Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing and adding richness.
4. Garlic: 4 cloves, minced, infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma.
5. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, chopped, bring tangy sweetness and depth.
6. Chicken Broth: 1 cup, forms the savory backbone of the sauce.
7. Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates that luscious, velvety texture.
8. Parmesan Cheese: 3/4 cup, freshly grated, adds salty, nutty complexity.
9. Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, for a gentle kick of heat.
10. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, blends herbs for balanced flavor.
11. Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, for seasoning throughout.
12. Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, brings a fresh, fragrant finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to adjust, and this recipe is flexible:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter version.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Roasted red peppers for a sweeter twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano for a sharper edge.
Bowtie Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work just as well.

Ingredient Spotlight

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems are concentrated bursts of sweet and tangy flavor, adding both richness and color to the sauce.

Bowtie Pasta: Known as farfalle, the bow-like shape isn’t just pretty, it’s perfect for trapping every bit of sauce.

Instructions for Making Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Cooking this dish is a joyful process, and each step builds anticipation for that first bite. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Warm a large skillet over medium heat and put a pot of salted water on to boil.
2. Combine Ingredients: Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of cooking water. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: In the skillet, heat olive oil. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
4. Assemble the Dish: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth base.
5. Cook to Perfection: Add Parmesan and red pepper flakes, stirring until melted into the sauce. Slice chicken and return it to the pan along with pasta. Toss to coat, using reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with fresh basil, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta, making sure to nestle slices of chicken on top, and enjoy warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This dish is all about balance: the bowtie pasta gives a tender yet firm bite, the creamy sauce envelops everything with richness, and the sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of tangy sweetness. The Parmesan ties it all together with a nutty, savory depth, while fresh basil lifts the dish with brightness. It’s comfort food with finesse.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

A little extra wisdom always helps in the kitchen:

• Cook pasta just to al dente since it will continue cooking in the sauce.
• Warm your cream slightly before adding to the skillet to prevent curdling.
• Don’t skip the resting time for chicken—it makes all the difference in tenderness.

What to Avoid

Even the best recipes can go wrong without a little care. Here’s what to steer clear of:

• Overcooking pasta, which makes it mushy instead of perfectly toothsome.
• Adding cold cheese straight into the sauce, which may clump instead of melting smoothly.
• Skipping pasta water, leaving your sauce too thick and heavy.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 520

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to timing. You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it, then gently reheat before tossing with freshly cooked pasta. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and you can even freeze portions for a quick weeknight meal later. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta

For a meal that feels complete, serve this pasta with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few basil leaves on top make it restaurant-worthy.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you find yourself with leftovers, turn them into something new:

• Bake it with mozzarella for a quick pasta casserole.
• Stuff into bell peppers and bake for a twist on stuffed peppers.
• Reheat and serve with a fried egg on top for a comforting brunch.

Additional Tips

For even deeper flavor, try sautéing a few mushrooms with the garlic, or add a handful of baby spinach right at the end for a pop of green. Little touches like these bring freshness and variety.

Make It a Showstopper

Presentation matters! Use a wide shallow bowl to show off the pasta, twirl a few pieces high with chicken nestled on top, and finish with a flourish of basil and Parmesan. A drizzle of golden olive oil adds that final glossy touch.

Variations to Try

• Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth.
• Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Stir in spinach or kale for a nutrient boost.
• Use whole wheat pasta for a heartier, nutty flavor.
• Spice it up with extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, but add it only at the end to prevent it from drying out.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?

Swap cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Q3: Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely, just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for milder flavor.

Q4: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Yes, just cook according to package instructions and toss gently with sauce.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?

Definitely, just use a larger skillet to accommodate the sauce and pasta.

Q6: What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp white like Pinot Grigio balances the creaminess beautifully.

Q7: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes, just drain well before chopping.

Q8: How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Stir continuously when adding cream and keep heat on medium.

Q9: Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes, store sauce and pasta separately, then combine when reheating.

Q10: What side dishes go best with this pasta?

A fresh salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience. Creamy, savory, and kissed with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, it has that perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Whether you’re making it for someone special or treating yourself, this recipe delivers joy in every bite. And let me tell you, it’s worth every single forkful.

Discover the simple steps to making Marry Me Chicken Bowtie Pasta