Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This Mediterranean-inspired take on Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, creamy, and full of comforting flavors. Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts are simmered in a garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and tossed with pasta for a dish that feels both indulgent and elegant. It’s a perfect choice for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you want a meal that feels a little special without being complicated.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
8 ounces penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
Make the sauce:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine:
Slice the chicken breasts into strips (or leave whole if preferred). Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it into the pasta and sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Tips
Pound the chicken: For even cooking, lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before searing.
Don’t rush the sear: Let the chicken cook undisturbed until golden brown—this builds flavor for both the meat and the sauce.
Reserve pasta water: Keep ½ cup of pasta cooking water before draining. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash to loosen it.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and may leave the sauce grainy.
Taste as you go: Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes at the end so the flavors are balanced.
Variations
Add Mediterranean veggies: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Switch the pasta: Penne works well, but rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti are great alternatives.
Lighter option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat version.
Cheese twist: Try Pecorino Romano or a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a slightly different flavor profile.
Protein swap: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or substitute shrimp for a quicker-cooking version.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: The sauce tastes best fresh, but you can cook the chicken and pasta ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream before serving to keep it creamy.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, leftover roasted or grilled chicken works well. Just slice it and add it back into the sauce at the end to warm through.
Q: Is this dish very spicy with red pepper flakes?
A: Not at all—it adds a subtle heat. If you like spice, increase to 1 teaspoon. If not, simply leave it out.
Q: What can I serve with this pasta?
A: A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with the rich sauce.
Nutrition
(per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~610
Protein: 44g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.)
Conclusion
Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky garlic-Parmesan cream sauce in one satisfying dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. With its comforting flavors and creamy texture, this pasta is bound to become a recipe you’ll return to again and again.