"Marry Me" Chicken! I Could Eat This Chicken Every Day! Easy Recipe for Dinner!

"Marry Me" Chicken! I Could Eat This Chicken Every Day! Easy Recipe for Dinner! is a medium Italian recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Ricette Perfette on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min

Cost: $16.93 total, $4.23 per serving

Ingredients

  • 6 pieces Boneless Chicken Thighs (skinless, trimmed)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0.8 cup Meat Broth (divided: 1/3 cup first, 2/3 cup later)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (packed, roughly torn)
  • 5 pieces Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Tomato Concentrate (also called tomato paste)
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for best thickness)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
  • 30 g Parmesan Cheese (grated, plus extra for serving)
  • 250 g Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken

    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Brown Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium-high

  3. Add First Portion of Broth

    Pour 1/3 cup of meat broth into the skillet, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium

  4. Prepare Aromatics

    While the chicken cooks, mince the garlic, slice the sun‑dried tomatoes, and roughly tear the fresh basil.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Sauté Garlic and Sun‑Dried Tomatoes

    Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced sun‑dried tomatoes; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  6. Build the Sauce

    Stir in the tomato concentrate, the remaining 2/3 cup of broth, heavy cream, dried thyme, oregano, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium

  7. Finish Cooking Chicken in Sauce

    Return the browned chicken thighs to the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer until the sauce thickens and the chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  8. Cook Pasta

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: boiling

  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat with the creamy tomato‑basil sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan and the fresh basil; if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: low

  10. Serve

    Plate the pasta and chicken, garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
32 g
Carbohydrates
68 g
Fat
22 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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"Marry Me" Chicken! I Could Eat This Chicken Every Day! Easy Recipe for Dinner!

Recipe by Ricette Perfette

A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring golden-browned chicken thighs simmered in a rich tomato‑cream sauce with fresh basil, sun‑dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, tossed with al dente pasta.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$16.93
Total cost
$4.23
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Browning the chicken thighs to develop flavor.
  • Ensuring the sauce thickens before serving.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil with care to avoid splatter burns.
  • Use oven‑mitts or a thick towel when handling the hot skillet lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of creamy tomato basil chicken pasta in Italian cuisine?

A

While traditional Italian cuisine separates meat and pasta, the post‑war era saw the rise of hearty one‑pot meals that combine protein with pasta for convenience. This dish reflects that modern comfort‑food evolution, marrying classic Italian flavors like basil, Parmesan, and tomato with succulent chicken.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of chicken pasta dishes in Italy?

A

In Northern Italy, chicken is often paired with butter‑based sauces and mushrooms, while Southern regions favor tomato‑rich sauces with olives and capers. The creamy tomato basil version blends Northern creaminess with Southern tomato heritage.

cultural
Q

How is creamy tomato basil chicken pasta traditionally served in Italy?

A

It is typically served family‑style on a large platter, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil, accompanied by crusty bread and a simple green salad.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is creamy tomato basil chicken pasta traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

This comforting dish is popular for casual family gatherings, weekend meals, and festive occasions where a quick yet satisfying main course is needed, such as birthday luncheons or holiday brunches.

cultural
Q

How does creamy tomato basil chicken pasta fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

It embodies the Italian principles of using high‑quality, seasonal ingredients—olive oil, fresh basil, tomatoes, and Parmesan—while adapting to modern, time‑saving cooking methods that still honor flavor.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for creamy tomato basil chicken pasta versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include boneless chicken thighs, fresh basil, sun‑dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and heavy cream. Acceptable substitutes are chicken breast for thighs, half‑and‑half for cream, Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, and regular tomatoes in place of sun‑dried tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with creamy tomato basil chicken pasta?

A

Pair it with a crisp Italian salad (e.g., arugula with lemon vinaigrette), roasted vegetables, or a light antipasto platter featuring cured meats, olives, and mozzarella.

cultural
Q

What makes creamy tomato basil chicken pasta special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in the combination of a rich cream‑tomato base with the aromatic freshness of basil and the depth of sun‑dried tomatoes, creating a balanced sauce that coats both pasta and chicken beautifully.

cultural
Q

How has creamy tomato basil chicken pasta evolved over time in Italian cooking?

A

Originally a home‑cooked convenience dish, it has evolved with the availability of pantry staples like heavy cream and sun‑dried tomatoes, becoming a staple on modern Italian‑inspired menus and YouTube cooking channels.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy tomato basil chicken pasta?

A

Common errors include overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry, and letting the sauce boil too vigorously, causing the cream to curdle. Also, adding the basil too early can cause it to lose its bright flavor.

technical
Q

Why does this creamy tomato basil chicken pasta recipe use broth before adding cream instead of cooking the chicken directly in cream?

A

The broth adds moisture and helps deglaze the pan, extracting flavor from the browned chicken. Adding cream later prevents it from scorching and ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make creamy tomato basil chicken pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to step 6 and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add the chicken and pasta just before serving, and adjust consistency with a splash of pasta water or extra cream.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ricette Perfette specialize in?

A

Ricette Perfette focuses on authentic Italian home cooking, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern, family‑friendly twists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ricette Perfette's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Ricette Perfette emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, using everyday pantry ingredients while still honoring classic Italian flavors, whereas many other channels may focus on elaborate regional specialties or gourmet techniques.

channel

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