Marry Me Pasta for Dinner
Marry Me Pasta for Dinner! is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Tina Farmer on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $13.07 total, $3.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (cut into bite‑size pieces)
- 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided: 2 Tbsp for sauce, 1 Tbsp for chicken)
- 1 tsp Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 Tbsp Tomato Paste (smooth)
- 1/4 cup Sun‑Dried Tomatoes (chopped, oil drained)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta (dry)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then melt 1 Tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium‑high heat and sear the chicken until lightly browned on all sides (it will finish cooking in the oven).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium‑high
Finish Chicken in Oven
Transfer the skillet (or move chicken to an oven‑safe baking dish) to a pre‑heated oven at 375°F and bake for 15‑20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Make Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then whisk in 1 Tbsp flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1‑2 minutes until lightly golden.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Build Sauce Base
Stir in 2 Tbsp tomato paste and the chopped sun‑dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup chicken broth followed by 2 cups heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Cheeses
Reduce heat to low and whisk in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Cook Pasta
While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz fettuccine, and cook al dente according to package directions (usually 10‑11 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Time: PT11M
Temperature: boiling
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, thin with reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: low
Finish Dish
Slice the baked chicken into bite‑size strips (if not already) and gently fold into the pasta. Let everything warm together for 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Plate and Serve
Serve the creamy chicken fettuccine on warmed plates, optionally garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 820
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 45g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, High protein
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: boneless skinless turkey breast
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour
- Instead of Tomato Paste: crushed tomatoes (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes: regular dried tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half (will be less thick)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone
- Instead of Fettuccine Pasta: tagliatelle, linguine
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil mix
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Oven‑Safe Baking Dish
- Large Skillet or Saute Pan
- Medium Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large Pot for Pasta
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Seeding the chicken properly before oven finish ensures it stays juicy
- Cooking the roux until lightly golden prevents a raw flour taste
- Simmering the sauce gently avoids curdling the cream
- Cooking pasta al dente and reserving pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor
- Sear the chicken quickly to develop a golden crust before baking
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for subtle warmth
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin
Simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in a teaspoon of flour slurry (flour mixed with cold water)
Sauce is too thick
Add reserved pasta water or a splash more chicken broth until desired consistency
Pasta is overcooked
Cook pasta al dente next time and consider under‑cooking by 1 minute if it will sit in the sauce
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat gently on stovetop
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce up to step 5 and refrigerate; reheat gently before adding pasta
- Cook chicken ahead and store; add to pasta just before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Marry Me Pasta in Italian‑American cuisine?
Marry Me Pasta is a modern spin on the viral "Marry Me Chicken" trend, which blends classic Italian comfort foods—creamy Alfredo sauce and pasta—with an American love‑story marketing angle. It reflects how social media reshapes traditional Italian‑American dishes into quick, shareable meals for home cooks.
What are the traditional regional variations of creamy chicken pasta in Italian cuisine?
In Italy, creamy chicken pasta appears as "Pasta al Pollo" in the north, often featuring butter, cream, and Parmesan, while the south prefers olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs. The Marry Me version adds sun‑dried tomatoes and a richer cream base, echoing American preferences for extra richness.
How is Marry Me Pasta traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot, directly from the skillet or a shallow baking dish, topped with extra grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s often paired with a simple green salad and crusty bread to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is Marry Me Pasta associated with in American culture?
Because of its indulgent nature, Marry Me Pasta is popular for casual dinner parties, college‑student meals, and “comfort food” nights. Its name also makes it a playful choice for engagements or romantic celebrations.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Marry Me Pasta?
A crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or sautéed broccoli with lemon complement the creamy pasta. For protein balance, a side of grilled Italian sausage or a simple antipasto platter works well.
What makes Marry Me Pasta special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish combines the classic Alfredo sauce with tomato paste and sun‑dried tomatoes, giving it a subtle tang that cuts through the richness. The addition of oven‑finished chicken adds texture and depth not found in standard Alfredo pasta.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Marry Me Pasta?
Common errors include overcooking the chicken (it becomes dry), under‑cooking the roux (resulting in a raw flour taste), and letting the sauce boil too vigorously, which can cause the cream to curdle. Follow the timing and temperature cues in the recipe to avoid these pitfalls.
Why does this Marry Me Pasta recipe use a roux instead of simply adding cream directly?
Creating a roux with butter, garlic, and flour thickens the sauce evenly and prevents the cream from separating. It also adds a nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste profile, which a straight cream‑only sauce would lack.
Can I make Marry Me Pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the sauce up to step 5 and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, then combine and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or pasta water to restore creaminess.
What does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tina Farmer focuses on family‑friendly, approachable home cooking videos that often feature quick weeknight meals, comfort food twists, and practical tips for busy parents and college students.
How does the YouTube channel Tina Farmer's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Tina Farmer emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, often using pantry staples and minimal equipment. Her videos prioritize step‑by‑step visual guidance and real‑world timing, making classic Italian‑American dishes like Marry Me Pasta feel achievable for novice cooks.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
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