A Guilt-Free Comfort Food Favourite
If you’ve scrolled social media lately, you’ve likely seen the viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta – a creamy, flavourful dish said to be so good it might just inspire a marriage proposal! While delicious, the traditional version is quite indulgent. So, we’ve created a healthier take that still delivers on taste, but with smart swaps to make it more fitness- and wellness-friendly.
This version is high in lean protein, lightened up with yoghurt and low-fat cream, and uses wholewheat pasta for added fibre. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal, but impressive enough for date night, or post-gym fuel!
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the chicken:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
- 1 cup low-fat cream (or half cream, half plain yoghurt for a lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken stock (low-sodium)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped
For the pasta:
- 250–300g wholewheat penne or fusilli pasta
- Salt for boiling water
How to Make It:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and chilli flakes in a bit of olive oil for 1–2 minutes.
- Add the low-fat cream and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for another 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice the chicken and return to the pan, adding cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Balanced macronutrients: lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats
- Can be meal-prepped for busy weekdays
- Customisable: add spinach or mushrooms for extra veg
- Still creamy and indulgent, just lighter on the calories
Eating well doesn’t mean giving up comfort food. With a few clever swaps, you can enjoy meals that support your goals and satisfy your cravings. Give this healthy “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta a try – it might just win your heart!