There’s something magical about biting into a juicy, gourmet burger nestled between two perfectly soft and fragrant garlic herb burger buns. If you’ve ever found yourself disappointed with store-bought options that crumble, fall apart, or taste a little too bland, it’s time to step into the world of homemade buns. These garlic herb burger buns are everything a burger deserves—soft but sturdy, buttery but not greasy, and infused with just the right amount of garlic and herbs to add a touch of elegance to your backyard cookouts or weeknight sliders. Once you learn how to make burger buns like these, your classic burger game will change forever.
Skillet “Marry Me” Chicken Rigatoni
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Large Skillet (12-inch) For searing chicken and building the sauce. A cast-iron or stainless steel skillet works beautifully.
Pasta Pot & Colander Unless you're going full-on one pot marry me chicken pasta style and cooking everything in the same deep skillet.
Tongs or spatula To flip the chicken.
Wooden spoon For gentle stirring.
Chicken & Pasta Base
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – They cook quickly and absorb flavor well. Want a richer, juicier alternative? Go for boneless chicken thighs.
- Rigatoni Pasta – These tube-shaped noodles trap that creamy sauce perfectly. Other great options include penne or farfalle bow tie pasta, which is a go-to in many chicken bowtie pasta recipes.
Flavorful Sauce
- Olive Oil – For searing and sautéing giving the base a rich aroma.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for bold flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional but adds a hint of heat to balance the cream.
- Chicken Broth – Adds depth and keeps the sauce from getting too heavy.
- Heavy Cream – The key to silky smooth texture.
- Parmesan Cheese – The heart of the parmesan sauce. Freshly grated is best for that nutty salty depth.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil – Sweet tangy bursts of flavor in every bite.
- Italian Seasoning & Tomato Paste – Brings it all together with herbal warmth and umami-rich body.
Final Touches
- Fresh Basil – A bright garnish that lifts the whole dish.
- Extra Parmesan – Because more cheese is always the answer.
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Cook rigatoni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. If you’re going for true one pot marry me chicken pasta simplicity, cook the pasta in the same skillet first, drain it, then reuse the pan for chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, followed by cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until thick and glossy.
Step 4: Combine
Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and warmed through. Let it simmer together for a few minutes to let the flavors develop.
Step 5: Optional Broil
If you want a bubbly, golden top, sprinkle extra Parmesan and broil for 3-5 minutes in the oven. This extra step gives it a baked pasta vibe found in traditional marry me chicken oven variations.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil and an extra handful of grated Parmesan. Serve warm with crusty bread or a crisp salad.
Serving Suggestions: Build the Perfect Plate
Pairing is everything when it comes to creamy chicken pasta dishes, especially one this rich and romantic. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Side Salad: A lemon vinaigrette-dressed arugula salad or spinach with balsamic glaze cuts through the creaminess.
- Bread: Warm focaccia, baguette slices, or garlic knots are ideal for soaking up extra sauce.
- Wine: Try a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
- Dessert: A light dessert like lemon sorbet, panna cotta, or even fresh strawberries with whipped cream keeps things sweet without overwhelming your palate.
This dish also works well as a date-night main course or as a celebratory "we survived the week" Friday dinner. It’s that versatile.
Marry Me Chicken Around the Web
This cozy chicken pasta is part of a larger food trend — the viral marry me chicken movement that’s taken over food blogs, TikTok kitchens, and Pinterest boards. But this rigatoni twist offers a more substantial, satisfying version that feels like a full meal in itself.
Many marry me chicken pasta recipes stick to penne or bowties, and you’ll even find people throwing in spinach, mushrooms, or swapping chicken for shrimp. It’s that kind of dish — flexible, forgiving, and always flavorful. It's easy to see why variations like chicken and bowtie pasta recipes or chicken and macaroni recipes often borrow this creamy tomato-Parmesan concept. It’s just that good.
FAQs
1. Can I use thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more forgiving and juicy. Just increase the cook time by a few minutes.
2. Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly, thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can omit them entirely for a milder flavor.
3. How do I make this healthier?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. For a truly marry me chicken recipe healthy version, use grilled chicken breast and whole wheat pasta.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Make the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
5. Does this freeze well?
The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it’s still delicious. Freeze in an airtight container and reheat slowly over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
