There’s a reason they call it Marry Me Chicken Pasta—it’s the kind of dish that makes people fall in love at first bite. The first time I made it for my partner, they went silent after one forkful… and then immediately asked for seconds. That creamy sun-dried tomato sauce? It’s rich, velvety, and clings perfectly to the golden seared chicken and tender pasta.
What I love most about this marry me chicken pasta is how it delivers restaurant-level flavor with zero fuss. It comes together in under 40 minutes, but tastes like you spent all afternoon cooking. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night, celebrating something special, or just want to treat yourself after a long day—this marry me chicken pasta is always a good idea.
And trust me, once you serve it, don’t be surprised if someone asks for more than just the recipe. This marry me chicken pasta really is that magical.
Why You'll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
There’s something really special about a recipe that looks and tastes like it took hours—but secretly comes together in under 40 minutes. That’s the beauty of marry me chicken pasta. It feels indulgent and fancy, yet it’s made with simple ingredients and one pan. No complicated steps, no overwhelming prep—just honest, delicious food that speaks for itself.
You'll love the way the creamy garlic parmesan sauce hugs every bite of pasta, how the sun-dried tomatoes add that perfect pop of tang, and how the chicken stays tender and flavorful thanks to a quick sear. It’s comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy. And because it’s all made in one pot, cleanup is a breeze—leaving you more time to enjoy the moment.
What I adore most about this marry me chicken pasta is how versatile it is. It works just as beautifully for a cozy weeknight dinner as it does for an at-home celebration. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a small crowd, this dish rises to the occasion every time.
And if you’re like me, once you’ve made it, it’ll earn a permanent place in your rotation. Because marry me chicken pasta isn’t just a viral recipe—it’s a true keeper.
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Ingredients
For this marry me chicken recipe with pasta, gather these simple ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter option)
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create this showstopper dish:
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Create the Sauce Base
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Build the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this is where the flavor lives!).
- Add heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta and Combine
- Cook pasta in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Return the chicken to the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
- Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Sear seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden, then set aside.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce Base
Sauté garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices in butter until fragrant.
- Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Stir in broth, cream, and parmesan; simmer until slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine
Return chicken, add cooked pasta, toss, and garnish with basil and parmesan.
Hints and Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
For the best results with this easy marry me chicken pasta:
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta - keeping it al dente gives the dish a more authentic Italian texture.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy before adding it back to the sauce.
- Adjust the consistency of your sauce by adding more pasta water or a splash of cream to reach your preferred thickness.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This marry me chicken with pasta can be adapted to fit various dietary needs:
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream and use whole wheat pasta.
- Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
- For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream (though this will alter the flavor profile).
Serve this show-stopping dish with:
- A simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil
- Garlic bread for sopping up extra sauce
- A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio for the perfect pairing
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Want to put your own spin on this marry me chicken pasta recipe? Try these creative twists:
- Add vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions
- Try different proteins: Substitute shrimp or scallops for chicken
- Make it spicier: Double the red pepper flakes for heat lovers
- Go lighter: Use milk and a tablespoon of flour instead of heavy cream
- Try different pasta shapes: Tortellini or ravioli can turn this into marry me chicken tortellini pasta for an extra special touch
Equipment Needed
This one pot marry me chicken pasta comes together easily with basic kitchen equipment:
- A large, deep skillet or sauté pan (12-inch is ideal)
- A separate pot for cooking pasta
- A sharp knife for cutting chicken
- A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups and spoons
A cast-iron skillet works wonderfully for this recipe as it conducts heat evenly and adds a rustic touch to your presentation.
Storage Instructions
This healthy marry me chicken pasta keeps well, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month, though the sauce may separate slightly when thawed.
A Little Patience, A Lot of Flavor: My Secret to Unforgettable Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Here’s something I’ve learned from years in the kitchen—sometimes, it’s not about fancy techniques or rare ingredients. It’s about slowing down. The real magic in this marry me chicken pasta happens when you let the sauce simmer, unhurried and undisturbed. I used to rush it (we’ve all been there on busy weeknights), but once I gave the sauce time to gently bubble and thicken, everything changed.
The sun-dried tomatoes softened and released their sweetness, the garlic mellowed into something buttery and rich, and the parmesan melted into a velvety, flavor-packed base. That extra few minutes? It’s what transforms a good dinner into the kind of meal people remember. So go ahead—stir slowly, let it simmer, and watch your marry me chicken pasta become something truly unforgettable.
FAQ
What pasta is best with marry me chicken?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work beautifully with marry me chicken pasta because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well. If you prefer a long noodle, fettuccine or linguine are great choices too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when tossed with the sauce.
Why is it called "marry me chicken pasta"?
It’s called marry me chicken pasta because it’s so delicious, people joke it’s “proposal-worthy”! The rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken and pasta creates an unforgettable dish that feels indulgent yet easy to make. It’s the kind of meal that wins hearts and gets rave reviews—perfect for date nights or anyone you want to impress.
What is marry me chicken made of?
Marry me chicken is made with juicy chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. The magic happens in the sauce—rich, savory, and just a little tangy—making every bite crave-worthy. Some versions include chicken broth or crushed red pepper for extra flavor and depth. It’s cozy, creamy comfort food at its best.
What sides go with marry me chicken?
Great sides for marry me chicken include roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli also pair well if you’re skipping pasta. If you’re serving the pasta version, keep sides light and fresh to complement the creamy, savory flavors of the dish.
Say “Yes” to Flavor: The Perfect Ending to a Memorable Meal
This marry me chicken pasta is more than just a dinner—it’s the kind of dish that brings people together, sparks conversation, and yes, maybe even inspires a proposal or two. It’s proof that with a little love (and a really good sauce), a few pantry staples can become something extraordinary.
If you're planning a full date-night menu, why not start with something light and flavorful like my Spaghetti Aglio e Olio with Shrimp? It’s the perfect appetizer or alternative main for seafood lovers. And of course, no romantic meal is complete without a sweet finale—my Tiramisu Layer Cake is just the thing to end the evening on a high note.
So go ahead—set the table, add your favorite playlist in the background, and make this marry me chicken pasta for someone you love (even if that someone is you). And if it becomes part of your story, don’t forget to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it went.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe:
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless, halved
- 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing chicken
- 3 cloves Garlic Minced
- ½ cup Sun-dried tomatoes Chopped, packed in oil
- 1 cup Chicken broth Low sodium
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes Optional for heat
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 8 oz Pasta Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon Butter For finishing
- Fresh basil Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken
- Sear chicken
- Sauté garlic & tomatoes
- Deglaze with broth
- Add cream & simmer
- Stir in parmesan
- Cook pasta
- Combine & toss
- Rest 5 mins
- Garnish & serve
Willie Mae DeBose says
A very lovely dish. I added some additional seasoning's ( paprika, parsley and onion powder. Outside of that a very yummy dish 😋
Viola says
So glad you enjoyed it, Willie Mae! Love the extra seasonings you added; paprika and parsley sound like delicious touches. Thanks for trying the recipe and sharing your twist! 😋🍝✨