There are plenty of dreamy pasta recipes out there, but few dishes inspire as much swooning as Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Imagine juicy seared chicken tucked into silky, Parmesan-laced sauce, sun-dried tomatoes popping with sweetness, and just enough gentle heat to keep things exciting, all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. It’s no wonder this creamy, flavor-packed meal has gained a reputation for being so irresistible, it’s practically a proposal on a plate!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta so incredible is how it can turn a handful of everyday ingredients into something truly spectacular. Each one plays a special role in flavor, richness, or even just making the final dish look extra tempting.

Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, they soak up the sauce’s flavor beautifully. You can swap in thighs for extra juiciness.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle, peppery undertone and helps create a golden crust on the chicken.
Unsalted butter: Provides rich flavor and helps with browning, while balancing out the olive oil.
Garlic (minced): The aromatic base that perfumes the whole dish and gives that unmistakable Italian flair.
Chicken broth: Lends depth to the sauce and captures every bit of fond from searing the chicken.
Heavy cream: Ensures the sauce is ultra-creamy, luxurious, and coats every strand of pasta.
Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained): Their sweet-tangy intensity brightens up the sauce and adds bursts of flavor.
Italian seasoning: A classic mix of dried herbs that gives the dish warmth and old-school charm.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a hint makes the dish sparkle with gentle heat—it’s totally adjustable to taste.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts perfectly into the sauce for that nutty, cheesy finish.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine): The vehicle that soaks up every ounce of creamy sauce—choose your favorite shape!
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and making the flavors pop.
Fresh basil or parsley (chopped): Added right before serving for color, fragrance, and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions, aiming for that perfect al dente bite. While the pasta cooks, don’t forget to reserve half a cup of pasta water—this starchy liquid is magic for loosening up your creamy sauce later. Once the noodles are done, drain and set them aside. The smell of pasta cooking already starts the anticipation!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

While the pasta is bubbling away, pat your chicken breasts dry and season them generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat—combining both fats gives you great flavor and beautiful browning. Once the pan is shimmering hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let them rest; this keeps the meat juicy before slicing.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add your minced garlic. Let it cook for only about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—there’s nothing quite like that first whiff. Immediately pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (if you love a gentle kick). Let it all simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and the sauce to thicken.

Step 4: Melt in the Parmesan

Lower the heat and sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet, stirring so it melts smoothly into the sauce. You’ll notice it becoming silky, glossy, and utterly rich—this is where Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly earns its creamy reputation! If you want extra decadence, a few ounces of cream cheese stirred in right now will do the trick.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish

Slice your rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-size pieces, then return them to the pan. Add in the cooked pasta and gently toss until everything is evenly coated in that incredible sauce. If the mixture feels a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches your ideal consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then get ready for the grand finale—a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for color and zing.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Top your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a flourish of chopped basil or parsley for freshness, a dusting of extra Parmesan, and perhaps a crack of black pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, a few additional slivers of sun-dried tomato over the top add a pop of color and flavor that looks as special as this dish tastes!

Side Dishes

The creamy, savory nature of Marry Me Chicken Pasta begs for a simple, fresh side. Think crisp green salads tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or classic garlic bread to swipe up every drop of sauce. A light white wine or sparkling water rounds out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the glossy sauce and tender chicken, or try piling it high on a large, family-style platter for a festive gathering. For a romantic night in, dim the lights and add a few candles—this is a pasta that truly loves to impress! Sometimes, even a rustic wooden board piled with pasta and scattered herbs can wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but the flavors only deepen, making lunch the next day an absolute treat. Be sure to cool everything fully before storing to keep it tasting fresh.

Freezing

While you can freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon reheating. If you do freeze, use a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating. Adding a splash of milk or cream when warming can help restore the luscious texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a spoonful of pasta water, broth, or cream as needed. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming too thick. Finish with more fresh herbs and Parmesan to bring that just-cooked sparkle back.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and provide a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust your cook time so they’re cooked through but still tender.

What pasta shapes work best in Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Penne and fettuccine are perfect—penne holds the sauce in its tubes, while fettuccine offers those satisfying, slurpable ribbons. But honestly, any pasta you love will do!

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, and use less cheese. The result will be a bit less rich but still deliciously creamy and dreamy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can use your favorite non-dairy cream and cheese substitutes, such as coconut cream and vegan Parmesan. The flavor profile will shift, but the result will remain comforting and satisfying.

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It’s only mildly spicy thanks to the red pepper flakes, which you can totally adjust or leave out if preferred. The base recipe is savory and creamy with just a faint touch of heat—completely customizable for your crew!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that one dish that’s guaranteed to win hearts and earn you rave reviews, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the answer. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and special enough for any celebration. Give it a whirl in your kitchen and watch the sparks fly—everyone who tries it will be asking for seconds, and maybe even your secret recipe!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A creamy and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta:

8 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
Sear Chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, cook garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, seasonings, and Parmesan. Simmer until smooth.
Combine: Slice chicken, return to skillet with cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed.
Serve: Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.