If you love cozy, creamy pasta dishes that come together in a single skillet and make everyone at the table swoon with delight, Marry Me Chicken Pasta will steal your heart. This gloriously comforting dish brings tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, a dreamy Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all together in a way that’s practically irresistible. It’s the kind of pasta you make for special occasions, busy weeknights, or honestly, any time you need a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a hug in a bowl. This recipe proves why “Marry Me Chicken Pasta” deserves a spot at the top of your dinner rotation!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry and fridge staples to create a dish bursting with flavor. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s brightening the sauce, adding richness, or giving the chicken its savory kick. Don’t skip any — they all come together to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta truly memorable!

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Lean, juicy chicken soaks up all the sauce’s flavor and remains tender when cooked just right.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A quick sauté in olive oil gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust and adds a hint of richness to the skillet.
Salt (1 teaspoon): The key to bringing out all those bold, savory notes in both the chicken and sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A touch of heat and a little bite to amp up the comfort factor.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For deeper, more aromatic flavor that infuses every bite.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a lovely hint of color to the chicken.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Fresh garlic takes the sauce up a notch with its fragrance and depth.
Chicken broth (1 cup): The base of the velvety sauce, bringing a savory backbone to the dish.
Heavy cream (1 cup): This turns the sauce rich, creamy, and totally luscious — swoon worthy!
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers salty, nutty, umami goodness straight into the sauce, helping it thicken.
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (1/2 cup): Little pops of sweet-tart flavor that make every bite unique.
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little heat and extra depth.
Pasta (8 oz penne or fettuccine): Twirls of pasta catch and hold all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Chopped fresh basil or parsley (1 tablespoon for garnish): A sprinkle of greenery for a fresh, finishing touch.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that magical pasta water before draining! Set the cooked pasta aside — this lets you focus on building flavor in the skillet for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Grab a large, heavy-bottomed skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high. Meanwhile, season your chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, making sure every piece is well coated. Add the chicken to the hot skillet, letting each piece brown for 4 to 5 minutes per side. You want a golden, flavorful crust, and the chicken should be cooked through but still juicy. Once done, remove the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Flavors

Lower the heat to medium and make the most of those tasty brown bits on the pan. Add the minced garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Next, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and, if you like a gentle kick, the red pepper flakes. Let everything mingle for a minute until the tomatoes start softening and their flavor infuses the oil.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up all those deliciously browned bits. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk or stir until the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and thickens just a little. You should see ribbons of cheesy sauce waiting to coat every strand of pasta in Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken (and any tasty juices) to the skillet, along with your pasta. Toss until everything is evenly coated with that luscious sauce. If things look too thick, just drizzle in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it’s silky and glossy. Let the mixture simmer for another couple of minutes, allowing all the flavors to come together in pasta perfection.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped fresh basil or parsley takes Marry Me Chicken Pasta from comforting to absolutely stunning. The herbs add a burst of freshness that brightens the creamy sauce and really pops on the plate. If you’d like, add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of cracked black pepper to seal the deal.

Side Dishes

Reach for simple sides that complement but don’t compete with all the bold flavors in this dish. Think garlicky green beans, a lightly dressed arugula salad, or even classic garlic bread for swiping up every bit of leftover sauce. Something crisp and fresh on the side always brings great balance.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a date night or guests, try twirling the pasta into neat nests on each plate and topping with chicken and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes. Or, assemble it family-style in a big bowl and scatter basil ribbons over the top. A lemon wedge on the side can be a nice touch for those who like a citrusy zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the Marry Me Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors seem to deepen as they rest! If possible, store the sauce and pasta separately for the best texture, but together works just fine.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces can change texture when thawed. For best results, freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta in single-serve portions in tightly sealed containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave using short bursts and stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating. Don’t overheat, as that can make the chicken tough and the sauce grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor, while shrimp makes for a delicious twist if you’re craving seafood. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on your protein.

What type Main Course

Both penne and fettuccine work wonderfully, but you can use any hearty pasta shape that captures plenty of creamy sauce. Short shapes like rigatoni or even orecchiette would be delicious alternatives.

How spicy is this dish?

As written, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is mild, with just a whisper of heat from optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste!

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta lighter?

Definitely! Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version. You could even try a dairy-free alternative if you want a creamless option, though it will change the texture.

How can I make this a one-pan meal?

If your skillet is large enough and oven-safe, you can boil the pasta in salted water, drain, and then use the same pan for every step. This keeps cleanup minimal and lets all those delicious flavors stay in the dish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your family, friends, or even that special someone, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your secret weapon. Creamy, savory, and packed with vibrant flavor, it’s comfort food at its absolute best. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and give it a try — you might just fall in love at first bite.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe that will win over your taste buds with its flavorful combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or bite-sized pieces)

Seasoning:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Other:

8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (or parsley) for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: Season and cook chicken until golden. Set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, broth, cream, and Parmesan. Combine with chicken and pasta.
Finish and serve: Simmer to meld flavors, garnish with basil or parsley, and serve.