If you’re on the hunt for a creamy, comforting dish that delivers both flavor and flair, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines tender chicken, a luscious creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your loved ones without hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special and how you can whip it up effortlessly tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Creamy Sauce: The luxurious cream-based sauce blends tomatoes and spices for a flavor-packed experience.
Quick and Simple: Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules or last-minute meal planning.
Versatile Ingredients: Easy-to-find staples come together beautifully, making this dish both accessible and satisfying.
Perfect Balance: The tender chicken and al dente pasta create a texture contrast that elevates the dish.
Impress Without Stress: Elegant enough to wow guests but simple enough for any home cook.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines thanks to a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that combine into something magical. Each component adds its own touch, from creamy richness to savory depth and a touch of freshness to brighten every bite.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and juicy results.
Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with wonderful aromatic flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a concentrated burst of tangy sweetness and depth.
Heavy Cream: The key to the luscious texture that coats every strand of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated to boost umami and melt seamlessly into the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce’s savory profile without overpowering.
Pasta: Typically a wide noodle like fettuccine or penne, perfect for soaking up sauce.
Spices and Herbs: Crushed red pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley bring vibrant layers of flavor and color.

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you want to tailor it to your dietary preferences, add a twist, or simply shake things up, this recipe welcomes creativity.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty meat-free option.
Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra layer of heat.
Lower Fat: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.
Fresh Herb Boost: Incorporate fresh basil or oregano to brighten the dish with herbaceous notes.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is a Must-Try Meal

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer before stirring in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Toss in the pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together to coat thoroughly and heat through.

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken breasts evenly for quick, consistent cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomato Choice: Use oil-packed tomatoes for richer sauce or dry-pack soaked in warm water to control oiliness.
Cheese Freshness: Grate Parmesan fresh for a creamier melt and better flavor than pre-grated options.
Sauce Consistency: Adjust with reserved pasta water to get that perfect silky texture.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness; a sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds richness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to balance the creamy pasta and add texture to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in rustic bowls with a drizzle of olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper to elevate its cozy yet elegant vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s texture without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or penne work great, you can try rotini, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta based on your preference.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

It usually has a mild kick, thanks to crushed red pepper, but the heat level can be easily adjusted to your taste.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! By replacing chicken with hearty mushrooms or vegetables, you’ll still get a satisfying and creamy pasta dish.

How long does it take to prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The entire recipe can be completed in about 35 to 40 minutes, making it perfect for a fast but impressive dinner.

What’s the secret to a creamy sauce without it breaking?

Slowly add the cream to the sauce base and avoid boiling after adding the cheese to keep the sauce smooth and velvety.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful go-to recipe that combines ease and elegance into one irresistible meal. Whether cooking for family, friends, or a cozy night in, this creamy, flavorful dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Give it a try tonight—you may just find your new favorite pasta dish!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, a rich cream-based tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick to prepare in under 40 minutes using simple ingredients, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. The sauce blends sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs, creating a luscious meal with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables & Aromatics

3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed or rehydrated dry-packed)

Dairy

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids & Broth

1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Pasta & Seasonings

8 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred wide noodle)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. Slowly add the heavy cream and then the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
Combine and Finish: Slice the rested chicken into strips and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts evenly before cooking for faster and more consistent results.
Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer sauce, or soak dry-packed tomatoes in warm water to control oiliness.
Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated options.
Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
Cook pasta al dente as it will finish cooking slightly when combined with the sauce.
To keep the sauce smooth, avoid boiling after adding the cream and cheese.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (when gluten-free pasta is used)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pan pasta, quick dinner, creamy sauce, Italian pasta, easy meal