Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creamy, savory, and packed with irresistible flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that wins hearts—and maybe even proposals. Juicy seared chicken is simmered in a rich parmesan sun-dried tomato cream sauce and tossed with tender pasta for a meal that’s elegant enough for date night, but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. One bite and you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Bold – Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes bring rich flavor.
One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup, perfect for weeknights.
Date-Night Worthy – A dish that feels fancy but is easy to make.
Comfort Food at Its Best – Warm, filling, and satisfying.
Customizable – Use your favorite pasta or protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
• ¼–½ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

For Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra parmesan

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons and cups
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked.
4. Remove from skillet and slice or cube once slightly cooled.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds.
2. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour in chicken broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the pan.
4. Add cream and parmesan, stirring until cheese is melted and sauce thickens (about 4–5 minutes).
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Add cooked pasta and stir until well combined.
3. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Top with extra parmesan and serve hot.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat – Though breasts work just as well.
Simmer Gently – Helps the sauce thicken without curdling.
Add Greens – Spinach or kale can be stirred in for extra nutrition.
Make it Spicy – Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Side Salad – Light and fresh to balance the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Such as asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze the sauce and chicken without pasta for best texture (up to 2 months).

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
Because it’s that good—it’s been known to inspire proposals (or at least compliments)!

2. Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Try spaghetti, bow ties, or even gluten-free pasta.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free parmesan.

4. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or sautéed cherry tomatoes work in a pinch.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—spinach, mushrooms, or peas are all great additions.

Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the definition of comfort food with a gourmet twist. Rich, flavorful, and ready in under an hour, it’s a dish that earns rave reviews every time. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just indulging in a little self-care dinner, this creamy chicken pasta is guaranteed to win hearts.

Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to see your version!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 545 | Protein: 38g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

Print