If you’re looking for a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, then the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This recipe captures the magic of tender chicken smothered in a luscious, cheesy tomato cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both simple and unforgettable. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Marry Me Chicken Pasta promises an irresistible combination that’s hard to put down and even harder to forget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor: The sauce blends cream, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for an indulgent taste that melts in your mouth.
Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together quickly, making this dish perfect for busy nights.
Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customizable with different pasta types and protein swaps to suit your preferences.
Comfort Food with a Gourmet Touch: Feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for casual dinners.
Minimal Prep: Requires only basic cooking techniques without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that together create layers of flavor and texture, making every bite delightful.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, they cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide a tangy, sweet depth that elevates the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smooth texture to the pasta sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, savory finish.
Garlic: Fresh cloves give the dish an aromatic base.
Pasta: Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce beautifully for every bite.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the sauce with savory undertones without overpowering.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for a gentle heat kick.
Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is wonderfully flexible; you can easily switch up ingredients to fit dietary needs or to keep it exciting each time you make it.

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meatless spin.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to lighten the meal.
Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.
Different Cheese: Try mozzarella or goat cheese for a creamier or tangier flavor profile.
Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey breast as an alternative to chicken for variety.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is So Addictive

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, then sear them in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in chicken broth and allow it to reduce slightly before stirring in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, boil your choice of pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss in the pasta and mix thoroughly to coat every piece. Add fresh basil and adjust seasoning to taste.

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Chicken Thickness Matters: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
Sauce Texture: Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Fresh Herbs: Add basil at the very end to preserve its bright flavor and vibrant color.
Sun-Dried Tomato Prep: If using dried sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften before chopping.
Cheese Quality: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a big difference compared to pre-grated varieties.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil, extra Parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top to make the dish visually appealing and boost the flavor.

Side Dishes

A green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted asparagus complements the richness of the pasta perfectly, adding freshness and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in wide shallow bowls for an inviting look, or plate with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch that elevates the dinner experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and tasty.

Freezing

Though the cream sauce is best fresh, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately (without the pasta) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation; add a splash of milk or broth if needed to restore creaminess.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or even fettuccine work wonderfully as they hold the creamy sauce well and complement the chicken.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

By default, it has a mild kick thanks to red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your taste.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, expect about 30-40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a quick yet impressive meal.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure broth or other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.

What wine pairs well with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir complements the creamy tomato sauce beautifully, balancing richness with freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried the Marry Me Chicken Pasta yet, you’re truly missing out on one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its perfect blend of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant flavors is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So go ahead — gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy cooking a dish that might just inspire a few “Will you marry me?” moments of your own.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious, cheesy tomato cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Quick to prepare using simple pantry staples, this flavorful recipe brings a gourmet touch to any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if dried, soak in warm water first)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta

8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
Reserved pasta water, as needed

Garnishes & Extras

Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Additional crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the chicken broth. Let the broth reduce slightly. Stir in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken gently.
Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, boil your choice of pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a bit of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if necessary.
Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and return them to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the creamy sauce. Mix in fresh basil leaves and adjust salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and color.
Soak dried sun-dried tomatoes in warm water before chopping for better texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and creaminess.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, easy chicken dinner, one-pan pasta, comfort food, creamy tomato sauce