They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, and this Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just prove it. It was a random Tuesday night when I first made this dish, inspired by a jar of sun-dried tomatoes I needed to use and a husband who loves creamy, rich meals. The result? Silence at the table (always a good sign), followed by a heartfelt “You need to make this again tomorrow.” That’s how this creamy chicken pasta became a regular guest on our table, and maybe the reason my husband loves dinner so much.
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Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that looks fancy but comes together with little effort; perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu date nights. The creamy, savory sauce clings to every piece of pasta and chicken, while sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy punch. It’s everything you want from a cozy pasta dish: rich, flavorful, and comforting. And best of all? It tastes like it came from a restaurant but was made right in your kitchen.
If you’re a fan of Creamy Garlic Chicken or similar creamy pasta dishes, you’ll absolutely fall for this recipe. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and always delivers.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is packed with flavor; sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and tender chicken all tossed in a rich sauce that’s sure to win hearts.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and done. Set aside.
3. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until thickened.
6. Return chicken to skillet and mix.
7. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat well.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Notes
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
Add spinach or mushrooms for more texture.
Red pepper flakes can add a kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is made with kitchen staples and a few flavor-packed ingredients. Here’s your quick grocery list:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 (sliced thinly) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup, grated |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup, chopped |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Pasta (penne or fettuccine) | 12 oz |
How to Make the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip this up, it’s a quick sauté and simmer situation that becomes comfort food magic.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce thicken for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet and let it soak in that creamy goodness.
- Toss in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until well coated.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
For similar one-skillet meals, Chicken Enchiladas is a great alternative to keep in your dinner rotation.
Tips & Variations
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
- Penne, rigatoni, or linguine all work well; choose your favorite pasta shape.
- Want spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders.
This pasta shares creamy comfort vibes with the Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast, so feel free to double the batch; leftovers reheat beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
Because it’s that good! The name comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, it might just spark a marriage proposal. The creamy texture, rich flavor, and comforting familiarity make it a hit for any special dinner.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, but the sauce texture may change slightly when thawed. For best results, freeze the sauce and pasta separately.
What goes well with this pasta?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies balance out the richness.
If you loved this, you might also enjoy Creamy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta for another cozy night-in winner.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its name; it’s creamy, flavorful, and full of warmth. The kind of dish that turns a simple dinner into something surprisingly memorable. Whether you’re cooking for your partner, your family, or just yourself, this recipe delivers every single time.
And hey, if you fall for it at first bite, don’t worry. You’re not alone, it’s happened in my kitchen too.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
