If you are on the hunt for a dish that truly lives up to its romantic reputation, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This luscious pasta combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, creating a flavor-packed meal that feels extravagant yet comes together with ease. The rich Parmesan and hints of Italian herbs add layers of comfort and sophistication, making this recipe a perfect date-night winner or a special dish for any time you want to impress yourself and your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the perfect example of how simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component—from the tender chicken to the creamy Parmesan sauce—plays a crucial role in delivering bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a splash of vibrant color on your plate.

Chicken Breasts: 2 large, boneless, skinless, sliced thinly to ensure quick, even cooking and a juicy bite every time.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, these basics bring out the natural flavors and add just the right seasoning balance.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, perfect for searing the chicken to a golden-brown perfection without sticking.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced to release that classic aromatic punch that forms the foundation of your sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup, chopped to add a sweet and tangy intensity that brightens the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, introduces a subtle savory depth that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, creates the rich, velvety texture that defines the sauce’s indulgence.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, freshly grated for that nutty, salty melt that unites all the flavors beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, balances herbaceous notes with warmth, complementing the chicken and tomatoes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional), adds a gentle kick for those who like a little spice.
Pasta: 8 ounces, choose penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—the shapes that hold onto the silky sauce best.
Fresh Basil: For garnish, brings a fresh, peppery brightness to finish the dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your choice of pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain it well and set it aside; your pasta will soak up the sauce best when it’s ready to go immediately after this step.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat your thinly sliced chicken breasts dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken in the pan in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside so you can build your sauce in the same pan.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Using the skillet with those wonderful browned bits leftover, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them soften and release their bold flavor for another minute or so. This step infuses your sauce with a bright and savory character that’s absolutely key.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and luscious. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. This creamy mixture will coat your pasta and chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Chicken & Pasta

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Then add your drained pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring that each bite is coated in the velvety sauce. This combination is where the magic of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly shines.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Finish your dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top. Serve the pasta piping hot and prepare for some serious compliments at the dinner table.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil is the go-to garnish to add a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the rich creaminess. You can also add a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil to elevate each plate visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete but rather complement the bold flavors. Think crisp green salads with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread is also a classic companion to mop up the sauce, turning your meal into a comforting feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to make your meal feel extra special, try serving the pasta family-style right from the skillet or a beautiful large bowl so everyone can dig in together. For individual servings, twirl portions neatly with a fork on each plate and add a basil leaf on top for that restaurant-quality touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so you might find it even tastier the next day. Just make sure to cool it down before refrigerating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but for best results, freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to avoid mushy noodles. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream as needed to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and keeps the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more fat and tenderness, which can make the dish even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re thoroughly cooked before proceeding to the sauce.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or even tofu. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth to keep the flavor balanced and delicious.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The creamy texture will still be there, just with a different but tasty twist.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best because their surface holds onto the creamy sauce well, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair—they can get lost in the rich sauce.

How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes?

The 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the creaminess. It’s optional, so you can leave it out entirely or adjust it to your preferred spice level.

Final Thoughts

The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor and comfort that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for any occasion worth savoring. I can’t wait for you to try it out and see why this dish has earned such an adorable name. Trust me, after one bite, you might just want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: Charlotte
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts and pasta tossed in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s a comforting and elegant one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Season & Sear Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
Prepare Sauce: Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Notes

Use chicken breasts that are evenly sliced for even cooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add more richness, but dry-packed can be used as well; just rehydrate before adding.
Feel free to substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce if desired.
Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit for no heat.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields a better melt and flavor than pre-grated options.
Use freshly chopped basil for the best garnish and aroma.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and stove-top cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American