Looking for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to make? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect choice! With tender chicken, a rich parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is so good it might just lead to a marriage proposal!
Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal that comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for a romantic dinner or a quick weeknight meal. In this guide, you’ll learn how to cook the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta with simple ingredients and easy steps. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The Story Behind the Name
The name “Marry Me Chicken” is as intriguing as the dish itself! Legend has it that this pasta became so irresistibly delicious that when someone tasted it, they jokingly exclaimed, “If you make this for me, I’ll marry you!” The name stuck, and now it’s a fun, romantic dish often served on special occasions, like anniversaries or date nights. Its rich, comforting flavors and easy preparation make it a perfect meal for impressing your partner—or anyone you want to wow in the kitchen.
Why It’s a Popular Creamy Chicken Pasta Dish
Marry Me Chicken Pasta has quickly become a favorite for many home cooks, and it’s easy to see why. The creamy, velvety sauce made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese provides a satisfying richness, while sun-dried tomatoes and garlic give the dish a punch of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze, and it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare—ideal for busy evenings when you want to cook something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, its comforting nature, paired with the delightful balance of savory and creamy elements, makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Key Flavors and Ingredients That Make It Special
Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out thanks to its tender chicken, creamy sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan, and the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic and Italian seasoning enhance the richness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s both comforting and impressive.
This combination of flavors is what makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Chicken Breast – Boneless, Skinless for Best Results
For the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender and juicy result. Boneless chicken breasts also allow the creamy sauce to coat the chicken more effectively, creating a rich flavor in every bite. Removing the skin ensures that the dish remains light and doesn’t introduce extra fat, which helps keep the focus on the creamy, flavorful sauce. If you prefer a slightly more juicy and flavorful option, you could also try using chicken thighs for a richer taste, though the breast is the most common choice for this dish.
Pasta Choice – Penne, Fettuccine, or Your Favorite Pasta
The choice of pasta can elevate the entire dish. Penne, with its tubular shape, captures the creamy sauce in every bite, making it a classic choice. Fettuccine, with its wide, flat noodles, offers a hearty bite and soaks up the sauce beautifully, creating a luxurious texture. That said, you can swap in your favorite pasta—whether it’s spaghetti, linguine, or farfalle—to suit your personal preference. The key is to cook the pasta until al dente, allowing it to retain its texture and absorb the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients – Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Garlic, and Butter
The creamy sauce is the heart of Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Start with heavy cream to create a smooth, rich base that provides the indulgence this dish is known for. Adding Parmesan cheese gives the sauce a salty, nutty flavor and helps it thicken to the perfect consistency. Garlic, sautéed in butter, infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and depth. Butter also adds a touch of richness, enhancing the creaminess of the sauce. This combination of ingredients creates a luscious coating for the chicken and pasta that’s simply irresistible.
Flavor Boosters – Sun-dried Tomatoes, Red Pepper Flakes, and Italian Seasoning
To take the flavor of Marry Me Chicken Pasta to the next level, sun-dried tomatoes are a must. Their sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture complement the creamy sauce and add a unique depth to the dish. Red pepper flakes provide just the right amount of heat, balancing the richness of the sauce with a little kick. Finally, Italian seasoning, with its blend of oregano, basil, and other herbs, gives the dish an aromatic, herby freshness that ties everything together. These flavor boosters ensure the dish isn’t just rich and creamy but also layered with complexity and excitement.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken – Season and Sear Chicken Breast in Olive Oil
Start by seasoning boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a mix of garlic powder and Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. This step helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside to rest. After a few minutes, slice the chicken into thin strips or chunks. This perfectly seared chicken will be a tender, flavorful addition to your Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, enhancing the creamy sauce and making the dish even more irresistible.
Step 2: Make the Sauce – Sauté Garlic, Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Heavy Cream, and Parmesan
After cooking the chicken, it’s time to make the creamy sauce for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. Start by sautéing garlic in the same skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavors to infuse the oil.
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly, creating a smooth base for the sauce. Then, add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce becomes creamy and glossy. This rich sauce will perfectly coat the chicken and pasta, bringing all the flavors together in a luxurious way.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta – Boil Pasta Until Al Dente, Then Add to the Sauce
While you’re preparing the sauce, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add your choice of pasta—penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety—and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the pasta type.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about a cup of pasta water (this will help adjust the sauce later if needed). Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the creamy sauce you’ve prepared in the skillet. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it’s fully coated in the rich, flavorful sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and achieve the perfect creamy consistency. The pasta will soak up the sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
At this point, your Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is almost complete—just a few more steps to go before you can enjoy this delicious, creamy dish!
Step 4: Combine and Serve – Toss Everything Together, Garnish with Fresh Basil
Once the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, it’s time to bring everything together. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then add it to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the chicken, pasta, and sauce are evenly mixed and fully combined. This will allow the rich, creamy sauce to coat every piece of pasta and chicken for maximum flavor.
For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with fresh basil. The fragrant, slightly peppery flavor of basil pairs wonderfully with the creamy, savory elements of the dish, adding a burst of color and freshness. You can either tear the basil leaves by hand for a rustic look or chop them finely for a more refined presentation.
Once everything is combined and garnished, serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, and enjoy this indulgent, flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh Garlic, Basil, and Parmesan Enhance Flavor
To make your Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe truly exceptional, opt for fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic brings a more aromatic, vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic, infusing the sauce with a richer, more complex taste. Similarly, fresh basil adds a burst of fragrant, peppery freshness that dried basil simply can’t match. It balances the richness of the cream and Parmesan, providing a light, herbaceous contrast to the dish.
Using freshly grated Parmesan also elevates the flavor—aged Parmesan has a more intense, nutty taste, and grating it yourself ensures it melts seamlessly into the sauce. These small adjustments with fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference, transforming your pasta into a flavorful, high-quality dish that stands out.
Adjust the Spice Level – Add or Reduce Red Pepper Flakes to Taste
One of the great things about the Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is that you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference. The red pepper flakes in the recipe add a mild kick that enhances the creamy sauce, but if you like your dishes spicier, you can add a bit more. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely.
This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to suit your taste, making it as bold or as mild as you like, without compromising the overall flavor. Just be sure to add the red pepper flakes gradually, tasting as you go, to achieve the perfect balance for your ideal spice level.
Make It a One-Pot Dish – Cook Pasta in the Same Pan for Extra Flavor
To simplify the cooking process and enhance the flavors, you can make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe a one-pot dish by cooking the pasta in the same pan as the chicken and sauce. After searing the chicken and making the creamy sauce, instead of cooking the pasta separately, add the uncooked pasta directly to the pan with the sauce.
Pour in enough water or chicken broth to cover the pasta and bring it to a simmer. The pasta will absorb the rich, flavorful sauce as it cooks, soaking up all the deliciousness from the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. This method not only saves time but also deepens the flavor of the pasta, making every bite infused with the creamy sauce.
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, add the chicken back into the pan, and give everything a final toss. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both easy to prepare and full of depth—plus, you only have one pan to clean up!
Substitutions & Variations – Use Chicken Thighs, Add Spinach, or Swap Pasta Types
While the classic Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is delicious as written, you can make some tasty adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions and variations you might want to try:
- Use Chicken Thighs – If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, which can add richness to the dish, especially if you’re looking for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
- Add Spinach – For a nutritional boost, consider adding fresh spinach to the sauce. Toss in a couple of handfuls of spinach towards the end of cooking. It wilts down quickly and adds a fresh, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Swap Pasta Types – Feel free to use different types of pasta based on your preference or what you have on hand. Fettuccine works well for a wider, thicker noodle that soaks up the sauce, while penne is a great choice for its ability to trap sauce inside its tubes. You could even try using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free alternative.
These simple substitutions and variations allow you to customize the dish to your liking while keeping the creamy, flavorful essence of the original recipe.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Bread – Perfect for Soaking Up the Creamy Sauce
No Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is complete without a side of garlic bread to soak up all that rich, creamy sauce. The warm, buttery bread with a hint of garlic and a sprinkle of parsley is the perfect complement to the flavorful pasta. The crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior make it an irresistible side dish that’s ideal for mopping up every last bit of sauce left on your plate.
You can easily make garlic bread by spreading garlic butter (a mixture of softened butter, minced garlic, and herbs) onto slices of baguette or Italian bread, then toasting it in the oven until golden and crispy. For added flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This savory side will elevate your meal and make the experience even more satisfying.
Side Salad – A Light Arugula or Caesar Salad Pairs Well
To balance out the richness of the Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a side salad is a perfect complement. A light arugula salad brings a peppery freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce, adding a refreshing contrast. Toss the arugula with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a light yet flavorful option.
Alternatively, a classic Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the pasta. The crisp Romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy, tangy dressing offer a nice contrast to the warm, hearty pasta. Both options add a refreshing touch to the meal while helping to balance the richness of the main dish. Choose whichever salad suits your preference for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus or Broccoli for Extra Nutrition
To add some healthy, vibrant vegetables to your Marry Me Chicken Pasta meal, consider roasted asparagus or broccoli. Both options bring a delightful crunch and a burst of color to the plate, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Roasted asparagus is a great choice, as its earthy flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Simply toss the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast it in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
Broccoli is another fantastic option for adding extra nutrition to your meal. Its mild, slightly bitter taste complements the richness of the pasta, and roasting it caramelizes the edges, intensifying its flavor. Toss the broccoli with olive oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon before roasting at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Both of these vegetables provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making them the perfect side dish for a well-balanced meal.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs are more flavorful and juicier, which will make the dish even richer. Just make sure to cook them through, similar to how you would with chicken breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and combine it with freshly cooked pasta.
Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut cream or a non-dairy heavy cream alternative like oat or almond milk.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the pasta for your favorite type, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta if you prefer. The key is to cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level of this dish depends on the amount of red pepper flakes you add. If you like a bit of heat, you can add more, or if you prefer a milder version, use less or leave them out entirely.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its creamy texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add veggies like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli, or asparagus to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them with the garlic or roast them for a different texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, and you can still enjoy the creamy, delicious dish without the gluten.
What should I serve with this dish?
To complement the rich flavors, you can serve garlic bread, a side salad (like arugula or Caesar salad), or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli for added nutrition.
Can I make this a one-pot meal?
Yes! You can cook the pasta in the same pan as the sauce and chicken for a one-pot meal, making it even easier to prepare and clean up afterward. Just add enough liquid (water or broth) to cook the pasta in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick, flavorful, and customizable dish perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and versatile ingredients, it’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re making it for a special evening or a weeknight meal, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with delicious flavors. Don’t forget to add your favorite sides, like garlic bread or a light salad, to complete the meal. Enjoy the rich taste of Marry Me Chicken Pasta—it might just win you over!
If you love tender, flavorful dishes, try our Apple and Honey-Glazed Chicken Tenders. This sweet and savory take on chicken tenders combines perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious apple and honey glaze, all cooked to perfection. With a balance of flavors, it’s a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
For more pasta inspiration, check out 30 Best Pasta Recipes. Explore a variety of creative and flavorful pasta recipes that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings, perfect for any occasion or gathering.
More Quick Delicious Recipes To Try:
The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 4 cups water for boiling
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Slice the chicken and place it on top.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water for a smoother sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot!
Video
Notes
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g