Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Creamy, Quick & Impossible to Resist

Marry me chicken pasta is the kind of recipe that turns a regular dinner into something unforgettable. Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, it’s easy to see why this dish is stealing hearts and filling plates across kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or just need a reliable comfort meal, this dish brings everything together in one skillet.

The Irresistible Charm of Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Story Worth Sharing

The Dish That Started It All: My Marry Me Chicken Pasta Memory

Marry me chicken pasta didn’t come from a fancy cookbook—it was born right in my kitchen on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I had some chicken breasts, a half jar of sun-dried tomatoes, and an urge to make something rich and comforting. I wasn’t aiming to create a showstopper, just dinner. But what came out of that skillet felt like magic.

The chicken cooked up golden in my old cast iron, the garlic and tomatoes hit the pan next, and then came the splash of cream. I tossed in the pasta and finished it all with a mountain of parmesan. The first bite made me pause. It was so good, I muttered, “Somebody’s gonna propose over this.” That’s when the name stuck: marry me chicken recipe with pasta.

Since then, I’ve made it for friends, family, and more than a few guests who left asking for the recipe. It’s the dish I rely on when I want something comforting but still impressive. And honestly, I’ve never seen a plate come back with leftovers.

If you enjoy creamy, crowd-pleasing meals like my Tuscan chicken recipe, this one’s going to feel right at home in your kitchen. It’s built on the same idea—simple ingredients, big flavor.

For something with a twist, try my asiago tortelloni alfredo with grilled chicken. It’s another one-skillet winner that pairs creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and juicy chicken—just like this one.

Why This Pasta Recipe Is Winning Hearts Everywhere

What makes this the best marry me chicken pasta recipe? It’s not just the flavor—it’s how easy it is to make. This one pot marry me chicken pasta brings everything together in a single skillet, letting the flavors build layer by layer. You get that savory golden chicken, the tangy hit of sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky parmesan sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.

The beauty of this dish is in its balance. It’s creamy but not too heavy, rich yet still bright from the tomatoes and garlic. And best of all, it’s forgiving—use the pasta you’ve got, add fresh herbs if you like, and make it your own.

This recipe feels like it belongs on a restaurant menu, but it’s just as at home on your weeknight table. It’s a meal that says “you’re worth it”—whether you’re cooking for someone else or just treating yourself. If you’re looking to build your collection of cozy dinner staples, don’t miss my chicken piccata meatballs for another flavor-packed recipe with minimal fuss.

Next up, I’ll walk you through the marry me chicken pasta ingredients and how to get the most flavor out of every bite—because the best dishes always start with the right foundation.

Ingredients & Prep Tips

Must-Have Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

The secret to a perfect marry me chicken pasta recipe lies in balancing richness with just the right amount of brightness from the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful dish to life:

If you want to prep ahead or cook fast, check out my chicken broccoli alfredo—it uses pantry basics but still packs creamy comfort into every bite.

Pantry Swaps and Smart Prep Tips

Making the best marry me chicken pasta recipe doesn’t mean sticking to a strict list. Here are some clever swaps and shortcuts that still deliver big flavor:

• No heavy cream? Use half-and-half or whole milk with a touch of cream cheese for similar richness.
• Only have canned tomatoes? Drain and use with a teaspoon of sugar to mimic the sweetness of sun-dried ones.
• Low on pasta? This sauce also pairs beautifully with gnocchi or even spaghetti squash.

For meal prep or party appetizers, I often use similar ingredients in my buffalo chicken dip with blue cheese. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfect for entertaining—or as a warm-up while this pasta cooks.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Like a Pro

This marry me chicken recipe with pasta comes together in just one skillet, which means maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. Whether you’re a kitchen rookie or a seasoned cook, these steps are easy to follow and deliver big-time taste.

Here’s how to build the flavor from the pan up:

1. Season and sear the chicken.
   Start with boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Season with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

1. Build the flavor base.
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant—about 2 minutes. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting them release their oils.
2. Create the creamy sauce.
   Pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those flavorful brown bits. Stir in ¾ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated parmesan cheese. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

1. Bring it all together.
   Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Simmer for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Add cooked pasta directly into the pan and toss to coat. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
2. Garnish and serve.
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil and a touch more parmesan. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Want to switch it up? This method works just as well with chicken meatballs, like in my chicken piccata meatballs—a tangy, lemony spin on classic flavors. You could also try swapping the pasta for something lower-carb like in my buffalo chicken spaghetti squash.

One Pot, Endless Flavor

The beauty of this one pot marry me chicken pasta lies in its simplicity. By cooking everything in one skillet, the sauce absorbs all the browned bits from the chicken and aromatics, giving it a deep, homemade flavor that tastes like it simmered for hours.

This cooking method also keeps the pasta from overcooking or turning gummy—it gets tossed in just before serving, absorbing just enough of the sauce to carry the flavor without falling apart. The cream thickens slightly as it cools, so every bite is perfectly coated.

If you’re in love with one-skillet dishes, be sure to bookmark my buffalo chicken dip with blue cheese for your next game day or gathering—it’s just as rich and satisfying.

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Serving Ideas & Variations

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

One of the best things about marry me chicken pasta is how well it pairs with simple, satisfying sides. The rich, creamy sauce makes it the star of the table, but a few supporting dishes can really round out the meal.

Here are some easy, delicious ideas:

• Garlic bread – Warm, crunchy, and perfect for swiping up the last of the sauce.
• A fresh green salad – Toss arugula, romaine, or spinach with lemon vinaigrette for balance.
• Roasted vegetables – Try oven-baked zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli to add a little crispness to the plate.

Want another creamy comfort dish to go with it? My chicken broccoli alfredo has a similar richness and makes a great side or second course.

And for something unique, check out my marry me chicken orzo recipe—a cozy twist that turns this signature flavor profile into a spoonable, one-pot wonder.

Pasta vs. Rice: Which One Wins?

It’s a fair question: Is marry me chicken pasta better with actual pasta or served over something like rice?

While the dish gets its name from the pasta version, rice is a valid option too. But truth be told, pasta wins hands down for me. Short noodles like penne or rigatoni cling to the creamy tomato sauce in the best way, making every bite full of flavor. If you’re aiming to impress—or just enjoy a restaurant-style dish at home—stick with pasta.

That said, rice does have its place. White or jasmine rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, especially if you’re going for a slightly lighter dinner. It’s a great gluten-free choice, too.

For a creative spin, spaghetti squash works well. My buffalo chicken spaghetti squash shows how you can keep things light while still enjoying big, bold flavor.

No matter how you serve it, the creamy flavor of marry me chicken pasta always steals the show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a dish that feels special but doesn’t take all night to make, marry me chicken pasta is it. Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, it checks every box: simple ingredients, one-pan cleanup, and enough wow-factor to make any night feel like a celebration.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or just craving something cozy, this recipe delivers every time. The tender chicken, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta create the kind of comfort food that sticks with you. It’s no wonder people call it the best marry me chicken pasta recipe—it’s that good.

Save this one. Share it. Cook it again and again. And if it does end in a proposal, well, now you know why.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe That’s Creamy, Quick & Impossible to Resist

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• Author: Adam
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy, bold, and loaded with sun-dried tomato flavor, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a one-pot dinner favorite that’s easy enough for weeknights, but impressive enough for company.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces (about 1½ pounds)

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken stock

1 teaspoon chicken flavor “Better Than Bouillon”, (or 1 chicken bouillon cube)

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 (7-ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, (optional)

¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves

¾ pound penne pasta

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with kosher salt.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.

4. Add heavy cream, chicken stock, and bouillon. Simmer 2–3 minutes.

5. Stir in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Return chicken to the pan. Toss in cooked pasta and fresh basil.

7. Serve hot with more Parmesan and basil if desired.

Notes

You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.

Skip red pepper flakes if you prefer less heat.

This dish reheats beautifully for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 39g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: marry me chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pot dinner