Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Save this recipe on:

Creamy, savory, and just the right touch of indulgent—Marry Me Chicken Pasta lives up to its romantic name. A rich, velvety sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender seared chicken, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creates a dish that practically begs for compliments. The moment this pasta hits the table, it steals the show with its deep golden hues, fragrant herbs, and melt-in-your-mouth textures.

This dish feels like comfort food and elegance rolled into one. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive date night, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that turns a regular evening into something special. Every bite offers layers of flavor—from the garlicky base to the subtle tang of the tomatoes and the earthy warmth of the Italian seasoning.

---

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: A perfect blend of creamy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in one dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything comes together in one skillet—easy prep, easy cleanup.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Kids, adults, picky eaters—this dish wins them all over.
• Elegant Yet Easy: Looks gourmet, tastes luxurious, but totally beginner-friendly.
• Romantic Vibes: Whether it’s date night or just self-love night, it’s pure pasta magic.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment for Marry Me Chicken Pasta (and Why They Matter)

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: A wide, deep skillet is ideal for searing the chicken, simmering the sauce, and tossing in the pasta. It helps keep everything well-coated and prevents splattering.
• Tongs or Spatula: Perfect for flipping chicken pieces without tearing them and for stirring the pasta gently through the sauce.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: You’ll need a quality knife to cube the chicken breast and slice the sun-dried tomatoes. A sturdy board keeps things safe and clean.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: For precision in balancing cream, cheese, and seasoning.
• Colander: To drain the cooked pasta efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spoon: Great for mixing without scratching your non-stick pan surface.
• Grater (optional): Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives more intense flavor than pre-packaged cheese.

Having the right tools can elevate your experience from just making dinner to creating something restaurant-worthy with ease and confidence.

---

Preparation Tips

• Pre-Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook pasta just until it’s slightly firm to the bite. It’ll finish cooking when mixed with the hot sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Oil = Flavor Bomb: Instead of discarding the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, use a tablespoon or two to sear the chicken or sauté garlic—adds incredible depth.
• Room Temp Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken hits the hot pan unevenly and can cook less consistently.
• Sear Don’t Steam: Pat the chicken dry before placing it in the skillet. Moisture can prevent browning and flavor locking.
• Layer Seasoning: Season your chicken and your sauce. Don’t rely on one or the other.
• Cream Last: To avoid curdling, always stir in the heavy cream after reducing heat.

---

Ingredients for This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this irresistible dish to life. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture.

For the Chicken & Pasta:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (cut into bite-sized chunks)
• 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or use sun-dried tomato oil for extra flavor)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed, drained—but save the oil!)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• 1 cup baby spinach (optional, for color and freshness)

Garnish (Optional but Recommended):

• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Extra parmesan cheese, for topping

These ingredients combine to make a creamy, dreamy pasta dish that’s rich, well-balanced, and packed with layers of flavor.

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions (usually about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

---

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. In a mixing bowl, toss them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil (or sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, searing each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.

---

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to soften them and release their flavor.

---

Step 4: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce and intensify the flavor.

---

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once warm (but not boiling), add the parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.

---

Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the baby spinach. Stir and simmer until the spinach wilts.
Finally, add the drained pasta and toss everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for 1–2 more minutes to bring all the flavors together.

---

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and a final sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve hot—and get ready for compliments.

---

Notes

• Use the Oil from Sun-Dried Tomatoes: It’s liquid gold—don’t throw it out! A tablespoon in place of olive oil intensifies the flavor and gives your sauce a gourmet edge.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Only: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which don’t melt as smoothly. Grate your own for a silkier sauce.
• Make It Your Own: This recipe is super flexible. Try adding mushrooms, swapping spinach for kale, or using gluten-free pasta.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: Crushed red pepper gives a mild kick—bump it up or leave it out depending on your spice level.
• Double It for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully. Perfect for meal prep or second-day indulgence.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Chicken: Dry chicken can ruin an otherwise perfect pasta. Sear until just cooked, and let it finish in the sauce for juicy results.
• Boiling the Cream: High heat can cause your cream to curdle or break. Keep it at a gentle simmer after adding.
• Adding Cheese Too Quickly: Dumping parmesan into a hot sauce all at once can cause clumping. Add gradually and whisk it in smoothly.
• Skipping the Pasta Drain Step: Always drain the pasta well before mixing. Excess water can dilute your sauce.
• Neglecting to Taste as You Go: The best dishes come from layering flavor—season each step, not just the end.
• Crowding the Chicken in the Pan: Give the chicken space when searing, or it’ll steam instead of brown.
• Forgetting the Garnish: A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh basil at the end lifts the whole dish with added flavor and presentation.
• Using Low-Fat Cream Substitutes: They don’t thicken the same and may leave the sauce watery or bland.

---

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Pairing this creamy, savory pasta with the right sides will take your meal to the next level—whether you’re setting the table for two or feeding a crowd.

### 8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread or Cheesy Breadsticks
   Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside—perfect for soaking up every drop of that luscious sauce.
2. Simple Arugula or Mixed Green Salad
   A light, peppery salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans
   Lightly charred and seasoned veggies complement the creaminess without overpowering the dish.
4. Caprese Salad
   Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze echo the Italian flavors already in the pasta.
5. Grilled Zucchini or Summer Squash
   Mild and juicy, they make a great warm side that doesn’t compete with the pasta’s bold taste.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts
   Roasted until golden and crispy, with a little sea salt—great for adding texture and depth.
7. Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes
   If you’re feeding hungry eaters, hearty potatoes on the side are a hit, especially with a citrusy twist.
8. Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
   For the adults at the table, a chilled glass of white wine works beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce.

---

Storage Instructions

Leftovers? Good news—Marry Me Chicken Pasta stores and reheats like a dream. Here’s how to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Let it cool fully before sealing to avoid condensation.
• Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may slightly separate when thawed. If you go this route, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 2 months.
• Reheating Tips:
  • Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth and stir gently over medium heat until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Again, a splash of liquid helps rehydrate the sauce.
• Avoid Overheating: High heat can cause the cream to break. Always reheat gently.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~610 kcal
Protein	~35g
Carbohydrates	~40g
Fat	~35g
Saturated Fat	~18g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~6g
Sodium	~580mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on brands and exact portion sizes used.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and add even more flavor. Just adjust the cook time slightly as they may take a bit longer than breasts.

---

2. What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Penne is classic, but fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle also work beautifully. Use a shape that holds sauce well.

---

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the components separately—like the chicken and sauce—then assemble just before serving for ultimate freshness.

---

4. Is there a dairy-free version?

You can substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese for parmesan. The flavor profile will change slightly but still be rich and tasty.

---

5. Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Amp up the crushed red pepper flakes, or even add a dash of cayenne for extra kick.

---

6. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use cherry tomatoes sautéed until soft as an alternative, but sun-dried tomatoes do offer a more concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor that defines the dish.

---

7. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

Let it simmer a little longer to reduce, or add a sprinkle of grated parmesan to help thicken it naturally.

---

8. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Just shred it and add it when the sauce is nearly done heating. It won’t have the seared flavor, but it’s a great shortcut for busy nights.

---

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just another creamy pasta—it’s a flavor-packed experience that’s cozy, satisfying, and just fancy enough to impress. From the juicy seared chicken to the dreamy parmesan-tomato sauce, every bite delivers a warm, comforting richness. It’s the kind of dish that lives up to the name: one bite and you might just fall in love.

Whether you’re serving it for a date night, a family dinner, or treating yourself after a long day, this pasta is a guaranteed hit. Easy to customize, store, and serve—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: