If you’re searching for the ultimate showstopper pasta that genuinely steals hearts, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. Creamy, dreamy, and layered with rich flavors from juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blush sauce perfumed with Italian herbs, every bite tastes like a love letter to your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for your sweetheart or impressing friends on a cozy night in, this pasta truly lives up to its swoon-worthy name!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients combine to create something so unbelievably memorable. Each component brings its own personality, weaving together to give Marry Me Chicken Pasta its signature velvety sauce, depth, and color that will make you reach for seconds.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): The star protein is juicy and easy to slice for beautiful presentation.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps get that irresistible golden sear on the chicken.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor and ensures even seasoning throughout your dish.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth that balances the creamy sauce.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens the savory base in every bite.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle smokiness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes perfectly.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic blooms with flavor the moment it hits the skillet.
Chicken broth (1 cup): Lends depth and creates the sauce’s foundation.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its luscious, silky texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds tangy complexity and helps the sauce cling to every noodle.
Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (1/2 cup): Bursts of sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who crave a touch of heat.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together classic herbal notes that make this dish sing.
Pasta, such as penne or fettuccine (12 ounces): The perfect vehicle for soaking up all that gorgeous sauce.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Adds sheen and flavor to the sauce base.
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish: Not just a pretty finish—herbs bring vibrancy and freshness to every forkful.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—this little trick helps loosen and silkify the sauce later, making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta even more dreamy!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, creating a tantalizing golden crust. Once fully cooked, set the chicken aside to rest—this makes slicing even easier and keeps juices perfectly locked in.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—it takes about a minute, and you’ll know it’s ready when everyone is drawn into the kitchen by its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth, then gently whisk in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if you love spice!), and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and all the flavors meld.

Step 4: Toss Pasta and Combine

Add the drained pasta straight into your simmering sauce (go ahead, make a little mess—this is part of the fun). Toss to coat every piece well, dribbling in the reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time if the sauce seems too thick. This step unifies the whole dish and ensures a glossy, creamy coating.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Finish the Dish

Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces and nestle them back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Spoon a little extra sauce over the top so every piece gleams. Now, all that’s left is to sprinkle with fresh herbs, inhale deeply, and serve!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of torn fresh basil or parsley not only brightens the plate but also infuses your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with extra freshness. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan never hurts, and don’t be shy with freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you crave a little kick.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with crusty bread (perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce), a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, or delicate roasted vegetables. The goal: light and fresh sides to balance all that magnificent creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For a romantic flair, serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce and sliced chicken artfully layered on top. Hosting a crowd? Try arranging individual portions in ramekins and topping with a broiled crust of extra Parmesan. Feeling fancy? Drizzle with basil oil or arrange edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps surprisingly well! Transfer completely cooled pasta and chicken into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or dinner extra special.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, let everything cool to room temperature first. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. The sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but a good stir (and perhaps a splash of cream) will bring it right back to life!

Reheating

For best results, reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth as needed to restore that creamy texture. The microwave works in a pinch—cover and heat in intervals, stirring until everything is hot and luscious again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add an even richer flavor to Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they’re cooked through.

What type Main Course

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all work beautifully, but honestly, this sauce is so delicious it will elevate whatever pasta shape you have on hand. Gluten-free pasta is also a great choice if needed!

How spicy does this dish get with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth—you can easily adjust or omit them to suit your own heat preference without losing the dish’s magic.

Can I add vegetables or swap proteins?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make delightful additions. For a seafood twist, shrimp is a fantastic alternative to chicken—just reduce the cooking time accordingly.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta good for meal prep?

It’s absolutely meal prep–friendly! The flavors deepen over time, and it reheats well for quick lunches or dinners. Just keep the pasta and sauce together for best results.

Final Thoughts

One bite is all it takes to see why Marry Me Chicken Pasta has become an instant classic. Every forkful promises comfort, decadence, and a note of celebration—so invite someone you love to the table and see if this irresistible dish wins their heart, too!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special date night or any time you want a comforting meal. Tender chicken is cooked to perfection and paired with a rich sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta for a delightful dining experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Others:

12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Season and cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic in butter. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Add sliced chicken and coat with sauce. Garnish with basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

This recipe also works well with chicken thighs or shrimp.
For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American