If you’re searching for a dish that’s creamy, dreamy, and bound to impress, this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new weeknight hero. Packed with tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan-laced sauce that lovingly coats every pasta strand, it’s comforting yet elevated—perfect for date night, dinner with friends, or just treating yourself. It all comes together in one skillet, bringing together flavor, ease, and pure pasta bliss. Once you taste it, you’ll see exactly why folks say it’s “marry me” worthy!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how each ingredient brings something special to the table—bold flavors, silky sauce, or bright pops of color. Don’t skip any of them if you want that restaurant-worthy result! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally): Cutting them in half helps them cook evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: This is your golden ticket to perfectly seared, flavor-locked chicken.
1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning every bit of the chicken and bringing out the natural flavors.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess of the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Rounds out the seasoning, giving the chicken a subtle, savory punch.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend gives the dish its signature warmth and aroma.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key for that beautifully fragrant base.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, oil-packed and drained: They add a sweet, tangy pop and stunning color.
1 cup heavy cream: The foundation for that irresistibly silky sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce perfectly balanced and not too heavy.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty richness that ties everything together.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of gentle heat, this is your moment.
8 ounces pasta (like penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite; these shapes hold the sauce like a charm.
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of freshness that brightens up the whole plate.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain, set aside, and get excited—your delicious base for Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is ready!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then generously sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple but tasty blend gives your chicken layers of flavor that’ll shine through in every bite.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken halves and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown and just cooked through. Transfer them to a plate; they’ll rest while you build the sauce, locking in their juiciness.

Step 4: Start the Sauce

Using the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all those tasty browned bits!), add your minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for just a minute, enough to let everything become deeply fragrant and lightly caramelized.

Step 5: Build Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, and use a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Now swirl in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring as the cheese melts into a velvety sauce. Let it come to a gentle simmer and stir in red pepper flakes if you’re a fan of a little kick.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Slice your cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then return them (and any juices) to the skillet. Add the drained pasta, and toss everything together until every piece is coated in that glorious creamy sauce. Let it all warm through for another minute. Your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is now totally irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for an herbal lift, and a shower of extra Parmesan on top never hurts. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes seals the deal if you like a touch of spice.

Side Dishes

Pair this luscious pasta with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil, or some roasted vegetables for color and balance. Crusty garlic bread is a classic for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra wow factor, serve your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls with a layer of greens like baby arugula or spinach underneath. Or try arranging the sliced chicken beautifully on top of the pasta, then spoon over extra sauce—restaurant style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so it’s just as delicious for lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta if needed: transfer completely cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind, the creamy sauce may separate a bit when thawed, but a gentle reheat brings it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to the pasta and warm it over low heat, stirring often. This helps restore the lusciousness of the sauce without making it greasy or clumpy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor to Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in spinach, baby kale, or sliced mushrooms after the sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition. Just wilt them briefly in the sauce before combining everything together.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative. The result is still rich and creamy, with a fun twist on the classic Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

What pasta shapes work best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are ideal—they catch the delicious sauce in all their nooks and crannies. However, any pasta you love works just fine, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

How spicy is this dish?

The dish is generally mild, with just a hint of heat from the red pepper flakes if you decide to use them. Adjust the amount (or skip it) according to your taste to keep your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta crowd-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dish that brings cozy comfort and a dash of romance to your dinner table, Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is calling your name. Give it a try and watch everyone swoon after the very first bite—you might just find it becomes your most requested recipe!

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a delightful blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. This easy stovetop recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved horizontally)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped and drained
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional:

8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta per package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sear in olive oil until cooked through. Set aside.
Make Sauce: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Add chicken broth, then cream and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Slice chicken, add to sauce with cooked pasta. Toss to coat and simmer briefly. Garnish and serve.