If you’re searching for a show-stopping dinner that feels like a restaurant treat but is totally doable on a busy weeknight, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is calling your name. Creamy, rich, and downright irresistible, this dish combines juicy, well-seasoned chicken, silky sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a plate that will have everyone swooning at first bite. It’s no wonder this recipe is rumored to inspire proposals—one forkful and you’ll understand why folks can’t stop talking about Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta so special is how it uses simple ingredients in just the right way, coaxing out maximum flavor and luscious texture. Every element plays a key role, so let’s break them down:

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, they soak up the seasoning and star in every bite.
Olive oil: For beautifully searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.
Unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel and helps the chicken brown.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory flavor base of the chicken.
Smoked paprika: Lends a touch of smokiness and gorgeous color.
Salt: Essential for drawing out flavors and keeping everything balanced.
Black pepper: Adds warmth and just the right bite.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic deepens the sauce’s flavor and makes the kitchen smell amazing.
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and forms the foundation for a beautiful sauce.
Heavy cream: Creates that irresistible creamy texture everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for thickening the sauce.
Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): For sweet-tart pops of flavor and sunny color; use a little of their oil for extra depth.
Dried oregano: Introduces herby notes without overpowering the sauce.
Red pepper flakes: Offer subtle heat that keeps each forkful lively.
Pasta (penne or fettuccine): The perfect vessel for catching every drop of sauce.
Chopped fresh basil: Brightens and finishes the dish with a burst of freshness.
Extra grated Parmesan for serving: For extra cheesy goodness sprinkled over the top.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start things off by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (penne or fettuccine works beautifully) and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain the noodles when they’re perfect—this ensures they’ll soak up all that luscious sauce later. Set them aside while you build the rest of the magic.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Breasts

Lay your chicken breasts out and sprinkle them all over with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This quick seasoning not only infuses the chicken with bold flavor but also makes the whole kitchen smell amazing as soon as it hits the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to foam, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest so all those tasty juices stay locked in. After a few minutes, slice the chicken into strips—you’ll return it to the skillet soon.

Step 4: Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out—you want all that flavor), add your minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping any flavorful brown bits off the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let this gently simmer for 4-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly and smells heavenly.

Step 5: Toss Pasta, Finish, and Serve

Add the cooked pasta directly into your creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand or tube. Return your sliced chicken to the skillet and spoon plenty of the sun-dried tomato sauce over the top. Just before serving, scatter over the chopped fresh basil and a hearty sprinkle of extra Parmesan, bringing Marry Me Chicken Pasta to its glorious, restaurant-worthy finish.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A finishing flourish can truly elevate this dish. Think freshly chopped basil for brightness, a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan, and maybe a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces for added color and tang. Drizzle a little of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil over each plate to make the flavors sing.

Side Dishes

While Marry Me Chicken Pasta is swoon-worthy all on its own, it becomes an unforgettable meal alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a zingy vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread is mandatory if you’re a sauce mopper—trust me, you’ll want every last drop. For an extra pop of color and crunch, roasted broccoli or asparagus works like a charm.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, twirl the pasta into neat nests on each plate and lay the sliced chicken artfully on top. If you’re serving family-style, bring the skillet right to the table for a rustic, inviting vibe. Want to go all out? Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in pasta bowls with a small basil leaf and a shaving of Parmesan—the kind of touch that gets people talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Marry Me Chicken Pasta keep quite well! Let everything cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and know that the flavors deepen as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

While you can freeze this pasta dish, keep in mind the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. If you do decide to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and eat within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch; cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until hot and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and pack even more flavor. Just watch the cook time so they stay tender and delicious.

Is there a way to lighten up Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use a modest amount of Parmesan to save a little on richness, but you’ll still get that wonderful texture and tang.

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

You can swap in roasted red peppers or a handful of halved cherry tomatoes for a similar burst of color and flavor, though sun-dried tomatoes really give this dish its signature flair.

Which pasta shape works best here?

Penne and fettuccine are fantastic because they hold the sauce beautifully, but honestly, any pasta you love will work. Just cook it until al dente for the best texture.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely! Just sub in your favorite gluten-free pasta. The creamy sauce clings just as happily to gluten-free noodles and you won’t miss a thing.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken Pasta has captured so many hearts—it’s comforting, a bit decadent, and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a fork. Whip it up once, and I promise it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy and flavorful, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce:

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional:

12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Extra grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season and cook the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Slice and set aside.
Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then add cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, add sliced chicken, and garnish with basil and Parmesan before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil and add a splash of the oil to the sauce.
You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

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