If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that captures hearts and turns any weekday dinner into a celebration, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the recipe you need in your life. Picture twirls of pasta cloaked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce studded with juicy chicken pieces and finished with fresh basil — it’s as if every bite proposes a new level of delicious commitment. This dish is rich, comforting, and impossibly flavorful, making it the star of any dinner table. Trust me, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is not just food, it’s pure love on a plate!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how it takes a handful of everyday ingredients and transforms them into something truly magical. Each element brings its own charm to the party, building layers of taste and irresistible texture in every bite.

Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): The heart of the dish, pasta soaks up all the creamy sauce and brings everything together.
Chicken Breasts (1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into strips): Tender, juicy protein that makes each forkful satisfying and substantial.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve golden, flavorful chicken.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides that essential aromatic kick — the base for so many great Italian-inspired recipes.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle whisper of heat that keeps things exciting without overpowering.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (1 cup, chopped): Bursts of tangy-sweet flavor and a chewy texture that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, velvety sauce — pure indulgence in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Loosens up the sauce and adds extra savory notes.
Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs for classic Italian flair.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and amplifying all the other flavors.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle touch of warmth to round everything out.
Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): The final pop of color and freshness that makes each serving feel special.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta — penne or fettuccine both work beautifully here. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well, then set aside so it’s ready to absorb all that dreamy sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breast strips dry, season with salt and black pepper, and add them to the hot pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, letting them develop a golden, flavorful crust while staying juicy inside. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and keep it nearby — it’ll be back soon.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Using the same skillet (all those tasty chicken bits are flavor gold!), add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. The aromas at this stage are absolutely intoxicating and set up the foundation for the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, then pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened and all the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Finish and Toss with Pasta

Return the chicken strips to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over everything and toss gently to coat each noodle and piece of chicken in the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. Right before serving, shower with plenty of fresh basil for a final burst of brightness.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the easiest way to make it look as incredible as it tastes. I love a big handful of fresh chopped basil or a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top. For a restaurant-worthy finish, add a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper.

Side Dishes

Because Marry Me Chicken Pasta has so much rich, creamy goodness, I like serving it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, or some simple roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is also a must — perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your dinner guests? Try twirling individual portions onto plates with kitchen tongs, topping each with a swirl of sauce and a basil sprig. Or, for a family-style approach, serve it straight from the skillet at the center of your table, letting everyone dig in together — it makes dinner extra cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken a bit, but a splash of chicken broth or cream will bring back its silkiness when you reheat.

Freezing

Marry Me Chicken Pasta actually freezes pretty well! Allow it to cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream over medium-low heat, stirring gently until loosened and warmed through. You can also microwave leftovers, though the stovetop method keeps the sauce creamier and the chicken more tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are classics, this recipe welcomes almost any pasta shape. Try rigatoni, spaghetti, or even gluten-free varieties — just cook until al dente.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half if you prefer a slightly lighter sauce. For a dairy-free version, try canned coconut milk or an unsweetened creamy plant-based alternative — just note the flavor will change a bit.

What other vegetables can I add?

Spinach and mushrooms are wonderful additions! Stir in fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking so it just wilts, or add sautéed mushrooms for added earthiness.

How do I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta less spicy?

If you’re sensitive to heat, simply skip the red pepper flakes, or reduce the quantity to just a pinch. The result will be rich and flavorful, with no extra kick.

What protein alternatives work if I don’t want to use chicken?

Turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu can step in for chicken here! Adjust the cooking time so your protein is just cooked through and add it to the pasta and sauce as you would the original recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta yet, let this be your sign to give it a whirl. It’s the kind of dish that draws everyone to the table, and with such simple steps and incredible flavor, it’s destined to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 23 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken strips with sun-dried tomatoes in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Other:

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook seasoned chicken strips until golden, then set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes, add sun-dried tomatoes, cream, broth, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Sprinkle with fresh basil.