Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

You have to try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta! It’s creamy, dreamy, and packed with flavor. Honestly, it’s so good, it just might win someone’s heart.

Juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan cream sauce—all tossed with tender pasta. It’s got that perfect mix of savory, a little tangy, and totally comforting. I love how fancy it feels with hardly any effort!

Perfect for date night, family dinner, or anytime you want something extra special. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me” Chicken. It’s just that good.

Let’s cook it up! Grab your chicken, pasta, and cream—I’ll walk you through every easy, delicious step. You’re gonna fall in love with this one!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family Favorite: This pasta is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. It’s often requested again and again.
• Comforting: Creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and pasta are always a winning combination.
• Easy to Make: No need for advanced skills—just simple steps and basic ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve for dinner, meal prep, or gatherings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: The sauce reheats well, making leftovers just as tasty.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty: Easy enough for beginners, enjoyable for anyone who likes to cook.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Medium pot (for pasta)
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta (exact amounts are in the Recipe Card at the end):

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• Pasta: Penne is classic, but any short pasta works
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning
• Olive Oil: To cook the chicken
• Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the sauce
• Garlic: Freshly minced for depth
• All-purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory base
• Heavy Cream: For a rich, silky sauce
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated, melts into the sauce
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Chopped and drained for bursts of sweet-tart flavor
• Paprika: Adds warmth and color
• Dried Italian Seasoning: For a blend of classic herbs
• Fresh Basil (optional): For garnish
• Extra Parmesan (optional): For topping

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Switch up the Protein: Use shrimp or turkey breast instead of chicken.
• Try Different Pasta: Rotini, rigatoni, or farfalle also work well.
• Add Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for extra greens.
• Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne.
• Make Dairy-Free: Substitute with coconut cream and a vegan parmesan.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Mince the garlic. Grate the parmesan cheese. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking as you go to avoid lumps.

5. Add the Cream and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and keep whisking. Add the grated parmesan cheese and continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

6. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. This allows the flavors to come together.

7. Return Chicken to the Pan

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

8. Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes are evenly distributed.

9. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs well with:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus
• Crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce

Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Freeze: For best texture, enjoy fresh. The creamy sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but you can whisk it back together when reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use freshly grated parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook just until no longer pink for juicy pieces.
• Reserve some pasta water: Use it to thin the sauce if needed.
• Taste and adjust: Before serving, taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	520
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	23g
Saturated Fat	11g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	740mg
Cholesterol	115mg

Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Just cut them into bite-size pieces and cook the same way.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can try roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor, though the sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tang.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid if the sauce is too thick.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a celebration. With juicy chicken, rich sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it’s no surprise this recipe is so well-loved by families. If you want a dish that’s easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing, this pasta is always a good choice.