Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine); Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 79 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that’s both irresistibly creamy and bursting with flavor, the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe combines tender slices of seared chicken with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s surprisingly simple to prepare but delivers a rich, indulgent experience that feels like a special occasion every time. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new go-to dinner and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A deep white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of golden brown cooked chicken, coated in a rich, light beige sauce with visible specks of herbs. Bright green parsley flakes are sprinkled throughout, adding color contrast on top of both the pasta and chicken. The penne is well blended with the sauce, showing smooth and glossy textures. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is warm and inviting with a soft natural light highlighting the dish's details. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly shine. Each component is straightforward but essential, adding its own unique touch—whether it’s the tangy brightness of sun-dried tomatoes, the silky creaminess of heavy cream, or the fresh burst of basil on top.

Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless, sliced thinly for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, to enhance all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, perfect for searing the chicken to a golden brown crust.
Garlic: 3 cloves minced, because nothing beats that warm, aromatic base flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/3 cup chopped, bringing a tangy sweetness that balances the creamy sauce.
Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup, adding depth and moisture to the sauce without heaviness.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, the heart of the sauce that makes this pasta irresistibly rich.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated, for that nutty, salty punch which melts beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for that classic herbaceous lift.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon optional, to add a subtle spicy kick if you like a little heat.
Pasta: 8 ounces, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine, to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Fresh Basil: For garnish, lending a bright, fresh finish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once perfectly cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the delightful sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook until each side is golden brown and cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—this step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken pieces ready to mingle with the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic first, cooking just until fragrant (about 30 seconds) so it doesn’t turn bitter. Then add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their sweet and tangy flavors into the pan. This base will elevate the sauce with layers of taste.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream. Stir gently as you add Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into a velvety sauce. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning and, if you enjoy a little spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. This step turns the skillet into a dreamy sauce pot that will coat every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Return the seared chicken slices to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together so the noodles are drenched in that luscious, cheesy sauce. Every strand and bite is infused with flavor, making it impossible to resist.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a flourish of fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve it hot and bask in the warmth of a dish that tastes like it was made with love, perfect for sharing with whoever you want to impress or simply treat yourself.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a few fresh basil leaves on top not only gives the dish a vibrant splash of green but also adds refreshing herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. A little extra Parmesan cheese can also boost the savory experience.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with light and bright sides such as a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crunchy breadsticks are fantastic for soaking up every last bit of the sauce. You can also add steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans to bring some freshness and color to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve the pasta directly from the skillet at the table to keep it warm and inviting. Alternatively, plate it neatly twirled with chicken slices on top, garnished with basil for a more elegant presentation. For a fun twist, you could add a dollop of ricotta or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a delicious next-day meal that’s easy to reheat without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing

This pasta can also be frozen, but for best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta to avoid mushiness. Store everything in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain that perfect creaminess.

Reheating

When reheating, warm the pasta gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickened too much. This helps revive the silky sauce texture. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and the cream from separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are popular choices because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use whatever pasta you love most. Just cook according to package instructions for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can definitely modify it by substituting heavy cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast. The flavor will be a little different but still delicious and creamy.

How spicy is the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The dish can be as mild or spicy as you like. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional, so you can omit them for no heat or add extra for a punch. The creamy sauce balances the spice nicely.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly if you prefer a richer flavor and more tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

What’s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little added cream or broth to keep the sauce smooth and prevent the chicken from drying.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that wraps you up in comfort and flavor all at once. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve for guests or a date night in. Give it a try—you might just fall in love with how easy it is to create restaurant-worthy magic right in your own kitchen.