Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, a dish that effortlessly combines tender chicken, rich parmesan cream sauce, and the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. Every bite offers a luscious coating of velvety sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta, creating a restaurant-quality meal right at home. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want a quick yet elegant dinner without sacrificing flavor.
The harmonious blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a savory depth, while fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and satisfying—the kind of dinner that feels indulgent yet approachable. Pair it with a crisp salad and a glass , and you have a meal that will impress both family and guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy, ready in under 30 minutes
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Creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every pasta strand
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Flavor-packed with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs
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Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
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Kid-approved yet elegant enough for date night
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Versatile—works with penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts: Provide lean protein and tender bites that soak up the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sear chicken to golden perfection.
Garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth sauce with a velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor complexity and thins the sauce slightly for easy tossing with pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce, providing a salty, nutty, cheesy flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add tangy sweetness and bursts of umami.
Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for authentic Italian flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a subtle kick that balances the richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Pasta: Acts as the base, soaking up the creamy sauce for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Fresh Basil/Parsley: Brightens the dish and adds visual appeal.
Pro Tips
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Pound chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken; cook in batches if needed.
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Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and creaminess.
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Simmer the sauce gently to prevent the cream from curdling.
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Reserve a bit of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Chicken: Swap with shrimp, turkey, or tofu for variation.
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Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
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Pasta: Substitute with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
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Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
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Add-Ins: Incorporate spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy chicken pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a light dusting of parmesan. Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the richness of the sauce. For a cozy dinner, serve family-style directly from the skillet for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be prepped ahead by cooking chicken and making the sauce separately. Store cooked pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove and toss in pasta and chicken until heated through. For freezer storage, combine pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container (chicken optional) and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cultural or Historical Notes
“Marry Me Chicken” originated as a viral recipe in the early 2010s, famous for its rich cream sauce and flavorful ingredients that were said to be so irresistible, it could inspire a marriage proposal. Adapting it with pasta transforms it into a hearty, one-pan comfort dish reminiscent of Italian-American weeknight favorites. Its creamy, cheesy nature makes it an instant hit across generations, bridging homestyle cooking with a touch of elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook the chicken and sauce separately and combine with pasta just before serving for best texture.
2. What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce well, but any short or medium pasta works.
3. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep heat low when simmering cream and stir frequently; adding cheese gradually helps maintain a smooth texture.
4. Can I make this spicy?
Yes, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
5. Can I substitute dairy products?
Use coconut cream or almond milk cream alternatives for a dairy-free version, and choose vegan parmesan to keep it fully plant-based.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the creamy sauce.
- Toss in cooked pasta until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
