Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Romantic & Irresistibly Delicious
There’s a reason this dish has such a bold name. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes people pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Creamy, rich, slightly tangy, and perfectly seasoned, this pasta combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs in a silky sauce that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make.
Legend has it that this creamy chicken dish is so good it could inspire a proposal. Whether or not that happens in your kitchen, one thing is certain: this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour.
Perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you just want something comforting and indulgent, this creamy chicken pasta recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Let’s make it unforgettable.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me” Chicken?
The name became popular after a creamy sun-dried tomato chicken dish went viral for being “so good you’d want to propose.” The combination of garlic, cream, Parmesan, and herbs creates a deeply satisfying flavor profile that feels special occasion-worthy.
Turning it into pasta makes it even better — hearty, cozy, and complete as a full meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pan chicken pasta for easy cleanup
- Rich, creamy sauce without being overly heavy
- Balanced flavors: savory, slightly tangy, subtly spicy
- Perfect for romantic dinners or entertaining
- Ready in about 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni
- Salted water for boiling
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
5. Build the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Add Parmesan
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Combine Everything
Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
8. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Sear seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Simmer garlic, tomatoes, broth, and cream.
- Add Parmesan and return chicken to pan.
- Toss pasta with sauce and serve hot.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Remove as soon as it reaches 165°F to keep it juicy.
Balance the Sauce
If it feels too rich, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth.
Let It Rest Briefly
Allowing the pasta to sit for 2–3 minutes before serving helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Variations
Make It Lighter
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Add Spinach
Stir in fresh spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
Swap the Protein
Use shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
Make It Spicier
Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This romantic dinner pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Sparkling water with lemon
For a special evening, dim the lights and serve it family-style in the skillet.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Reheat
Warm gently on stovetop with a splash of cream or broth.
Freezing
Not recommended due to cream sauce texture changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid.
What pasta works best?
Penne and rigatoni hold sauce well.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes — substitute gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a recipe — it’s an experience. Creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and beautifully comforting, it transforms simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Whether you’re cooking to impress or just treating yourself, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most romantic.
And who knows? It might just inspire a proposal.
