Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to win hearts, look no further—Marry Me Chicken Pasta is absolutely dreamy! Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled in a silky, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Every bite bursts with savory, tangy, and herby flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

What makes this recipe a must-try? Not only is it incredibly easy (just one skillet and one pot!), but it comes together in under an hour—making it your new weeknight hero or showstopping date night dinner. The best part? It tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant, but you can whip it up at home with simple ingredients.

This recipe became an instant family favorite after the first bite, and I just know it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under an hour, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
• Ultra-creamy, flavor-packed sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.
• All made in one skillet for easy cleanup and less fuss.
• Restaurant-quality taste with simple, everyday ingredients.

Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are the star protein, providing a tender and juicy base for the creamy sauce. Slice them in half horizontally for quicker, even cooking. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and deliver a slightly richer flavor. Rotisserie chicken can be used for an even quicker meal—just dice and warm it in the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tangy sweetness that gives this dish its signature flavor. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best texture and taste—just drain and chop them before adding. If you only have dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes first. Roasted red peppers make a great alternative if you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes.

Heavy Cream

This is what makes the sauce unbelievably rich and velvety. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a thinner sauce. Coconut cream works if you need a dairy-free version, though the flavor will change slightly.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but grating your own melts more smoothly. Try Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite, or a blend of Italian cheeses for extra complexity.

Pasta

Short pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli cling perfectly to the creamy sauce. Cook until just al dente so the pasta holds its shape when tossed. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just watch the cook time.

Instructions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high. Sear the chicken on each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Sauté the Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened. Scrape any browned bits off the pan—they add great flavor!

Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken, then whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta just until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.

Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes (if using) and most of the fresh basil. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time if needed until the sauce perfectly coats the pasta.

Garnish and Serve

Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and basil. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Love a little heat? Ramp up the crushed red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce. The extra kick pairs beautifully with the creamy base.

Veggie-Forward Option

Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to pack in more veggies and color. Swap the chicken for chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian twist—just simmer them in the sauce until heated through.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are certified gluten-free. The creamy sauce works perfectly with rice-based or lentil pastas.

Dairy-Free Version

Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use a plant-based Parmesan-style cheese. The flavor will be slightly different, but the sauce will still be rich and luscious.

Try a Different Protein

Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a fun twist. Quick-cooking proteins make this recipe even speedier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a crisp, green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette and warm, crusty garlic bread for a truly memorable meal. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a crack of black pepper. For a festive touch, pair with a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Italian soda.

Looking for a perfect salad pairing? Check out this Italian chopped salad recipe for inspiration!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally until hot and creamy again. Freezing is not recommended, as the sauce may separate, but the dish is so delicious it rarely lasts long enough to make it to the freezer!

For more tips on storing creamy pasta dishes, visit The Kitchn's guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.

Q: What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
A: Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they catch the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny. Long pastas like fettuccine will also work, but hold the sauce a bit differently.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are deliciously juicy and work perfectly here. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

For more pasta inspiration, browse these quick and easy pasta recipes.

There’s just something magical about the combination of juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious cream sauce—it’s guaranteed to impress every time. I hope you fall in love with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta as much as my family has! If you try it, please leave a comment or rating below—I love hearing how these recipes become a part of your own kitchen traditions.