Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed dish that’s rich enough to win hearts and easy enough to make any night of the week. Juicy, pan-seared chicken is smothered in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with fresh basil and parmesan. It’s romantic, satisfying, and so good, it just might earn its name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s elegant without being fussy. The sauce is creamy and flavorful with a subtle sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes, and the chicken is tender and perfectly seasoned. It all comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for everything from date night to weeknight dinners. The pasta soaks up every drop of that luxurious sauce, and every bite tastes like something straight from a restaurant.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)

• Olive oil

• Garlic (minced)

• Chicken broth

• Heavy cream

• Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil and drained)

• Grated parmesan cheese

• Red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh basil (chopped)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt and pepper.

3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. I remove them and set them aside.

4. In the same skillet, I add the garlic and sauté until fragrant. Then I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some subtle heat.

5. I deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, and let it simmer for a minute.

6. I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

7. I stir in the grated parmesan and let the sauce thicken slightly, about 2–3 minutes.

8. I slice the chicken and return it to the pan, then toss in the cooked pasta until everything is coated in sauce.

9. I finish with chopped fresh basil and more parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously. It takes me about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook, so the full meal comes together in under 45 minutes.

Variations

I like to switch it up depending on what I’m craving:

• Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness.

• Add baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms for more veggies.

• Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.

• Try a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a fresh twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or broth and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. I avoid overheating, so the sauce stays creamy and the chicken doesn’t dry out. I don’t recommend freezing, as the sauce can separate.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” chicken?

Because it’s so good, the story goes, someone might propose after just one bite. Whether or not that’s true, I know it’s a dish that always gets compliments.

Can I use a different kind of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve used penne, rigatoni, linguine, and even spaghetti. Just make sure it’s something that holds sauce well.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I’ve used evaporated milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese in a pinch. It won’t be quite as rich but still very tasty.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?

I prefer the ones packed in oil for extra flavor. I drain them before chopping and adding to the sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the chicken and sauce ahead, but I cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture and taste.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels special every time I make it. It’s creamy, flavorful, and full of comforting richness that’s perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. Whether I’m cooking for someone else or just treating myself, this dish never fails to impress—and it’s always worth a second helping.