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Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Romantic, and Irresistibly Delicious
If there’s one pasta dish that lives up to its name, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Rich, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, this dish combines tender seared chicken, a luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta into one unforgettable meal. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make — the kind of recipe that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together right in your own kitchen.
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. While that may sound playful, one thing is absolutely true: this creamy chicken pasta recipe is deeply satisfying and perfect for special dinners, cozy nights in, or whenever you want to impress without stress.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or a romantic dinner, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers creamy richness, savory depth, and a hint of tangy sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes that makes every bite unforgettable.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy pasta dish inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, known for its velvety parmesan cream sauce, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. When paired with pasta, the sauce becomes even more indulgent, coating every noodle with rich, savory flavor.
This dish features:
- Juicy, golden-seared chicken
- Creamy garlic parmesan sauce
- Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
- Italian herbs for aromatic depth
- Pasta that soaks up every drop of sauce
The result is a balanced blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors that make it one of the most loved comfort pasta recipes online.
Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Restaurant-Quality at Home
This dish tastes like something from a high-end restaurant, yet it uses simple pantry staples.
2. Rich and Comforting Flavor
The creamy sauce, garlic, and parmesan create a luxurious texture that feels indulgent but approachable.
3. Perfect for Special Occasions
Ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or family dinners when you want something memorable.
4. Easy One-Pan Sauce
The sauce comes together in the same pan as the chicken, maximizing flavor and minimizing cleanup.
5. Customizable and Versatile
You can easily adjust spice, creaminess, or protein to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan.
- Add parmesan cheese and whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Slice the rested chicken and place it back into the pan, gently mixing with the pasta.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving warm.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy, romantic pasta dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente and reserve pasta water.
- Season and sear chicken in a skillet until golden and cooked through.
- Remove chicken and sauté garlic in the same pan.
- Add heavy cream and parmesan, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings, then simmer.
- Add pasta and toss to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Slice chicken and return to the pan before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of white wine before the cream.
The Secret to the Signature Creamy Sauce
The heart of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is its luscious cream sauce. The combination of heavy cream and parmesan creates a silky base, while sun-dried tomatoes add a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.
Cooking the sauce in the same pan as the chicken allows it to absorb all the flavorful browned bits, which enhances depth and creates a more complex, savory taste. This simple technique is what transforms a basic creamy pasta into something truly unforgettable.
Best Pasta Types for This Recipe
While this dish works with many pasta shapes, some options perform better than others when paired with a thick, creamy sauce.
Top choices include:
- Penne (great sauce grip)
- Fettuccine (extra creamy experience)
- Rigatoni (hearty and satisfying)
- Farfalle (elegant presentation)
Short pasta shapes are especially ideal because they hold the creamy sauce in every bite.
Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Fresh parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce and prevents grainy texture.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Searing until just cooked and letting it rest keeps it juicy and tender.
Balance the Sauce Thickness
If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
Choose Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These provide richer flavor and a softer texture compared to dry-packed varieties.
Simmer, Don’t Boil the Cream
High heat can cause the cream to separate. Keep the sauce on low to medium heat for a silky finish.
Delicious Variations to Try
Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of chili paste for a bolder kick.
Mushroom Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for an earthy depth of flavor.
Spinach Creamy Chicken Pasta
Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.
Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter but still creamy sauce.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This creamy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness.
Best serving ideas:
- Garlic bread or crusty bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Caprese salad
A fresh salad with a tangy dressing helps cut through the creamy richness, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to restore the creamy texture. Avoid high microwave heat, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the resting time for chicken
- Using pre-shredded cheese (can make sauce grainy)
- Overheating the cream sauce
- Not seasoning layers properly
- Forgetting to reserve pasta water
Avoiding these small mistakes ensures a perfectly creamy, flavorful dish every time.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, flavor-packed dish. With its creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it delivers the perfect balance of richness and depth in every bite.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a cozy family meal, or just craving a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. One forkful of this creamy, savory pasta, and you’ll understand exactly why it earned its unforgettable name.