Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that instantly earns a place in the comfort-food hall of fame. Rich, creamy, and layered with savory depth, this pasta combines tender pan-seared chicken with a luxurious parmesan cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s indulgent without being heavy, elegant without being complicated, and bold enough to impress while still perfect for a cozy night at home.

The name itself sparks curiosity—and for good reason. Legend has it that this dish is so irresistibly delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal after the very first bite. While no recipe can guarantee romance, this one certainly sets the mood. Creamy chicken pasta dishes have long been beloved across kitchens worldwide, but Marry Me Chicken Pasta stands out thanks to its balance of richness, acidity, and savory umami flavor.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something special, weekend dinners when comfort is the goal, or date nights that call for restaurant-quality flavor without leaving the house. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour using simple, accessible ingredients.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is So Popular

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has surged in popularity because it checks every box modern home cooks look for. It’s:

Creamy and comforting without being bland
Flavor-packed thanks to garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes
Versatile, pairing well with multiple pasta shapes
Simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for guests

Sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cream, while parmesan delivers nutty depth. The chicken is pan-seared first, locking in flavor and creating golden edges that elevate the entire dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Pasta:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove chicken and rest before slicing.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, stirring to release flavors.
Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
Return sliced chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
Garnish with fresh herbs and additional parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Creamy Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce
Don’t boil the cream—gentle heat prevents separation
Reserve pasta water to control sauce consistency
Slice chicken against the grain for tenderness

Variations and Substitutions

Spicy version: Add extra red pepper flakes or chili oil
Vegetable boost: Stir in spinach or mushrooms
Protein swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken
Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. For special occasions, serve with a dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Cultural and Comfort-Food Appeal

Creamy pasta dishes have roots across Italian-American cuisine, where richness meets simplicity. This recipe modernizes that tradition with bold flavors while keeping preparation approachable.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.