If you’re looking for a dish that says “I love you” in every creamy, flavor-packed bite, this is it. Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Okay… where did you learn to cook like this?”
This viral favorite combines tender, golden-seared chicken with a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and parmesan. Toss in perfectly cooked pasta and you’ve got a romantic, restaurant-worthy dish, made right in your kitchen, in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for date night, a cozy family dinner, or just craving something next-level delicious, this recipe delivers every time. And don’t worry, we’ll walk you through each step with photos, tips, and variations to help you make it your own.
So, ready to fall in love with dinner? Let’s make the best marry me chicken pasta recipe you’ve ever tried.
Table of Contents
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a trendy dish, it’s the ultimate creamy, dreamy comfort food with a romantic twist. The name comes from the idea that this dish is so good, it might just get you a marriage proposal. Whether that’s true or not, one thing’s for sure: it’s earned its spot as a viral sensation for a reason.
The original Marry Me Chicken recipe started as a skillet-seared chicken breast smothered in a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, parmesan, and herbs. But when you add pasta to the mix? You’ve got an instant classic, a one-pan meal that’s satisfying, indulgent, and perfect for any night that deserves a little extra love.
💡 Why It’s So Popular
- Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for date night
- Combines creamy, tangy, garlicky flavors with juicy seared chicken
- Total cook time is under 40 minutes
- Viral appeal on TikTok, Pinterest, and food blogs
- Perfect for romantic meals, family dinners, or even meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about this marry me chicken pasta recipe is that it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, but the final dish tastes like it came straight out of a high-end restaurant.
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring it to life:
🍗 For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
- Salt & pepper, to season
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for searing
🧠 Pro Tip: Pound the chicken slightly for even cooking and better sear.
🧄 For the Sauce
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil is best)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
🧠 Don’t skimp on the Parmesan, freshly grated melts best and gives the sauce real depth.
🍝 For the Pasta
- 8 oz pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Salt, for boiling water
- Optional: 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, for thinning the sauce if needed
🧠 Short pasta holds the creamy sauce well, but feel free to use what you love.
🌿 To Finish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice, to brighten it up
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
🔥 Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Warm a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer.
Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
🧠 Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, a proper sear needs space!
🧄 Step 2: Build the Sauce
In the same pan (no need to wash it), lower heat to medium. Add a little more olive oil if needed, then stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits (this adds flavor!). Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, stir gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.
🍝 Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
🧠 Optional: Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce for a one-pan finish.
🧀 Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the chicken and return it to the pan. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and mix until it’s fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes to blend the flavors.
🌿 Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, no fancy plating required (unless you’re aiming to impress 😉).
Tips for the Creamiest, Most Flavorful Sauce
If your goal is to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta so good it leaves people speechless (or reaching for a ring 😏), these expert tips will help you nail the sauce every time. This is where good becomes unforgettable.
🧀 Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Bagged shredded cheese usually has anti-caking additives, which can stop it from melting smoothly into the sauce. For the silkiest, most luxurious sauce, grate your Parmesan fresh from the block. Trust us, it makes a difference.
🔥 Deglaze for Maximum Flavor
After searing the chicken, don’t clean the skillet! Those golden brown bits on the bottom (a.k.a. fond) are flavor gold. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze and stir, it adds depth and richness to your sauce.
💧 Reserve Pasta Water
Pasta water is like liquid gold. It’s starchy and salty, perfect for thinning your sauce without losing flavor or texture. Start with 1–2 tablespoons if the sauce feels too thick.
⏳ Let the Sauce Simmer Before Adding Pasta
Give the sauce 3–5 minutes to reduce and thicken before tossing in the pasta. This helps concentrate the flavors and ensures it clings to every bite instead of sliding off.
🌿 Add Fresh Herbs Last
Basil and parsley lose their punch if cooked too long. Add them right at the end to keep their color and flavor vibrant, a small detail that makes your dish look and taste more professional.
🍋 Balance Richness with Acidity
Feeling like the sauce is a little heavy? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can cut through the richness and bring everything to life.
Variations You Can Try
Make it spicy, low-carb, or even vegetarian, this dish plays nice with creativity.
🥓 Add Crispy Bacon for Extra Flavor
Crumble in a few slices of crispy bacon or pancetta to add a smoky, salty punch to the creamy sauce. It layers beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.
🌶️ Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Love a little heat? Amp up the red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or harissa. You’ll still get the same creamy base, just with a fiery twist.
🧀 Make It Extra Cheesy
Want to lean into the comfort food side? Mix in mozzarella or fontina for a stretchier, meltier experience. It’s like chicken alfredo meets Marry Me pasta.
🥬 Add Greens for a Veggie Boost
Stir in fresh spinach, kale, or arugula just before serving. They wilt quickly and balance out the richness of the dish while adding color and nutrients.
🍝 Swap the Pasta
While penne and rigatoni are classics, you can try:
- Fettuccine for more luxurious twirls
- Ziti or shells for bite-sized comfort
- Zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for low-carb or gluten-free needs
🍄 Vegetarian Twist (No Chicken? No Problem!)
Skip the meat and use thick-cut sautéed mushrooms like portobello or cremini instead. They soak up the sauce beautifully and offer a hearty texture that even meat lovers will enjoy.
🧠 Tip: A little smoked paprika gives mushrooms a meaty edge.
Estimated Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
Based on 1 of 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550–600 kcal |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Total Fat | ~30g |
| Saturated Fat | ~13g |
| Carbohydrates | ~38g |
| Sugars | ~4g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~600mg |
| Cholesterol | ~110mg |
| Calcium | ~200mg (15–20% DV) |
🧠 Notes:
- Using whole wheat pasta or low-fat cream can slightly lower fat and increase fiber.
- For a low-carb version, swap pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, this drops carbs to under 10g.
- To boost protein, add extra chicken or use chickpea-based pasta.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is rich, flavorful, and satisfying all on its own, but the right sides and sips can make it an unforgettable meal.
Here’s how to serve it like a pro:
🥖 Serve With:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce
- Caesar Salad – A crisp, tangy salad balances out the creaminess beautifully
- Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes for color and contrast
- White Wine – A dry Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce
📌 Tip: Want to go extra romantic? Serve in shallow pasta bowls with fresh basil and grated Parmesan on top.
❄️ Storage Tips
Whether you’re meal-prepping or saving leftovers, here’s how to keep your marry me chicken recipe with pasta tasting great:
🧊 Refrigerator
- Store in an airtight container for up to four days
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
- Microwave option: Use medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between
❄️ Freezer
- Best to freeze just the chicken and sauce, pasta can get mushy
- Let cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove
📌 Make-ahead hack: Freeze sauce in an ice cube tray for easy portioned reheats.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken made of?
Marry Me Chicken is made with seared chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. When combined with pasta, it becomes a full, indulgent meal.
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish earned its name because it’s so delicious, it’s said to inspire marriage proposals! The rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors make it perfect for date nights or romantic dinners.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or add a small amount of cream cheese to mimic the creaminess.
What pasta goes best with Marry Me Chicken?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells are great for soaking up the sauce. For a more elegant feel, fettuccine or tagliatelle work beautifully too
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the full dish ahead and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. It’s also great for meal prep and next-day lunches.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?
Not by default, but you can easily spice it up with red pepper flakes, chili paste, or hot sauce. Most versions are mild and family-friendly.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (Creamy, Romantic & Easy)
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Salt for boiling water
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water as needed
- To Finish:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for topping
- Lemon juice optional, to brighten
Instructions
- Season & Sear Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1–2 minutes. Add broth to deglaze, then stir in cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Boil Pasta
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Combine Everything
- Slice chicken and return to pan. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Garnish & Serve
- Top with chopped basil, more Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute thighs for a richer texture
- For low-carb, swap pasta for zucchini noodles
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrients
- Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk
Final Thoughts on Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Whether you’re cooking for someone special, planning a cozy weeknight dinner, or just craving something rich and comforting, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe brings the flavor and the feels. It’s creamy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy, the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something memorable.
The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. You can make it spicy, low-carb, veggie-loaded, or extra cheesy, whatever fits your mood. So grab your skillet, light a few candles, and get ready to fall in love… with dinner.
💬 Tried It? Let Us Know!
Leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating if you made this recipe, we love hearing your delicious results and personal twists!
🔗 What to Make Next
Keep the comfort food vibes going with these reader favorites:
- 🧄 Creamy & satisfying: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
- 🥗 Fresh & light side dish: Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Recipe
- 🍓 Sweet sip pairing: Dole Strawberry Lemonade
- 🍵 Cozy after-dinner drink: Peach Oolong Tea
