Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

I still remember the first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe. It was a Tuesday night, and I wanted something comforting but also kind of fancy, without the stress. I pulled together a few pantry staples, some heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pack of chicken breasts I had in the fridge. One bite in, and I knew this dish was special. My husband looked up and said, “You better make this again, soon.” Mission accomplished.

I’m Lucy White, the home cook behind urdailyrecipes. I started cooking in my tiny Austin apartment after one too many burnt pans and failed takeout nights. Recipes like this one helped me ditch food fear and fall in love with simple, soulful cooking. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is rich, creamy, and totally beginner-friendly, perfect for a weeknight win or a cozy dinner that feels like a restaurant dish without the stress.

KEY TAKEAWAYS: What You Need to Know

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, tomato-kissed skillet meal made with seasoned chicken, garlic, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed with pasta. It’s perfect for beginners, date nights, or family dinners. Bold flavors, easy prep, and comforting richness make it unforgettable.

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, tomato-infused chicken and pasta dish that’s become internet-famous, and for good reason. It gets its name from the myth that it’s so good, it might just spark a marriage proposal. While there’s no official origin story, the dish blends comfort food vibes with elevated flavor, making it ideal for everything from weeknight meals to date night at home.

The magic lies in the combination of tender, pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a garlic cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and Italian herbs. Add in perfectly cooked pasta and you’ve got a dish that’s bold, cozy, and deeply satisfying.

If you’ve tried other creamy chicken pastas, like this garlic parmesan chicken pasta, you’ll find Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a deeper flavor profile, thanks to the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and subtle heat from red pepper flakes.

Who is This Recipe For? (Beginner to Confident Cook)

This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is for:

• New home cooks learning the ropes
• Busy parents needing a reliable weeknight meal
• Anyone craving a “restaurant-style” dish without the takeout bill
• Romantic cooks planning a cozy dinner date at home

You don’t need to be an expert in the kitchen to nail this recipe. It uses basic ingredients and simple techniques, yet delivers flavor that feels totally elevated. Plus, you can cook it all in one skillet for minimal cleanup.

If you’re already a fan of creamy chicken dinners like blackened chicken alfredo or hearty dishes like chicken riggies, this one’s going straight to the top of your favorites list.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe from scratch:

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and sear the chicken
   Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic and tomatoes
   In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Stir until fragrant.
4. Build the sauce
   Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any browned bits (this adds flavor). Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add cheese and stir
   Reduce heat and whisk in Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Return chicken & combine
   Slice or cube the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Add cooked pasta and toss everything to coat in the sauce.
7. Garnish and serve
   Top with fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on the side.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy, flavor-packed marry me chicken pasta recipe is an easy, romantic dinner made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan in one skillet.

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Course: dinner, Main Course, pasta

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 Servings

Calories: 568kcal

Cost: $15

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

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 18g

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe (Tips for Busy Weeknights)

Need dinner on the table fast? This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta can be ready in just 30 minutes without cutting corners on flavor. With a few smart shortcuts, it becomes the perfect go-to meal for hectic evenings.

Here’s how to simplify it without sacrificing taste:

• Use thin-cut or pre-sliced chicken breasts to reduce cooking time
• Boil pasta while the chicken sears to keep things moving
• Swap in leftover rotisserie chicken to skip the stovetop altogether (see our rotisserie chicken recipes)
• Keep a jar of sun-dried tomatoes in the pantry—they add rich flavor instantly
• Use one large skillet to cook everything, reducing cleanup

This recipe has the comfort factor of your favorite pasta dishes (like this Wendy’s grilled chicken wrap turned pasta-friendly) but with just a single pan and simple steps. It’s ideal for nights when you want something warm and satisfying, but you’re out of energy to overthink dinner.

Make It Your Own (Substitutions and Flavor Variations)

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is that it’s flexible. You can easily tweak it to suit your taste, pantry, or dietary needs.

Flavorful Add-Ins:

• Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving
• Mushrooms: Sauté with garlic for added umami
• Red bell peppers: Add sweetness and color
• Bacon crumbles: For a smoky twist

Cheese Swaps:

• Try Asiago or Romano for sharper flavor
• Add a touch of cream cheese to make the sauce extra velvety

Make it lighter:

• Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream
• Skip the pasta and serve over zoodles or cauliflower rice

Low-carb or gluten-free?

• Substitute with chickpea pasta, zucchini noodles, or your favorite gluten-free penne

If you love recipes that are versatile like this one, you’ll also enjoy our Newk’s Chicken Salad and chicken salad without celery—both easy to adapt and meal-prep friendly.

Serving Suggestions for a Romantic Dinner

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe doesn’t just taste incredible—it looks elegant too. It’s the kind of dish that feels romantic without being fussy, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy dinner at home.

Here’s how to serve it like a pro:

• Plate it in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce
• Garnish with chopped basil, freshly grated Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper
• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a toasted baguette to soak up that rich sauce
• Add a simple side salad: think arugula, lemon juice, and shaved Parmesan
• Pair with a glass of Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir for balance

The creamy, tomato-forward flavor in this marry me chicken pasta recipe works well with sides that are crisp and refreshing. You don’t want anything too heavy that’ll compete with the richness of the sauce.

Hosting guests? Double the recipe and serve it family-style with some of our favorites like Buffalo Chicken Chili or Chicken Sliders as appetizers.

How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Flavor

One of the best parts of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is how well it keeps. The sauce stays creamy, the pasta holds up, and the flavor deepens overnight.

To store:

• Place leftovers in an airtight container
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days
• For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months (sauce may need extra cream after thawing)

To reheat:

• Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream
• Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking
• For microwave: use 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring each time

Avoid boiling or high heat during reheating, which can cause the cream to separate. Want a quick second-day meal? Use leftovers from this easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe to fill wraps, top baked potatoes, or layer into a pasta bake.

Looking for more meals that reheat like a dream? Try our Ina Garten Curry Chicken Salad—it’s flavorful, fridge-friendly, and just as easy as this creamy chicken pasta recipe.

What Makes This the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

There are a lot of copycat versions online, but this is the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy, savory, and tangy—all with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone special, this dish delivers bold, rich flavor in under an hour.

Here’s what sets it apart:

• Layered flavor from garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes
• Pan-seared chicken adds a golden crust and deep flavor
• Creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta
• Just enough spice from red pepper flakes to make it interesting
• Easy technique that any home cook can follow

Even better, it’s beginner-proof. If you can boil pasta and stir a skillet, you can master this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe on the first try. It’s just as easy as our garlic parmesan chicken pasta but with a deeper, more romantic twist.

Reader Testimonial:

“I made this for my boyfriend on a whim, and he actually asked for seconds—which never happens with pasta. The sauce is rich but not too heavy, and the flavor is better than most restaurant dishes. Definitely a keeper!”
— Amanda, Dallas, TX

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe? Here are more flavor-packed dishes to try next:

• This bold and smoky Chipotle Chicken Recipe adds heat and depth to your weeknight menu
• Craving something lighter? Try our Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Wrap—fresh, fast, and protein-packed
• If you enjoyed the creamy base of this dish, you’ll love the kick in our Blackened Chicken Alfredo
• Want something hearty for game day? Our Buffalo Chicken Chili is always a hit
• For pasta with upstate New York roots, don’t miss our Chicken Riggies Recipe

Every one of these recipes is easy to follow, packed with flavor, and made with real-life cooking in mind—just like this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here are the most common questions about this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.

Final Thoughts on This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s warm, comforting, and guaranteed to impress, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is your answer. It’s simple enough for beginners but delivers rich, deep flavor that rivals any restaurant meal. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or treating yourself to something cozy, this creamy, tomato-kissed pasta deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

Recipes like this helped me—Lucy White, the heart behind urdailyrecipes.com—fall in love with cooking. I started with burned veggies and frozen pizza, and now, dishes like this help me (and hopefully you) cook with confidence, joy, and zero pressure.

If you loved this one, be sure to try our:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Chili
• Chicken Riggies Recipe
• Newk’s Chicken Salad Recipe

Each recipe is made to be beginner-friendly, no-fuss, and packed with flavor—because learning to cook should feel like home, not homework.