If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s creamy, rich, and downright irresistible, then the Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. This flavorful recipe blends tender chicken with a luscious tomato cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that feels both homemade and special. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or aiming to impress guests, Marry Me Chicken Pasta has the power to become a family favorite everyone asks for again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Comfort: The velvety tomato cream sauce wraps every bite in rich indulgence you’ll crave.
Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together to create a gourmet-tasting meal without stress.
Quick and Convenient: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy schedules and last-minute dinner plans.
Versatile Flavor Profile: The balance of herbs, garlic, and cheese means it pairs beautifully with many side dishes.
Family Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a go-to dinner everyone looks forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role to build flavor, texture, and color. From juicy chicken breasts to creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, every component makes this pasta dish shine.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for easy cooking and tender meat.
Penne or Fettuccine Pasta: These shapes hold the sauce perfectly for each delicious bite.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a sweet and tangy kick, elevating the tomato cream base.
Heavy Cream: Creates that sumptuous, silky texture you love in the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty richness that rounds out the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: Gives a subtle spicy warmth without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Basil: For a bright and herbaceous finish that ties everything together.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth without thinning out the creaminess.
Olive Oil: Perfect for searing chicken and building the sauce’s base flavors.

Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to get creative and adjust it to your tastes, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your fridge. Here are some ideas to personalize your Marry Me Chicken Pasta experience.

Vegetarian Twist: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
Spicy Upgrade: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bolder kick.
Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash in place of traditional pasta.
Cheese Variations: Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or add mozzarella for a gooey finish.
Herbal Infusion: Experiment with thyme or oregano alongside basil to tweak the flavor profile.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Wins Hearts Every Time

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sear them in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, then remove from the pan and let rest.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly before pouring in chicken broth, heavy cream, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, then toss it into the creamy sauce along with sliced chicken. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld flavors.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish by stirring in fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta hot, ready to make everyone’s night.

Pro Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Even Chicken Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for perfectly uniform cooking every time.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding basil at the very end keeps its flavor bright and fresh.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente to maintain the perfect bite when combined with the sauce.
Sauce Thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Rest Chicken Before Slicing: Prevents juices from escaping and keeps the chicken tender and moist.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Freshly chopped basil and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese enhance both appearance and flavor, adding vibrant color and a pops of richness with every forkful.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a wonderful addition for soaking up extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or on elegant plates drizzled with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of chili flakes to add visual appeal and a hint of spice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring flavors stay vibrant without drying out.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prep in advance. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months, though fresh is always best for creamy sauces.

Reheating

Warm leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s texture without it becoming dry or clumpy.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

It’s a creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, designed to be irresistibly delicious and ideal for impressing at dinner.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine work great, you can swap them for rigatoni, bowtie, or even spaghetti depending on your preference.

Is this recipe spicy?

The dish has a mild spice from red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less according to your taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta, ensuring all other ingredients align with your dietary needs.

How long does it take to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

From start to finish, this dish typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting flavors have a way of winning hearts every single time. Whether you’re cooking just for yourself or a crowd, it’s a dish worth adding to your regular rotation. So go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and create a meal that’s as joyful to eat as it is to share.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and flavorful dish combining tender boneless chicken breasts with a luscious tomato cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, served over perfectly cooked penne or fettuccine pasta. Ready in under 40 minutes, this comforting and versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners and is loved by the whole family.

Author: Elena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta)

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
Salt for pasta water, as needed

Sauce

3 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest.
Build the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy tomato cream sauce.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the chosen pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the creamy sauce in the pan. Slice the rested chicken breasts and add them to the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
Garnish and Serve: Stir in fresh basil leaves and add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve the Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while hot.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor.
Cook pasta to al dente to maintain texture when combined with sauce.
If sauce becomes too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Let chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 38 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, tomato cream sauce pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner