Creamy, dreamy, and packed with just the right kick of spice, this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the dish that seals the deal. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this pasta delivers rich flavor in every forkful. The combination of juicy seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a parmesan cream sauce wrapped around tender penne makes it unforgettable.

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken? Because it’s so irresistibly good, it’s rumored to inspire proposals! This pasta version takes all the classic flavors of the original and turns it into a cozy, comforting one-bowl meal. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or when you need a feel-good favorite.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is ideal here—it holds the creamy sauce well and offers a sturdy base for the chicken pieces to cling to. But if penne isn’t on hand, rigatoni or fusilli also do the job beautifully. The real star, however, is how the pasta hugs the rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients for the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to sear and slice. They form the hearty protein core of this recipe.
Penne Pasta: Its tubular shape grabs all the saucy goodness, creating a perfect bite every time.
Heavy Cream: Adds the silky base for the luscious sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: For nutty, salty depth. Use freshly grated if possible.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring sweet-tangy bursts that cut through the richness.
Garlic & Onion: Aromatics that create a savory, comforting flavor foundation.
Chicken Broth: Balances the creaminess with a savory, lighter note.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to tie all the elements together.
Olive Oil & Butter: Used for cooking the chicken and starting the sauce.
Fresh Basil: Optional, but perfect for garnish and a pop of color.

How To Make the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning, then sear until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, reduce heat slightly and add a little more butter if needed. Add chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. This is where the flavor builds.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Thicken and Flavor

Add grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens. Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes and adjust seasoning with more salt or herbs if needed.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil the penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain but don’t rinse, saving a splash of pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and seared chicken back into the skillet. Stir everything together so the sauce evenly coats every piece. If needed, use a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Serve hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan and basil leaves. A crack of black pepper or an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes makes a great finish.

Serving and Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This pasta is best served right after it’s made, piping hot and creamy. A fresh salad and some warm crusty bread are perfect sides to complete the meal. If you’re planning to make it ahead, slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating.

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Rigatoni, rotini, or even fettuccine will work. Just choose a pasta shape that holds onto sauce well.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter option, though the sauce may not be as rich.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Spinach, peas, or chopped sun-dried zucchini pair wonderfully. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes. Feel free to reduce or omit them if you’re sensitive to spice.

Can I make this with shrimp or another protein?

Definitely. Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu can be used in place of chicken for a different twist.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and stir it in a tablespoon at a time until your desired consistency is reached.

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, creamy pasta dish packed with juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and bold Italian flavors. This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is perfect for romantic dinners, family meals, or anytime you crave something indulgent and comforting.

Instructions

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add remaining butter, onions, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly. Add chicken broth and deglaze the pan.
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Return chicken to the skillet, add pasta, and toss everything together. Add pasta water if needed to thin sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with basil and extra parmesan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner