Marry Me Chicken Pasta You’ll Want Weekly

You know those dinners that just feel special the moment they hit the pan? That’s exactly what you’re getting with this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor—but still simple enough to throw together while chatting about everyone’s day.

I’ve made all kinds of chicken pasta meals over the years, but this one is always a hit. The sauce comes together in one skillet, the chicken stays tender, and the sun-dried tomatoes bring a little something extra that makes folks pause and say, “Mmm, what is that?”

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything—from what ingredients to grab, to simple step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and how to store any leftovers. If you’re craving something cozy and a little special without a lot of fuss, you’re in the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s just something about this dish that makes everyone at the table lean in for a second helping. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a regular Tuesday or trying to impress someone special, marry me chicken pasta brings comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of “wow” to any night of the week. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a little celebration—but it’s simple enough to make whenever the mood strikes.

Here’s why this recipe belongs in your regular rotation:

Quick enough for busy nights. With just one skillet and one pot, this chicken pasta dish comes together in about 30 minutes—without sacrificing flavor or making a mess of your kitchen.

Full of cozy, bold flavor. The creamy Parmesan sauce is packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs—every bite feels like a warm hug.

Family-friendly and picky-eater approved. Even the little ones tend to ask for seconds, which makes it a win in my book. You can keep it classic or sneak in a veggie or two.

Customizable and flexible. You can swap the pasta shape, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or toss in spinach or mushrooms if you’ve got them on hand. It’s one of those chicken pasta recipes that plays nicely with whatever you’ve got in the fridge.

Perfect for any occasion. This dish feels right at home at a casual weeknight dinner or a special get-together. It’s cozy, hearty, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy.

Make-ahead friendly. The leftovers are just as satisfying the next day, making it a solid option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

A one-skillet wonder. Less cleanup, more time to relax after dinner. That’s always a win around here.

Once you try this marry me chicken pasta recipe, it’s the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s flavorful, simple, and brings everyone to the table with a smile.

Now that you know why it’s a keeper, let’s take a look at the ingredients that bring this creamy chicken pasta meal to life.

What You’ll Need to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Let’s talk about what goes into this cozy skillet full of creamy, flavorful goodness. The beauty of marry me chicken pasta is that it uses everyday ingredients, but when they come together, they feel anything but ordinary.

Basic Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and soak up that rich, creamy sauce.
• 1 tsp kosher salt + ½ tsp black pepper – A simple seasoning base that brings out the best in the chicken.
• 2 Tbsp olive oil – Helps sear the chicken and build flavor at the very start.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a warm, savory depth to the sauce you don’t want to skip.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth – De-glazes the pan and forms the flavorful base of your sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is what gives the dish its creamy texture and luscious finish.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and sliced) – Brings a tangy-sweet punch that pairs beautifully with the savory ingredients.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A balanced mix of herbs that keeps things simple but delicious.
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes – Adds just a little warmth—enough to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Stirred in at the end to melt into a silky finish with salty, nutty flavor.
• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta) – Catches every bit of sauce with its tube-like shape.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, sliced into ribbons – For a fresh pop right before serving.

Optional Add-Ins

• 2 cups baby spinach – Stir it in at the end to wilt gently and add a little color.
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms – Sauté with the garlic for extra savory flavor and heartiness.

Pro Tip: Want to change the vibe? For a Mediterranean twist, toss in a handful of chopped olives or a sprinkle of feta at the end. Or go Tex-Mex with roasted corn and a pinch of smoked paprika. This dish can wear lots of hats—it’s just about what your family’s craving.

Up next: We’re pulling everything together in one comforting skillet. Here’s how to make this chicken pasta dish step by step.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta at Home

This is one of those recipes that’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Once everything’s prepped, it all comes together in a rhythm—brown the chicken, build the sauce, cook the pasta, and let the flavors blend like they were meant to be together.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the chicken.
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken pieces dry, season with salt and pepper, and place them in the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden on the outside and just cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set it aside (don’t wipe the pan—you’ll want all those flavorful bits).

2. Sauté the garlic.
Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it smells rich and fragrant. Be careful not to brown it—garlic turns bitter fast when it goes too far.

3. Build the sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth and use your spoon to scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let everything simmer gently for 4–5 minutes, stirring now and then, until it starts to thicken slightly and smell absolutely wonderful.

4. Boil the pasta.
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain it well, but save about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

5. Bring it all together.
Add the cooked chicken (and any juices from the bowl) back into the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it velvety and rich. Toss in the hot pasta and fold gently until everything is coated. If the sauce seems a little thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water to smooth things out.

6. Finish and serve.
Remove from heat, sprinkle in your fresh basil, and give it one last stir. If you’re using spinach or mushrooms, stir them in now—they’ll soften right into the heat of the sauce.

The aroma that fills the kitchen at this point is enough to gather the family around the table without calling anyone. It’s creamy, savory, and just a little bit fancy without trying too hard.

Next up, let’s talk about ways you can tweak, adjust, or upgrade this dish to make it your own—because great recipes should fit your kitchen, not the other way around.

Easy Chef Tips and Flavorful Variations for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Every cook has a few tricks up their sleeve, and once you’ve made this marry me chicken pasta a time or two, you’ll start adding your own flair. Whether you’re looking to make the sauce creamier, want to change up the add-ins, or need it all done in one pot—these tips will help you feel confident and creative in the kitchen.

Handy Tips for Success

• Pat the chicken dry before cooking. It helps the chicken brown nicely instead of steaming in the pan.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives the sauce a rich, smooth finish without clumping.
• Keep the heat gentle once the cream is in. A simmer is perfect—too much bubbling can cause the sauce to separate.
• Save that pasta water! A splash at the end helps the sauce cling to the noodles just right.
• Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the sauce reduce a bit helps concentrate the flavor.

Easy Variations to Try

• One-pot version: After sautéing the chicken and adding your sauce ingredients, stir in uncooked pasta and 2 extra cups of broth. Cover and simmer until the pasta is tender.
• Swap the protein: Try it with turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or even cooked shrimp tossed in at the end.
• Add a veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed peas—whatever’s hanging out in your fridge.
• Make it cheesy: Add a handful of mozzarella or Fontina for a gooey twist.
• Crank up the flavor: Add a touch of lemon zest, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a spoonful of pesto for a fun change.

This is one of those chicken pasta recipes that welcomes creativity—so don’t be afraid to make it yours. Now that you’ve got the tips to make it shine, let’s talk about how to serve this creamy chicken pasta dish with style and ease.

Serving Ideas for Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Dinner

This chicken pasta dish is already a star on its own, but pairing it with the right side or setting can turn dinner into a full experience. Whether you’re setting the table for a cozy family meal or plating it up for guests, these ideas will help you round things out beautifully.

How to Serve It

• With crusty garlic bread: The kind you can use to soak up every drop of sauce—trust me, it’s worth it.
• Next to a crisp green salad: Something simple like arugula or romaine with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Alongside roasted veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini bring color and texture to the table.
• Date-night plating: Twirl a nest of pasta in the center of a shallow bowl, sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, and serve with candles lit—just because.
• Family-style in a big serving dish: Let everyone dig in and top their bowl however they like. Bonus points if you add extra cheese on the side!

No matter how you serve it, this dish always feels like a treat without being too fancy. And if you happen to have some leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store them so every bite tastes just as good the next day.

How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta and Keep It Tasting Fresh

When it comes to leftovers, marry me chicken pasta holds up really well—especially if you store and reheat it the right way. Here’s how to make sure every creamy, savory bite stays just as good tomorrow (or even next week).

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. Lay flat to freeze quickly and save space. Good for up to 2–3 months.
• Label and date: It’s an easy habit that saves the “what is this?” guessing game later on.

Reheating Tips

• Stovetop: Warm gently in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of milk or broth. Stir frequently until hot and creamy again.
• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts (about 45 seconds), stirring in between. Add a tiny splash of liquid to keep the sauce smooth.
• Avoid overheating: Cream sauces can break or get too thick if heated too long or too high—gentle is the way to go.

Leftovers are great for lunchboxes, quick dinners, or a second helping when the craving hits again.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

• Rasta Pasta Recipe

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Still have a few questions about this marry me chicken pasta? You’re not alone! Here are some of the most common things people wonder when making this creamy chicken pasta recipe at home. Let’s walk through them together.

This pasta is full of flexible, foolproof goodness—which makes it a go-to in so many kitchens.

Conclusion

There’s just something about marry me chicken pasta that makes it feel extra special—even if you’re just serving it on an ordinary weeknight. From the creamy Parmesan sauce to the sun-dried tomato kick and the tender bites of chicken, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table without having to say a word.

Whether you’re making it for the first time or it’s already become part of your regular rotation, this recipe has a way of turning a simple dinner into something worth remembering. It’s warm, flavorful, and flexible enough to make it your own.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add your own spin? Serve it for a special meal? However it made its way into your kitchen, I hope it brought joy to the people around your table.