Some recipes earn their name for a reason—and Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of them. Creamy, indulgent, and packed with bold flavor, this dish is the kind of meal that instantly wins hearts at the table. It’s rich without being overwhelming, elegant yet incredibly easy to make, and perfect for those nights when you want dinner to feel a little more special.
Tender chicken is nestled into a luxuriously creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta that soaks up every bit of that irresistible flavor. Each bite is comforting, savory, and deeply satisfying—the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together right in your own kitchen.
What makes this recipe truly unforgettable is its balance. It’s cozy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough for date night, entertaining, or celebrating something special without stress. No complicated steps, no hard-to-find ingredients—just simple techniques that deliver big, memorable results.
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress, comfort, and keep everyone asking for seconds, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly where you should start.
Let’s dive in.
Why You’ll Love It
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate combination of comfort, elegance, and indulgence. It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious enough for a special occasion yet approachable enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. If you love creamy pasta dishes that are rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
One of the biggest reasons this recipe stands out is its balance. The sauce is creamy and decadent without feeling heavy, the chicken is tender and juicy, and the sun-dried tomatoes add just the right amount of tangy sweetness to cut through the richness. Every element works together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that feels thoughtful and well-rounded.
Another reason to love this recipe is how impressive it looks and tastes for how simple it is to make. With just a few pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. It’s ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or anytime you want to serve something that feels special without extra stress.
Most importantly, this is a recipe that people remember. It’s comforting, flavorful, and undeniably crave-worthy—the kind of dish that earns compliments and requests for seconds.
Ingredients + Tips
Main Ingredients
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Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs are slightly juicier, while breasts keep the dish lighter. -
Pasta
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works beautifully, but fettuccine or linguine are great options if you prefer long noodles. -
Heavy Cream
This creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce. For best results, use full-fat cream. -
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These add sweetness, acidity, and depth of flavor. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best. -
Garlic & Onion
Essential aromatics that build a strong flavor foundation. -
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce and adds a savory finish.
Helpful Tips
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Pound chicken slightly for even cooking.
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Don’t rush the sauce—gentle simmering creates better texture.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
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Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Steps (Chicken & Creamy Sauce)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear chicken until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 4: Add Cream & Flavor
Pour in heavy cream, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Combine
Slice chicken and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss until fully coated. Add pasta water as needed.
Variations
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is easy to customize.
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Spicy Version
Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil. -
Spinach Addition
Stir in fresh spinach at the end for color and freshness. -
Mushroom Lover’s Version
Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy depth. -
Lightened-Up Option
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. -
Protein Swap
Replace chicken with shrimp or salmon.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave reheating works in short intervals, stirring often.
Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness.
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Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or crusty bread
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Roasted asparagus or broccoli
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Simple tomato salad for acidity
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer gently.
- Add Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.
- Return chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding pasta water if needed.
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that lives up to its name. It’s rich, comforting, and unforgettable—the kind of dish that feels like a celebration, even on an ordinary day. From the tender chicken to the creamy, flavor-packed sauce, every bite delivers warmth and indulgence without feeling overwhelming.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility. It works just as beautifully for a romantic dinner as it does for a family meal. You can dress it up with a glass of wine and candlelight or serve it casually on a busy night—it always feels like the right choice.
This dish also proves that impressive food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and clear steps, you can create something that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy without leaving your kitchen. That’s what makes it such a reliable go-to recipe.
Over time, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta becomes more than just a meal—it becomes a favorite you turn to when you want to impress, comfort, or simply enjoy something truly delicious. It’s rich without being heavy, indulgent without being fussy, and comforting in a way that feels deeply satisfying.
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that delivers big flavor, cozy elegance, and guaranteed compliments, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your rotation.