Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped); 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes I make when I want something rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. With tender chicken, a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned its romantic name. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that I keep on regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how Marry Me Chicken Pasta feels fancy enough for date night but is still easy enough for a weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, clings beautifully to every bite of pasta. It’s savory, slightly tangy, and so indulgent—plus, the seared chicken adds that juicy, protein-packed finish I always crave in a pasta dish. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
Grated parmesan cheese
Pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I then remove it from the pan and let it rest before slicing.
In the same pan, I add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté until fragrant.
I pour in chicken broth and use a spatula to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those flavorful bits.
I stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
I add the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
While the sauce simmers, I cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and toss it into the sauce.
I return the sliced chicken to the skillet, stir everything together, and let it simmer for another minute or two.
I garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so dinner’s ready in 35 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness. For a vegetarian twist, I swap the chicken with mushrooms or roasted cauliflower. If I’m craving more greens, I stir in a handful of spinach or arugula at the end. I’ve also tried it with different pastas—rigatoni, tagliatelle, or even gluten-free varieties all work great.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It also reheats well in the microwave, though I stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly. I don’t recommend freezing, as the cream sauce can separate. Marry Me Chicken Pasta

FAQs

What pasta works best with Marry Me Chicken?

I usually go with penne or fettuccine—they hold the sauce really well. But honestly, I use whatever I have on hand and it always works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then just boil the pasta fresh when I’m ready to serve. That way everything tastes freshly made without the last-minute stress.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s not spicy by default, but I like adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. I can leave it out if I’m making it for kids or guests who prefer mild flavors.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

I’ve tried it with milk or half-and-half when I want to lighten it up. The sauce is a bit thinner, but still creamy and delicious.

What can I serve with this dish?

I usually pair it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. It’s hearty on its own, but those extras round out the meal nicely.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those feel-good, crowd-pleasing recipes that never gets old. It’s rich, creamy, and full of bold flavor—perfect for impressing guests or treating myself to something special. Once I make it, I always find myself coming back for more.