Marry Me Chicken Pasta has all the flavors you love—garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes—with a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make but tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you like pasta dishes with big flavor, you’re going to love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.

It’s one of those meals to make when you want something that tastes a little bit more fancy, but still easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

It’s an easy one dish meal that is perfect for date night, dinner with the family, Sunday night dinner, or just when you’re craving a bowl of pasta.

Ingredients

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. If you decide to use thighs for a juicier option, the cook time may need to be adjusted.

Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil – it adds a subtle flavor as well as helps your chicken get that golden crust.

Spices and Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning creates the perfect flavor.

Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant and bold flavor.

Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture may be thinner.

Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade chicken broth.

Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan will melt and incorporate into the sauce better than pre-shredded cheese, which often has anti-caking agents.

Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a tangy, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Use the kind packed in oil for extra flavor and moisture and make sure to drain well to prevent the sauce from getting too greasy.

Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a nice touch of heat. You can adjust the amount based on how spicy you like your food.

Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you prefer will work. Make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

Fresh basil or parsley: Add just before serving.

How to Make

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Stir in the parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes.

Add the red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.

Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet with the sauce.

Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well-coated.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Use pre-cooked chicken: To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts. Just shred or slice it and add it to the sauce.

Use heavy cream for the best texture: Don’t skimp on the heavy cream; it gives the sauce its signature richness and creaminess.

Try different pasta shapes: Fettuccine is traditional, but penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work great and hold the sauce well.

Double the sauce: If you love a saucy pasta, double the sauce ingredients to coat the pasta even more generously.

Use grated parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and adds a deeper flavor than the pre-grated version.

Leftovers/Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

To freeze, place the cooled pasta in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here are some of our favorites to serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Steamed vegetables: Light and healthy side that balances the rich pasta.

Caesar salad: Crisp and refreshing, it adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish.

Roasted asparagus: Easy and simple to make, it adds a nice green touch to your meal.

F.A.Q.