Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless skinless); 10 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 0.75 cup chicken broth; 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes; salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste)

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If there’s one pasta dish that lives up to its dramatic name, it’s Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Creamy, rich, packed with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes, and infused with garlic and parmesan — this is the kind of meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.

Legend has it that this dish is so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal after just one bite. Whether or not it leads to a ring, one thing is certain: this creamy chicken pasta recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Perfect for date night, special occasions, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, this sun-dried tomato chicken pasta balances indulgence and comfort beautifully. The velvety sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the chicken stays juicy and flavorful. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this unforgettable dish.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

There are hundreds of pasta recipes out there, but this one stands apart. Here’s why:

It’s made in one skillet for easy cleanup.
The creamy parmesan sauce is deeply flavorful.
Sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness.
It feels gourmet but is beginner-friendly.
It’s perfect as an easy romantic dinner recipe.

If you’re looking for a one skillet chicken pasta that delivers bold flavor without complicated steps, this is it.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
10 oz (about 300g) penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing.
Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well.
Simmer
Let the sauce simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Slice the chicken and return it to the pan.
Finish and Serve
Simmer together for another 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

What Makes This Creamy Chicken Pasta So Special?

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its balance:

Creaminess from heavy cream and parmesan.
Tanginess from sun-dried tomatoes.
Warmth from garlic and red pepper flakes.
Savory depth from the browned chicken and pan drippings.

The sauce coats the pasta luxuriously without being overly heavy. Each bite delivers layers of flavor that feel indulgent yet comforting.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Juicy chicken is essential. Use a meat thermometer to avoid dryness.

2. Use Quality Parmesan

Freshly grated parmesan melts better and tastes far superior to pre-shredded varieties.

3. Reserve Pasta Water

The starchy water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.

4. Slice Chicken After Resting

Letting the chicken rest keeps it moist and flavorful.

Delicious Variations

This easy romantic dinner recipe is flexible. Try these twists:

Add Spinach

Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end for color and extra nutrition.

Make It Spicier

Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.

Swap the Pasta

Use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta.

Lighten It Up

Replace half the heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Marry Me Chicken Pasta pairs beautifully with:

Garlic bread
A crisp green salad
Roasted asparagus
Sparkling water with lemon

For a romantic touch, serve it with candles and soft music. Presentation matters — and this dish looks stunning with fresh basil and parmesan shavings on top.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended, as cream-based sauces may separate.

Fun Fact: Why Is It Called “Marry Me” Chicken?

The original “Marry Me Chicken” recipe gained popularity online after someone joked that it was so delicious it could prompt a proposal. Since then, variations like this pasta version have gone viral across social media and food blogs.

It’s proof that a truly comforting, well-balanced meal can create memorable moments.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just another creamy chicken pasta recipe. It’s rich without being overwhelming, elegant without being complicated, and comforting without being boring.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes. One bite, and you’ll understand why it earned its name.