Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Best 30-Minute Recipe Ever

Introduction

There’s a reason this marry me chicken pasta has gone viral across social media and dinner tables everywhere. One bite of this creamy, indulgent chicken pasta dish and you’ll understand why it earned its romantic name. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce creates something so delicious, it just might inspire a proposal.

Whether you’re cooking for a special date night, looking for impressive chicken pasta meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen, or simply want comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality results, this marry me chicken pasta recipe is your answer. Best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter

For the Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed work best)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil for garnish

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great)
Salt for pasta water

The magic of this chicken in pasta recipes is that every ingredient plays a crucial role. The sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and tang, the cream creates luxurious richness, and the Parmesan ties everything together with savory depth.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavors.

Step 4: Create the Cream Base

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. According to Serious Eats, reducing cream gently ensures it doesn’t break or curdle.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in that gorgeous creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy. This chicken pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh, though leftovers reheat surprisingly well.

Three Delicious Variations

Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut

Short on time? This is one of the best rotisserie chicken pasta recipes out there. Skip cooking the chicken and use 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken instead. Add it during Step 5 when combining with pasta. This cuts your prep time in half while delivering the same incredible flavors. Check out our rotisserie chicken recipes for more quick meal ideas.

Spinach and Mushroom Version

Add 2 cups fresh spinach and 8 oz sliced mushrooms to make this chicken pasta meal even heartier. Sauté the mushrooms with the garlic in Step 3, then wilt the spinach into the sauce just before adding the chicken back. The earthiness of mushrooms pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Spicy Cajun Twist

Replace Italian seasoning with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning and increase red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon. This transforms the marry me chicken pasta recipe into a spicy, Louisiana-inspired version that’s equally addictive. Similar flavor profile to our spicy chicken recipes but with that signature creamy pasta base.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Overcooked chicken becomes rubbery and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F without going over.

Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes infinitely better than pre-shredded cheese from a bag. The pre-shredded stuff contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is crucial for adjusting sauce consistency. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta better than plain water or broth would.

Let the Sauce Simmer: Don’t rush the cream sauce. Letting it gently simmer for a few minutes allows it to thicken naturally and develop deeper flavors. However, don’t let it boil rapidly or the cream may separate.

Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Tube-shaped pastas like penne and rigatoni catch the sauce inside, while long pastas like fettuccine coat beautifully. Either works – it’s personal preference!

Season at Every Stage: Season the chicken before cooking, taste the sauce before adding pasta, and adjust at the end. Building seasoning in layers creates more complex, satisfying flavors.

For more pasta cooking techniques, Bon Appétit offers excellent guidance on achieving perfect pasta every time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

The genius of marry me chicken pasta lies in its balance. The sun-dried tomatoes provide brightness that cuts through the richness of cream. The garlic adds aromatic depth without overwhelming. The Parmesan brings savory, umami notes that make every bite irresistible.

Unlike many chicken in pasta recipes that can feel heavy and one-dimensional, this dish maintains complexity. Each component enhances the others, creating something greater than the sum of its parts. The chicken stays tender, the sauce stays silky, and the pasta provides the perfect vehicle for all those incredible flavors.

It’s also remarkably forgiving for home cooks. If your sauce gets too thick, add pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan. This flexibility makes it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.

Serving Suggestions

For Date Night: Serve with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Add a simple side salad with our homemade salad dressing and some crusty garlic bread.

For Family Dinners: Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for added vegetables. Kids love the creamy sauce, and parents appreciate the hidden nutrition from sun-dried tomatoes.

For Meal Prep: This chicken pasta meal reheats beautifully for lunch throughout the week. Store in individual portions and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky texture.

For Entertaining: Double the recipe easily to feed a crowd. Serve family-style in a large pasta bowl with fresh basil and extra Parmesan on the side.

Want more impressive chicken pasta meals? Browse our complete pasta recipes collection for dozens of delicious options.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when cold, which is completely normal.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Microwave reheating works too – use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds.

Freezing: While possible, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze it, store for up to 2 months and reheat very gently, whisking to recombine if needed. According to USDA food safety guidelines, always cool food to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.

Common Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Heavy cream creates the signature richness, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Whole milk will work but won’t be as thick or creamy. Add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to help thicken if using milk.

What if I can’t find sun-dried tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes halved and roasted work as a substitute, though they’ll give a different flavor profile. You could also use roasted red peppers for sweetness and color.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored separately from the pasta. Cook pasta fresh when ready to serve, then reheat the sauce and combine. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce and becoming mushy.

Is this dish spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. The base recipe is mild and creamy, perfect for those who don’t love heat. Add more red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne, rigatoni, and fettuccine are all excellent choices. Really any pasta shape you love will work – the sauce is that good!

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, and bell peppers all work beautifully in this marry me chicken pasta recipe.

Final Thoughts

Now you know why this marry me chicken pasta has captured hearts (and maybe inspired a few actual proposals) across the internet. It’s the perfect combination of easy to make, impressive to serve, and absolutely delicious to eat.

Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a busy weeknight meal, or Sunday dinner with the family, this chicken pasta dish delivers every single time. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and burst of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes create comfort food that feels special.

Start with the classic recipe, then experiment with the variations once you’ve mastered the base. But honestly, the original is so good you might never feel the need to change it.

Ready to make the pasta dish that lives up to its name? Grab your ingredients and let’s create some magic! For more amazing chicken pasta meals, explore our complete chicken recipes collection.

Now get cooking and maybe prepare yourself for a proposal. You may also try this lovely recipe too Marry Me Beef Tenderloin Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe That Lives Up to Its Name