Looking for a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and downright irresistible? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite recipe! This dish takes the beloved flavors of the famous Marry Me Chicken—rich, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken—and pairs it with pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this recipe is a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice for this recipe. However, you can also use boneless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier bite. To make prep easier, you can even use rotisserie chicken and add it towards the end.
Pasta:
I love using short-cut pasta like rotini, penne, or rigatoni because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. But honestly, any pasta will work! Just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when mixed with the sauce. If you’re looking for the best pasta shape to pair with shrimp, check out this guide.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
These little flavor bombs add a tangy-sweet punch that balances the richness of the sauce. If you’re not a fan, roasted red peppers can be a good substitute, offering a milder, slightly smoky taste.
Heavy Cream & Parmesan Cheese:
Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious texture, while Parmesan adds that irresistible salty, umami-packed goodness. If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk (though the sauce will be slightly thinner). Parmesan cheese is not only delicious but also has some impressive health benefits.
Garlic & Seasonings:
A mix of garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper ensures a well-rounded, flavorful sauce. Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
Chicken Broth:
This helps thin out the sauce and adds depth to the overall flavor. You can also use white wine for an extra touch of elegance.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil if needed, then toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant. If you love garlic-forward pasta dishes, you might also enjoy this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and let it simmer for a minute, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, letting the cheese melt into the sauce.
Step 5: Slice the Chicken & Combine
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes in the sauce to absorb all the delicious flavors. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. Serve immediately and enjoy! If you’re a fan of Cajun flavors, you might also love this Cajun Shrimp Pasta.
Toppings & Variations
Extra Cheesy:
For a cheesier sauce, mix in some shredded mozzarella or provolone just before serving.
Spinach or Kale:
Toss in a handful of spinach or kale for a nutritious boost. The greens will wilt beautifully in the warm sauce.
Mushroom Lovers:
If you’re a fan of mushrooms, sauté some sliced cremini or button mushrooms along with the garlic for an earthy twist.
Gluten-Free Option:
Simply swap out regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative, and this dish is just as delicious!
How to Store Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life. If you’re looking for another comforting pasta dish, try this Slow Cooker Cheesy Ravioli Bake.
Can You Freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Yes! For best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t turn mushy when reheated. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra cream or broth as needed.
The Final Word
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that wins hearts (and stomachs!) every time. With its creamy, dreamy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and comforting pasta, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe is a keeper. If you’re looking for another unique seafood-inspired dish, check out this Florida Shrimp Pie. Enjoy!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: PT30M
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato Parmesan cream sauce, and al dente pasta for a dish that will make anyone fall in love. Perfect for date nights or a cozy family dinner, this pasta is packed with rich, savory flavors and a hint of spice to keep things interesting!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or preferred pasta)
- Water and salt for boiling
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Deglaze & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
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Combine Everything: Slice the chicken into strips and return it to the pan. Add the drained rotini pasta and toss until fully coated in the sauce.
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Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use dairy-free Parmesan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are GF-certified.
- Spicier Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT20M
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Sugar: ~6g
- Sodium: ~750mg
- Fat: ~36g
- Saturated Fat: ~18g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14g
- Trans Fat: ~0g
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Protein: ~40g
- Cholesterol: ~110mg
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, romantic dinner recipe, easy chicken pasta, date night pasta