Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Creamy, comforting, and totally irresistible — the kind of pasta that could win someone’s heart.
⭐ Intro
If a recipe is bold enough to call itself “Marry Me Chicken,” you can bet it’s going to taste incredible. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything you love about the classic dish, turned into a rich, cozy, downright dreamy weeknight dinner.
Think: tender pan-seared chicken, a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and just the right amount of heat. It’s the perfect balance of savory, creamy, tangy, and comforting — the kind of meal that makes people say, “Wait… you made THIS?”
Whether you’re cooking for date night, feeding the family, or just craving a restaurant-quality dinner at home, this pasta never disappoints.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The flavor is unreal: Creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and a little spicy.
- Date-night worthy: But still super simple to make.
- 30-minute dinner: Fast enough for busy weeknights.
- Total crowd-pleaser: Kids love it, adults love it — everyone wins.
- One-pan sauce: Easy cleanup and no fuss.
🍝 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (use less for mild)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work great)
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Extra Parmesan
👩🍳 How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Season + sear the chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Build the sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and add garlic. Cook until fragrant, then stir in sun-dried tomatoes.
Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the cheese
Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes thick and luxurious.
5. Bring it all together
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed.
6. Serve
Top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Add a simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Serve with warm garlic bread
- Pair with roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
🔄 Variations
- Swap the chicken: Use shrimp, salmon, or Italian sausage.
- Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
💡 Tips for the Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts so much better.
- Don’t skip the pasta water; it’s liquid gold for the sauce.
- Let the sauce simmer gently so it thickens without curdling.
- Cut the chicken into thin cutlets for faster, juicier cooking.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well with a splash of cream or broth.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — they’re juicier and work perfectly here.
Can I bake it?
Yes! Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
Is it spicy?
Just lightly. Reduce the red pepper flakes for a mild version.
