Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned its place as one of those meals that somehow feels special even on the busiest weeknights. It’s creamy, rich, full of flavor, and made with simple pantry staples that come together in a surprisingly elegant way. The sauce hugs every strand of pasta, the chicken stays juicy and tender, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy pop that makes each bite irresistible.

One thing I adore about this dish is how effortlessly it fits into quick dinner ideas. Even on days when you’re tired or running behind, you can pull this together without stress. It has that perfect balance of comfort and flair—rich enough for a cozy night in, yet easy enough for a midweek meal.

And let’s be honest: there’s a reason people joke about this being “Propose to me pasta.” It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm, flavorful hug. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, someone you love, or a whole family, this pasta has a way of making the moment feel a little more memorable.

If you’re already a fan of easy marry me chicken, this version takes everything you love and pairs it with tender noodles for a bowl of pure comfort. It fits right alongside your favorite pasta dishes with chicken, but with a creamy twist that keeps you going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love It

• It tastes like a restaurant meal without the restaurant work. The creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and pasta come together in a way that feels indulgent, but the process is refreshingly simple.
• Perfect for those days you need comfort fast. It fits right into quick dinner ideas because it cooks in under 30 minutes while still delivering rich, layered flavor.
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for your partner, family, or friends, this cozy bowl of pasta has that “wow” moment everyone remembers—no fancy ingredients needed.
• Customizable to your cravings. Use any pasta shape, add spinach, toss in mushrooms, or make it a little spicy. It easily adapts to whatever you’re in the mood for.
• Leftovers taste even better. The sauce thickens and deepens in flavor overnight, turning lunch the next day into something you’ll genuinely look forward to.

Ingredient List

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces fettuccine or your favorite pasta
• Water for boiling pasta
• Salt for pasta water

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil leaves, chopped
• Additional grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan – For cooking the chicken and finishing the sauce; I love a heavy-bottomed one that heats evenly.
• Medium pot – To boil the pasta; makes it easy to drain without a mess.
• Tongs – Perfect for flipping chicken and tossing pasta in the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – For stirring the sauce without scratching your pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons – To keep the flavors balanced every time.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
• Colander – To drain the pasta quickly and efficiently.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
• Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
• Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

• Slice the cooked chicken into strips or leave it whole, as preferred.
• Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
• Simmer for another 3–5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Combine with Pasta:

• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

6. Serve:

• Plate the pasta and chicken, then garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Always pat your chicken dry before cooking—it helps get a golden, flavorful crust.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat and better searing.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—it keeps the sauce creamy without watering it down.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking slightly when tossed in the sauce.
• Add cheese gradually while whisking to prevent clumps and ensure a silky texture.
• Taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Swap fettuccine for penne, linguine, or spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Sun-dried tomatoes can be swapped with roasted red peppers for a different twist.
• Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this pasta with garlic bread and a crisp green salad—it balances the richness perfectly!
• Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for a simple, flavorful finish.
• Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli for added texture and color.
• For a cozy night in, enjoy it with a glass of sparkling water with lemon—keeps the meal feeling fresh.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: Not ideal for long-term freezing due to cream sauce, but you can freeze chicken and pasta separately for up to 1 month.
• Tip: Freshly add a sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley after reheating to bring back the original flavor and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine works best for coating in the creamy sauce, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti will taste delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and pasta separately and store them in the fridge. Combine with the sauce just before serving for the best texture.

How can I make it lighter?

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream. You can also add more vegetables to bulk it up without extra calories.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The cream sauce doesn’t freeze well on its own, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately for up to a month. Reheat and add fresh sauce when ready to eat.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and stir.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes! Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a little heat that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!