Some recipes are just too good not to share. This one? It’s a game-changer. The first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I wasn’t expecting anything dramatic—just dinner. But when my husband took the first bite, he paused and said, “If I hadn’t already married you, I would after this.” That’s when I knew this dish lived up to its name.

Rich, creamy, garlicky, and packed with sun-dried tomato flavor, this pasta is more than a meal—it’s a love letter in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking to impress, feeding your family, or simply treating yourself to something indulgent, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. And yes, it’s easy enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for date night.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

✅ Creamy, rich, and savory flavor in every bite
✅ Simple ingredients but restaurant-quality results
✅ Perfect for date nights, special occasions, or comfort food cravings
✅ One-pan cleanup for easy weeknight cooking
✅ Customizable with your favorite pasta or veggies

Ingredients List

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

For the Chicken & Sauce:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)

For the Pasta:

8 oz penne, fettuccine, or pasta of choice
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional Add-Ins:

Spinach or baby arugula for a veggie boost
Mushrooms or roasted red peppers for depth
Burrata or mozzarella pearls for extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Begin by slicing 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.

Pat them dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken cutlets. Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown with slightly crispy edges and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).

🔥 Don’t overcrowd the pan – give each cutlet space to brown properly. If needed, cook in batches.

Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

2. Build the Flavorful Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet (leave the brown bits—they’re flavor gold), add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Next, stir in 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them soften and release their oils for another minute.

Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to deglaze and lift the caramelized bits into the sauce.

Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat), and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and stir continuously until it thickens slightly — about 5–7 minutes.

At this stage, your kitchen will smell amazing — the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy base come together into a rich, aromatic sauce.

3. Cook the Pasta to Perfection

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape) and cook until just al dente, according to the package instructions.

Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. This starchy liquid helps loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta beautifully.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

4. Bring It All Together

Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully marry (no pun intended!).

Every noodle should be coated, every bite infused with that creamy, savory sauce.

5. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to shallow bowls or plates for easy twirling and presentation.

Top with fresh chopped basil or parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. You can also add a few sun-dried tomatoes or a crack of black pepper for a beautiful finish.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Presentation Ideas

Plating tip: Use a shallow bowl to serve and twist pasta with tongs for height. Lay sliced chicken neatly on top.
Garnish: Fresh herbs, chili flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil make it look restaurant-worthy.
Occasion-ready: Serve on a wooden board with wine glasses and candles for a romantic feel.

Pro Tips & FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely. Thighs stay juicy and are very flavorful—just adjust cooking time.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine gives an elegant finish.

Is there a lighter version?
Use half-and-half instead of cream and cut the cheese by 1/3 for a lighter—but still satisfying—meal.

How can I spice it up?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of Cajun seasoning to the sauce.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal — it’s a moment. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it came from a fancy Italian bistro, yet it’s totally doable in your own kitchen. With bold, rich flavors and a silky sauce that hugs every bite, it turns any evening into something special.

Whether you’re cooking for your partner, surprising a friend, or simply treating yourself (because yes, you deserve it), this pasta brings warmth, romance, and comfort to the table. It’s indulgent without being fussy — which is exactly why it’s gone viral and become a staple in so many kitchens.

And yes, if anyone wasn’t already in love with you before dinner, this pasta might just tip the scale.

If you tried this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, drop a comment below and tell me how it went! I’d love to hear your tweaks, tips, or stories. And don’t forget to pin it for later or share with someone you love — food this good deserves to be passed around.

👉 Looking for more creamy comfort? Try these:

Quick and Tasty Pastalaya Recipe

Ground Beef Butternut Squash Pasta