When you’re stuck in a dinner rut or just need something guaranteed to impress, marry me chicken pasta is the kind of recipe that actually delivers. It’s rich, savory, and comes together in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for a date, your family, or just need a solid comfort meal, this one hits all the right notes.
What makes this dish stand out is the mix of bold ingredients—sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, cream—and how quickly it all comes together. It tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, but you don’t need any fancy ingredients or techniques to pull it off. If you’re a beginner, this is a safe but impressive win. If you’re more experienced, it’s a no-fuss go-to that always works.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another pasta dish—marry me chicken pasta is your new weeknight obsession. Here’s why this marry me chicken pasta earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
➲ Ready in 30 minutes – No fluff, no stress—just fast comfort food.
➲ One pan, one cleanup – The pasta cooks right in the sauce. You’ll thank yourself later.
➲ Massive flavor payoff – Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan bring the heat.
➲ Beginner-proof – If you can stir, you can nail this. No weird techniques.
➲ Flexible & forgiving – Use chicken thighs, penne, or whatever you’ve got.
➲ Leftovers hold up – Tastes just as good the next day (if there’s any left).
Ingredients
Here’s exactly what you’ll need for this marry me chicken pasta. Most of these are pantry staples, and you can find everything at a regular grocery store.
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin (about 500g)
Tip: Thin slices cook faster and stay juicy.
• 2 tbsp olive oil
Can sub avocado oil if preferred.
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Use the kind packed in oil for the best flavor.
• 2 cups chicken broth
Low sodium if you want more control over salt.
• 1 cup heavy cream
Can use half-and-half, but it won’t be as rich.
• ½ pound (225g) fusilli pasta
The spiral shape holds onto the sauce perfectly. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti—this dish needs something with grip and structure.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make marry me chicken pasta, step by step, with clear tips for every stage.
➲ Prep the chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This is key to building flavor from the start.
➲ Sear the chicken
In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and allow them to sear without moving for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden color. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed. Remove and set aside.
➲ Build the flavor base
In the same pan (don’t wipe it out), reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if dry, then sauté garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir often—don’t let the garlic brown.
➲ Deglaze and simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a simmer.
➲ Add cream and pasta
Stir in the heavy cream, then add the dry pasta directly to the pan. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
➲ Cook pasta
Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta reaches al dente texture and the sauce achieves the desired thickness. Should the sauce become too thick while the pasta is still cooking, thin it out with a small amount of broth or water.
➲ Add chicken and cheese
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through and the mixture becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning—don’t skip this step.
➲ Finish and serve
Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh herbs if using. Serve hot, straight from the pan.
Pro Tips
• Cut the chicken evenly. This ensures consistent cooking—no dry edges or raw centers.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil. The ones in oil bring way more flavor and texture than the dry-packed kind.
• Don’t skimp on seasoning early. The chicken needs to be seasoned well before it hits the pan to carry flavor through the dish.
• Keep the pasta moving. Stir every few minutes while it simmers to avoid clumping or sticking to the bottom.
• Let it rest. Once cooked, let the pasta sit for 2 minutes before serving—it’ll thicken slightly and set up better.
FAQs
➲ Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes. Chicken thighs work great and are harder to overcook. Just trim the excess fat and cook as directed.
➲ Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and even cook the whole dish a few hours in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
➲ Can I freeze marry me chicken pasta?
Technically yes, but the cream sauce can separate slightly after thawing. It’s best fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
➲ What can go wrong?
• Pasta overcooks if simmered too long or left sitting in sauce.
• Sauce gets too thick: just thin with broth or reserved pasta water.
• Chicken turns dry: make sure you don’t overcook it, especially when adding it back at the end.
Conclusion
This marry me chicken pasta is a legit weeknight hero. Creamy, bold, and made in one pot, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without being a hassle. It’s flexible, forgiving, and doesn’t require a culinary degree to pull off.
If you’re into quick but rich pasta dishes, try this next:
• How to Make Scooby Snack Shot
• How to Make Gender Reveal Cake
Tried this recipe? Drop a comment, rate it below, or share it with someone who needs a go-to dinner winner. #marry me chicken pasta #marry me chicken pasta recipe #marry me chicken pasta dinner #easy and quick marry me chicken pasta
