Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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I can’t even begin to count how many times this Marry Me Chicken Pasta has saved me on a weeknight—or completely wowed guests at a last-minute dinner. Creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying, it’s one of those dishes that tastes like it took hours to make, but actually comes together in less than 30 minutes. I first made this on a whim after a long day, tossing together some pantry staples, and it instantly became a regular in my rotation.

What makes it truly special is how beautifully the flavors meld: sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness, the creamy sauce is rich but not heavy, and the juicy chicken just melts into the pasta. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just craving comfort food, this dish hits all the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This pasta is indulgent without being over-the-top, comforting yet elevated. It combines the richness of a creamy tomato sauce with the umami of garlic and parmesan, making each bite irresistibly good. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and the fact that it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day. Bonus: it’s one of those rare recipes that feels romantic enough for a date night but hearty enough for a casual dinner.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly for this dish, especially when sliced thin or diced for even cooking. That said, boneless thighs are a great alternative if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Just make sure whatever cut you use is seared well to lock in flavor and create those golden-brown bits that give the sauce depth.

Options for Substitutions

If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers make a fantastic stand-in with a similar sweet-tangy note. Don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half will do, though it won’t be quite as thick. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works surprisingly well, and you can swap the parmesan for a vegan alternative. Gluten-free pasta can easily replace regular penne—just cook it al dente to avoid sogginess.

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Ingredients for This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Penne Pasta – The perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce in every groove. You can also use rigatoni or fusilli.

Chicken Breasts – Lean and tender, they cook quickly and soak up all the flavor from the sauce.

Garlic – Essential for that bold, aromatic base.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Sweet, slightly tangy, and full of umami; they’re the heart of this recipe’s signature flavor.

Heavy Cream – For that luscious, rich sauce that binds everything together.

Chicken Broth – Adds depth and keeps the sauce from becoming overly thick.

Parmesan Cheese – Salty and nutty, it melts into the sauce and enhances everything.

Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic and tomatoes.

Red Pepper Flakes – Just a pinch brings a gentle heat that balances the creamy base.

Italian Seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to round out the flavor profile.

Salt and Black Pepper – Crucial for seasoning each layer of the dish.

Fresh Parsley – Optional, but it adds a lovely color contrast and a fresh finish.

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through—about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest. Slice into strips once slightly cooled.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. Add in the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot with extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. If you like a little kick, sprinkle more red pepper flakes on top.

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How Long to Prepare Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: About 10-15 minutes. This includes slicing the chicken, chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and grating the parmesan. It helps to have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.

Cook Time: Around 25-30 minutes. Searing the chicken, building the sauce, boiling the pasta, and bringing everything together happens fairly quickly, making this a great weeknight dinner that still feels special.

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Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melt—it makes a huge difference compared to the pre-shredded kind.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente texture is key to avoid a mushy finish.
• Let the chicken rest after searing to lock in its juices before slicing.
• Add the pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness without diluting the flavor.
• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to balance the salt, spice, and creaminess.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: This can make it dry and tough. Sear just until golden and cooked through.
• Using low-fat cream substitutes without adjusting: It can break the sauce or make it too runny.
• Skipping the pasta water: That starchy liquid helps emulsify and thicken the sauce.
• Not stirring the cheese in slowly: Dumping it in all at once can cause clumping.
• Overcrowding the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, sear chicken in batches to maintain good browning.

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What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

2. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

A peppery, bright salad balances out the richness of the pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Simple and quick, asparagus adds a nice texture contrast and freshness.

4. Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complement the sun-dried tomato notes.

5. Steamed Broccoli

Light and healthy, it’s a kid-friendly side that doesn’t overwhelm.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk or broth while reheating will loosen it back up.

Freezer: You can freeze this pasta, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. If freezing, undercook the pasta a little so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated. Thaw overnight in the fridge before gently reheating on the stove.

Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream, broth, or milk. Stir gently to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven heating and dryness.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mildly spicy from the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level to your liking or leave it out entirely.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken in advance. Cook pasta fresh and combine when ready to serve for the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free by using GF pasta and checking that your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to reheat it?

On the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth, stirred gently over low heat until warmed through.

Can I use other proteins?

Absolutely. Shrimp, salmon, or even tofu can work well as substitutes, but adjust cooking times accordingly.

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Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t ask for hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it to someone special or just treating yourself, the velvety sauce, tender chicken, and bold tomato-garlic flavors deliver every time. With its balance of simplicity and decadence, it’s easy to see why this dish earns its romantic name—and might just become your new weeknight obsession.

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