Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that quietly steals hearts, one creamy bite at a time. From the very first forkful, it delivers rich comfort balanced with elegant flavor. Tender chicken, silky Parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes come together effortlessly, yet the result feels restaurant-worthy.

Because this dish is simple but indulgent, it’s perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. Meanwhile, the sauce clings beautifully to every piece of pasta, creating a luxurious texture without feeling heavy.

Interestingly, “Marry Me” recipes became popular because they’re meant to impress without stress. Over time, this concept evolved into creamy chicken dishes inspired by Tuscan flavors. As a result, they became known for romance, warmth, and ease.

Whether you’re cooking for someone special or simply treating yourself, this pasta delivers comfort, confidence, and crave-worthy flavor — all in one skillet.

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed (or sliced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup fresh basil, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook the pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Then, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. Sear the chicken:
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden on all sides and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Build the sauce:
Next, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, stirring until fragrant. Then, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently as the sauce begins to simmer.

4. Enrich the flavor:
After that, whisk in Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and velvety.

5. Bring it together:
Now, return chicken to the skillet. Add pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water, tossing until coated and glossy.

6. Finish and serve:
Finally, fold in fresh basil, adjust seasoning, and serve immediately while creamy and luxurious.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Creamy sauce success: Use freshly grated Parmesan so it melts smoothly without clumping.
• Flavor balance: Sun-dried tomatoes add richness, but don’t overpower — slice thinly for harmony.
• Pasta perfection: Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.