If you’re on the hunt for a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a plate, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, juicy chicken morsels nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, all drenched in a luscious, creamy garlic parmesan sauce enhanced with the vibrant punch of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s bursting with flavor, elegantly simple to make, and guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation. You might even find yourself tempted to cook it more than once a week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A black pan on a white marbled surface holds a multi-layered dish. The bottom layer is cream sauce with an oily orange tint. On top, there are many small golden-brown cooked chicken pieces evenly spread around the pan. On one side of the pan, there is a large heap of shredded white cheese, looking soft and fluffy, and next to it, a pile of sun-dried tomatoes with a deep red color and wrinkled texture. A glass container with a pale yellow liquid is visible near the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting to know your ingredients for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is like assembling a dream team—each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor, texture, and color. You don’t need anything fancy, just pantry and fridge essentials that pack a big punch.

8 oz dried pasta of choice: Pick your favorite type; penne or fusilli work beautifully to hold onto the sauce.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps soften the onions without overpowering the dish.
½ cup onion, finely chopped: Builds a sweet, savory base that melts into the sauce.
3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, providing that distinctive aromatic warmth.
1 Tablespoon butter: Gives the sauce a velvety finish and enhances the garlic fragrance.
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: Tender, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper: These seasonings bring depth, a touch of smokiness, subtle heat, and balance to the chicken.
1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy and decadent.
½ cup parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp, nutty, and slightly salty, this cheese is essential for that classic flavor.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds tangy sweetness and a beautiful burst of color.
Basil leaves, for garnish: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten up the whole dish.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Toss in your pasta and cook it until it’s perfectly al dente—this means tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out half a cup of pasta water; this starchy liquid will be a magic ingredient to help marry the sauce and pasta later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

While the pasta is doing its thing, heat olive oil in a sturdy pan over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onions, letting them soften for 2 to 3 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the minced garlic and butter, sautéing for just 30 seconds so everything blends beautifully. Now, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle on your seasonings: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream along with the reserved pasta water. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and allows the flavors to blend into that iconic Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe taste. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the salt if needed—seasoning makes all the difference here!

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta if you haven’t already and toss it right into the sauce pan. Stir everything together so each strand or piece is luxuriously coated with that creamy, garlicky, cheesy goodness. This is the moment when all those flavors unite, creating the dish you’ve been dreaming about.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish your masterpiece with a handful of fresh basil leaves torn or chopped. Their bright, aromatic freshness adds a pop of color and flavor that’s irresistible. Now it’s time to plate up and enjoy the magic of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe!

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

A black skillet filled with a creamy, light orange sauce mixed with pieces of white meat chunks, small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes, and scattered black pepper and herbs; a wooden spoon rests inside the skillet, partly submerged in the sauce, showing the thick and smooth texture of the mixture; the skillet is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors of the dish; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond fresh basil, you can sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan cheese on top for that added cheesy punch. If you’re feeling fancy, some cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish. For a touch of texture, toasted pine nuts or chopped sun-dried tomatoes make gorgeous garnishes.

Side Dishes

This rich and flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread is an absolute crowd-pleaser here, perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make excellent, colorful companions to this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls helps showcase the creamy sauce and vibrant garnishes beautifully. If you want to impress guests, add a sprinkle of edible flowers or finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of color. For a fun twist, stuff the pasta into large mushrooms or hollowed bell peppers and bake until bubbly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, you can safely store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal taste even better. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine the creamy sauce.

Freezing

This pasta dish can be frozen, but keep in mind the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. To freeze, cool the pasta completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Use within 2 months for best quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for gentler reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to warm everything evenly and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. While penne or fusilli are great choices because they hold the sauce well, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can substitute with roasted red peppers or omit them entirely. They add a tangy sweetness, but the dish will still be delicious without them.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a cheesy flavor. The dish will be slightly different but still very tasty!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! This recipe reheats well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce in airtight containers to maintain freshness throughout the week.

How spicy is the dish?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but the spice level is mild and can easily be adjusted. Feel free to reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a milder dish or add more if you’re a spice lover.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that’s fast, fuss-free, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or treating yourself after a long day, this creamy, tangy, and comforting pasta is sure to win hearts and satisfied smiles. So go ahead, dive in, and get ready to create memories with every bite!