The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, indulgent dish that brings together tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to al dente penne. It’s comfort food taken to the next level, delivering big on flavor and presentation.
Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, this dish is pure satisfaction in a bowl. The perfect harmony of creamy sauce, spice, and savory chicken makes this recipe ideal for romantic dinners, easy weeknight meals, or anytime you want to impress with little effort. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me” chicken!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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300g penne pasta
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
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Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, then add the chicken back to the skillet. Let it warm through for 2–3 minutes.
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Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 585 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Fall in Love With Marry Me Chicken Pasta
If you’ve been on the hunt for a show-stopping pasta dish that’s equal parts indulgent, flavorful, and easy to prepare, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer. As the name cheekily suggests, this dish is so good it might just elicit a marriage proposal. It’s a one-skillet wonder that’s rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting. With its gorgeous balance of tender chicken, velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes, it captures hearts (and tastebuds) from the very first bite.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a weeknight meal, or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors without complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. It’s no surprise this viral sensation has found its way into the regular dinner rotation of countless home cooks around the world.
In this post, we’ll explore everything that makes Marry Me Chicken Pasta an instant classic, including its origin, why it works so well, and how you can adapt it to suit your own tastes and lifestyle.
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken originally started as a simple stovetop chicken dish, known for its creamy sauce and addictive sun-dried tomato flavor. The “marry me” moniker came about when food editors at a test kitchen reportedly exclaimed it was so delicious someone would want to propose after tasting it. Fast forward to the social media age, and this recipe has taken the internet by storm, with countless renditions shared across Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram.
The pasta version takes all that creamy, cheesy, sun-dried tomato goodness and amplifies it by adding perfectly cooked penne (or any pasta you prefer). The result? A hearty, filling, and irresistibly rich pasta dish that works for both cozy nights in and special occasions.
Why This Recipe Works
So, what exactly makes this dish such a hit? Let’s break it down:
1. Bold Flavor Combination
The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of umami and tanginess that cuts through the richness of the heavy cream. When combined with garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken, you get a flavor profile that’s indulgent but still perfectly balanced.
2. Creamy Texture
The sauce is silky and luxurious thanks to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, which melt together into a dreamy coating for both the chicken and pasta.
3. One-Skillet Simplicity
One of the best parts about this dish is how easy it is to make. You cook the chicken, build the sauce in the same pan, then toss in the cooked pasta. Minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.
4. Customizable
Want to make it low-carb? Skip the pasta and serve the sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Prefer more vegetables? Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers are fantastic additions. Craving more heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
Ingredients Deep Dive
Let’s take a closer look at the key players in this recipe and what each one contributes:
- Chicken Breast
Lean and protein-rich, chicken breast provides the ideal blank canvas to absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce. You can also use boneless chicken thighs for more moisture and richness.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These aren’t just a flavor booster, they’re the secret ingredient that adds both acidity and natural sweetness. Their chewy texture also adds contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream
This is what gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety mouthfeel. If you want a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but for full impact, heavy cream is the way to go.
- Parmesan Cheese
Adds saltiness, nuttiness, and a bit of body to the sauce. Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan if possible, it melts better and has a much stronger flavor than pre-packaged varieties.
- Garlic
A must in nearly every savory dish, garlic brings that warm, aromatic depth that makes the whole skillet sing.
- Pasta
Penne is classic for this dish, it holds the sauce well and offers just the right bite. However, feel free to use rigatoni, fettuccine, or even short shapes like farfalle if that’s what you have on hand.
When to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This dish is as versatile as it is tasty. Here are some great occasions to serve it:
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Date Night – It’s called Marry Me chicken for a reason! Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and let the romance simmer along with the sauce.
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Dinner Parties – Impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Family Meals – Even picky eaters will love the creamy texture and mild, savory flavors.
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Meal Prep – This dish holds up well in the fridge, making it perfect for leftovers or a ready-to-heat weekday lunch.
Tips for Success
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Sear the Chicken Well: Don’t skip this step. Getting a nice golden crust on the chicken adds flavor and depth to the whole dish.
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Deglaze with Broth: Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with your chicken broth, those bits are packed with flavor.
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Use Fresh Parmesan: For a smoother sauce and stronger taste, freshly grated cheese is key.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook a little once mixed with the warm sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat:
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Microwave: Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and microwave in 30-second intervals.
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Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
We don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the cream-based sauce can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
Suggested Pairings
To round out your meal, try serving Marry Me Chicken Pasta with:
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A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or toasted ciabatta
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Roasted asparagus or green beans
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A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
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Calories: 585 kcal
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Protein: 35g
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Carbs: 40g
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Fat: 32g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 4g
Note: Nutritional info may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is more than just a clever name it’s a mouthwatering, restaurant-quality dish you can make at home with ease. Rich, comforting, and packed with bold Italian-inspired flavors, it’s the kind of meal that makes people gather around the table and linger a little longer. Whether you’re cooking to impress, making a special family dinner, or simply indulging in some serious comfort food, this creamy, dreamy pasta delivers every single time.
With its customizable ingredients, easy one-pan cooking, and unforgettable taste, this recipe is destined to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, whip up a batch tonight and see if it lives up to its legendary name. You just might get a proposal… or at the very least, a standing ovation at the dinner table.