Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Romantic, Rich, and Weeknight-Ready

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that earns its romantic name for good reason. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe — said to be so good it could prompt a proposal — this pasta version brings together tender seared chicken, a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta in a meal that’s both elegant and easy enough for weeknights.

With a flavor profile that’s savory, garlicky, a little tangy, and deeply comforting, this one-pan pasta is ideal for cozy dinners, date nights, or any time you want to make a memorable meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Overview

This dish uses simple ingredients to deliver restaurant-worthy results:

Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken breast offers a leaner bite, while thighs stay juicier. Both work beautifully.

• Salt, pepper, and paprika: Seasonings that build a flavorful base.

• Olive oil and butter: For a golden sear and rich finish.

Sauce:

• Garlic: Fresh cloves, sautéed for bold aroma.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed with umami and a slight tang. Use oil-packed for easier blending into the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and helps deglaze the pan.

• Heavy Cream: For that silky, indulgent texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for best melt and flavor.

• Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes: For herbal notes and gentle heat.

Pasta:

• Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli is ideal for catching the sauce.

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Optional Add-ins:

• Baby spinach or kale (stir in at the end for a nutrition boost)

• Mushrooms or peas

• A splash of white wine for depth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

Season 1½ pounds of chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp paprika.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to rest.

Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

3. Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add:

• 3–4 cloves minced garlic

• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-drained)

Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Deglaze the pan with:

• ½ cup chicken broth
  Scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Stir in:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

4. Add Cheese and Chicken

Stir in:

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  Stir until smooth and creamy.

Return sliced chicken to the skillet and simmer for 2–3 minutes to warm through and coat in sauce.

5. Combine with Pasta

Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until silky.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more cheese.

6. Finish and Serve

Serve hot, topped with:

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• Fresh chopped basil or parsley

• Cracked black pepper or a pinch of red chili flakes

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or evaporated milk in place of heavy cream (sauce will be slightly thinner).

• Vegetarian version: Skip chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomato pesto, or roasted chickpeas.

• Low-carb: Serve sauce and chicken over spiralized zucchini, cauliflower rice, or low-carb pasta.

• Add greens: Stir in a couple handfuls of baby spinach right before serving — it wilts beautifully into the sauce.

• Add wine: Deglaze with ¼ cup dry white wine before adding broth for extra flavor.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is versatile and special — perfect for:

• Date nights at home (paired with a glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water)

• Impressive but easy dinner parties

• Meal prep lunches (just reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth)

• Comfort food cravings — without feeling too heavy

Serve with:

• Garlic bread, toasted baguette, or buttered rolls

• A simple arugula or Caesar salad

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus

Nutritional & Health Notes

This dish is rich but can be customized for different needs:

• Protein-rich from the chicken and cheese

• Calcium and fat from cream and Parmesan

• For a lighter version:

  • Use grilled chicken

  • Reduce cream or sub with half-and-half

  • Add more vegetables for volume and fiber

Portion sizes and balance with greens help keep it satisfying without overindulging.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be much thinner. Whole milk or evaporated milk is a better substitute. Add a bit more cheese to help thicken.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Store pasta and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

Q3: What pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce well. Long pasta like fettuccine or linguine also works if you prefer a more classic look.

Q4: Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Not ideal — cream sauces can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.

Q5: What’s the origin of “Marry Me Chicken”?

It’s a viral recipe created for its irresistible flavor — the idea is that the dish is so good, someone might propose after tasting it! It’s all in fun, but the creamy, flavorful sauce lives up to the hype.

Q6: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, shred or cube it and warm it in the sauce before serving. It’s a great shortcut when you’re short on time.

Q7: How can I make it spicy?

Increase the red pepper flakes, or stir in a dash of hot sauce or Calabrian chili paste for deeper heat.

Print