This pasta dish is full of bold, comforting flavors and comes together in just one pan. It’s perfect for special occasions or date night but simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart pop, while the garlic and herbs bring depth to the creamy sauce. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and always a hit at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Pasta (such as penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
Directions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until coated and heated through.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4. Prep time is about 10 minutes, cook time is approximately 20 minutes, making it ready in about 30 minutes total.
Variations
Spicy: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Low-Carb: Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.
Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas can be added to the sauce for extra nutrition.
Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella or a touch of cream cheese for extra richness.
Different Pasta: Use any pasta shape you like—short or long noodles both work well.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce may thicken when stored.
FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. It’s rich, romantic, and incredibly flavorful.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and stay very juicy.
Can I make it without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, but they add a signature tangy-sweet flavor. You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or omit them altogether.
What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti all pair well with the creamy sauce and chicken.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the components ahead, but it’s best assembled and served fresh for ideal texture.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can try using unsweetened coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan, though the flavor will be slightly different.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese can work, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not ideal, as the creamy sauce can separate after thawing. Best to refrigerate and enjoy within a few days.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, or add a small amount of grated cheese to thicken naturally.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, a splash of white wine added before the broth enhances the flavor beautifully.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich, satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors and creamy comfort. With its tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and irresistible parmesan cream sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite for date nights and cozy dinners alike. Once you try it, it just might become your go-to pasta dish.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. It’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for date night or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra richness, add a spoonful of cream cheese or mozzarella to the sauce.Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make great veggie additions to this dish.Use half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of cream cheese if you don’t have heavy cream.Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for juicier results.Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
