Name: Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp paprika; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine); Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings together juicy, seasoned chicken, tender pasta, and a luxurious parmesan sun-dried tomato cream sauce. Every bite is bold, rich, and completely satisfying—just the kind of dish I love pulling out for date nights or cozy dinners at home. It’s simple to prepare but full of flavor, and it always leaves a lasting impression.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or cubes)

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 tsp Italian seasoning

8 oz pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions, then draining and setting it aside.

While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear it for 5–6 minutes until it’s golden and cooked through. I remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant.

I pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the pan. Then I stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. I let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

I return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce.

Finally, I add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.

I finish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist.

For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

If I want extra heat, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

I like switching up the pasta with what I have on hand—linguine and bowties also work beautifully.

For a veggie-packed version, I toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do so gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I avoid overheating to keep the sauce from separating.

FAQs

What makes it “Marry Me” Chicken?

The name comes from how irresistible the flavor is—some say it’s so good, it could inspire a proposal. I can see why, especially when it’s paired with pasta in this creamy, savory sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I prefer it fresh, but I’ve made it a day in advance and stored it in the fridge. I just reheat gently to preserve the creaminess of the sauce.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, I’ve used coconut cream instead of heavy cream and skipped the cheese for a dairy-free version. It’s not the same richness, but still delicious.

What kind of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?

I go for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes because they’re soft, flavorful, and easy to chop. If using dry-packed, I rehydrate them in hot water first.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. I’ve shredded rotisserie chicken and stirred it into the sauce in a pinch—it saves time and still tastes amazing.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish I turn to again and again when I want something fast, comforting, and utterly delicious. It’s creamy, flavorful, and feels like something straight out of a restaurant—but made easily at home. Whether I’m feeding family or trying to impress, this pasta never disappoints.

Recipe: