Last updated on May 4, 2025
I still remember the first time I made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I didn’t expect it to blow my partner away — but by the end of the meal, they were scraping their plate and asking for more. I don’t know if it was the sun-dried tomatoes or the creamy sauce that did the trick, but the look on their face said it all: this dish was a keeper.
The name isn’t just clever — it’s kind of a warning. Make this pasta once, and you’ll be getting requests for it again and again. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, feeding your family, or just treating yourself, this creamy chicken pasta delivers flavor, comfort, and a little romance in every bite.
Let’s dive into what makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe a viral sensation — and why it deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta? (And Why It’s All Over Social Media)
You might have seen this creamy, sun-dried tomato-studded chicken dish floating around Instagram or TikTok. Marry Me Chicken started as a skillet chicken recipe that quickly gained traction because of its luxurious flavor and funny name — the kind of dish that could win hearts and spark proposals.
The pasta version takes it even further. It turns this already perfect chicken into a full meal by tossing it in a silky sauce and wrapping it around perfectly cooked noodles. The result? A restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in about 30 minutes.
Why Everyone Loves This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish isn’t just viral for the name — it’s seriously satisfying. Here’s why:
- Quick and easy – 30 minutes from start to finish.
- All-in-one meal – You’ve got protein, carbs, and creamy goodness in one pan.
- Great for leftovers – The flavor deepens over time.
- Crowd-pleasing – Everyone from picky kids to foodies loves this dish.
You can serve this for a casual family dinner or use it to impress guests. Either way, it’s going to be a hit.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Simple, Pantry-Friendly Favorites)
This recipe is packed with ingredients you likely already have. No fancy grocery store runs here — just delicious, classic flavors that work together beautifully.
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- A handful of spinach or kale
- Sautéed mushrooms
- A dash of lemon juice for brightness
- Extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step Guide)
This creamy chicken pasta recipe is easy enough for a weeknight but fancy enough for a special occasion. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1 – Prep and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from skillet and let it rest. Slice into strips once slightly cooled.
Step 2 – Make the Creamy Marry Me Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a bit more oil if needed.
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stir gently.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stir continuously until sauce thickens (about 5–7 minutes on low heat). Don’t let it boil.
Step 3 – Cook the Pasta
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4 – Bring It All Together
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Return sliced chicken to the pan and mix gently.
- Let simmer for 2 minutes to marry the flavors.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve
- Top with chopped fresh basil or parsley.
- Add more Parmesan if desired.
- Serve warm with crusty garlic bread or a light salad.
Pro Tips to Make the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts better and tastes fresher than pre-shredded.
- Pound the chicken – This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
- Don’t overheat the sauce – Keep it at a gentle simmer to prevent it from breaking.
- Add butter at the end – A small pat gives the sauce extra gloss and flavor.
- Let it rest – After mixing, let the dish sit for 2–3 minutes before serving to let flavors combine.
Nutritional Info and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of Marry Me Chicken Pasta has around 550–700 calories, depending on the portion size and whether you add extra cheese or cream. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta:
- Garlic bread or baguette slices
- A crisp green salad (Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette)
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A glass of chilled white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Storage Tips (How to Reheat Without Losing Creaminess)
Storing:
- Let the pasta cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Reheating:
- Reheat on the stove over low heat.
- Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
- Microwave works in a pinch, but the stove keeps the texture better.
Variations on Marry Me Chicken Pasta to Try Next Time

Want to switch things up? Try these fun spins:
- Shrimp instead of chicken – Perfect for seafood lovers.
- Coconut cream for dairy-free – Still rich, with a slightly sweet twist.
- Spicy Cajun version – Add blackened seasoning and extra chili flakes.
- Veggie-loaded – Add mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted zucchini.
Frequently Asked Questions – Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and very flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are top choices, but any shape that holds sauce works — rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti.
Is this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe spicy?
It’s mild with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. It stores well and actually tastes even better the next day. Just reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
Yes. Just use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and sun-dried tomatoes are labeled gluten-free.
Conclusion
I’ve made a lot of pasta dishes over the years, but this one is the first that made someone ask me, “Can you make this again tomorrow?”
There’s something about the creamy texture, the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, and the rich, garlic-kissed sauce that hits every craving all at once. Whether or not it leads to a proposal, it will definitely win hearts — and fill bellies.
So, go ahead and try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. Share it with someone you love… or just keep it all for yourself. Either way, you’ll be glad you made it.
If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to bookmark it, leave a comment below, and share it on Pinterest or Facebook so others can fall in love with it too!
Print
Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and pantry staples. It’s rich, comforting, and so good, it just might inspire a proposal! Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight indulgence.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- A handful of spinach or kale
- Sautéed mushrooms
- A dash of lemon juice for brightness
- Extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the cream.
- Great with spinach, kale, or mushrooms stirred in at the end.
- Pairs well with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: undefined
Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Romantic Dinner Recipe, Easy Weeknight Pasta