Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe — Easy Creamy Weeknight Winner

I never expected a pasta dish to become a family tradition, but Marry Me Chicken Pasta did exactly that. The first time I made it, it was for a surprise dinner when my partner had a long day at work — the creamy sauce, silky pasta, and those bright sun-dried tomatoes felt like a warm hug on a plate. It quickly earned the nickname “marry-me” because of the rave reviews and the way everyone lingered over the table. This recipe draws on the comfort-food tradition of Italian-American creamy pasta: simple, bold flavors built around garlic, cream, and Parmesan that make weeknights feel a little special.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is ideal for busy parents, weeknight cooks who want a quick but impressive dinner, and anyone who loves creamy, garlicky pasta with tender chicken.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish combines chicken, garlic, cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a flavorful and easy dinner. Key ingredients include 8 oz dried pasta of choice, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, ½ cup onion (finely chopped), 3–4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 Tablespoon butter, 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces), ½ teaspoon each Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated), ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), and fresh basil leaves for garnish.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Large pot for boiling pasta — big enough to cook 8 oz of pasta without sticking.
• Colander — to drain the pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large skillet (12-inch recommended) — for cooking chicken and finishing the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula — to stir sauce without scratching pans.
• Measuring cups and spoons — for accurate seasoning and cream measurements.
• Sharp knife and cutting board — for chopping chicken, onions, and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cheese grater — for freshly grated Parmesan (releases more flavor).
• Tongs — to toss pasta with sauce neatly.

Ingredients (with benefits)

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice — provides the hearty base and carries the sauce (choose penne, rigatoni, or farfalle for best clinging).
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil — helps brown the chicken and adds a fruity, healthy fat.
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped — adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced — boosts flavor and offers immune-supporting compounds.
• 1 Tablespoon butter — enriches the sauce and adds a rounded, savory finish.
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces — lean protein that makes the meal filling.
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper — create balanced, layered seasoning and a touch of heat.
• 1 cup heavy cream — creates the silky, indulgent base of the sauce.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated — adds umami richness and helps thicken the sauce.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped — provides concentrated tomato sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
• Basil leaves for garnish — fresh herbal brightness and color.

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce.
2. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add 1 Tablespoon butter to the skillet, then add the bite-size chicken pieces. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon each of Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes. If the sauce tightens too much, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce and the sun-dried tomatoes are distributed.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

FAQ

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

• A: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce, but the texture of the cream and pasta can change after freezing and reheating. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from freshly cooked pasta, then combine and warm them gently when ready to eat.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?

• A: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed in to help thicken, or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist (note this will alter the flavor).

Q: How long does this keep in the fridge?

• A: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?

• A: Yes — swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted tofu for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente since the pasta will finish cooking slightly when tossed in the hot sauce.
• Use reserved pasta water: Starchy pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta without watering down flavor.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly: Gentle simmering helps the cream thicken and the flavors concentrate—avoid high heat that can break the sauce.
• Get fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a brighter, nuttier flavor than pre-grated varieties.

Enjoy this cozy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta with family or friends — it’s perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike. Always add

tag after Directions.

Conclusion

For more variations and inspiration on this beloved dish, check out these helpful recipe pages: Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe | The Recipe Critic, Marry Me Chicken – Little Sunny Kitchen, and Marry Me Chicken Pasta • Salt & Lavender.