Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s rich enough to impress at a special dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious Parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, this dish is so irresistible that it might just inspire a marriage proposal! Follow this easy recipe to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Creamy Sauce – A decadent blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Tender, Flavorful Chicken – Juicy, bite-sized pieces infused with Italian seasoning.
Perfect for Special Occasions – A dish that looks and tastes gourmet without being complicated.
Customizable – Easily adaptable for dietary preferences and ingredient substitutions.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz dried pasta of choice (half a standard box)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup onion, finely chopped
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
½ teaspoon each: Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Basil leaves for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and butter, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the chicken pieces and season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

Stir in the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.

4. Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative instead of heavy cream.
Cheese Variety: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different depth of flavor.
Extra Heat: Increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for a spicier version.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

What makes this dish “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from how deliciously rich and irresistible the flavors are—so good, it could lead to a marriage proposal!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, cook fresh pasta and toss it with the reheated sauce.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes, cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can be used as substitutes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a deeper, more concentrated flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a bit of reserved pasta water or extra cream to loosen it.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta that holds sauce well will work.

Is this dish spicy?

There’s a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would make great additions to the dish.

What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Pair it with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply stir it into the sauce in the final step and heat through.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a luxurious, comforting dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, family meal, or special occasion, this creamy, flavorful pasta is bound to be a favorite. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. Try this recipe today and see why it’s so loved—you might just get a marriage proposal after serving it!