Marry Me Chicken Pasta

The first time I made this pasta, my roommate stood in the kitchen doorway inhaling deeply and asked what smelled so incredible. That rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes has this way of making the entire apartment feel cozy and welcoming in minutes.

Ive made this for dinner parties, weeknight meals, and even a Valentine's Day dinner that my partner still talks about. There is something about the combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and that velvety sauce that makes people slow down and really enjoy their food.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pat them really dry before seasoning so they get a nice golden sear
• 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper: Season the chicken generously since this is the main flavor for the meat
• 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken
• 350 g penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose something that will hold onto the sauce well
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Use a mix of sun-dried tomato oil from the jar and regular olive oil for extra flavor
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic makes a huge difference here, do not use jarred
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced: These are the star ingredient, look for ones packed in oil
• 1 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and creates the base of your sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream: Do not substitute with milk, you need that rich fat content
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated melts better and tastes more authentic
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that ties everything together
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional: Adds just a hint of warmth if you like a little spice
• Fresh basil or parsley chopped: Adds brightness and color to finish the dish
• Additional grated Parmesan: For serving because everyone always wants more cheese

Instructions

Get your pasta going first:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. I usually start the water before I prep anything else so it is ready when I am.

Season and sear the chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat and cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Let the chicken rest:

Remove chicken from the pan and tent with foil while you make the sauce. Those few minutes of resting time keep the meat juicy instead of dry.

Build the flavorful base:

Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until you can smell it. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to soften them slightly.

Start the sauce:

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Create the creamy finish:

Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.

Bring it all together:

Slice the rested chicken into strips and add it back to the pan with the cooked pasta. Toss everything until well combined and heated through.

Serve it up:

Plate immediately while hot, topped with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. The sauce keeps thickening as it sits, so do not wait too long to dig in.

Save to Pinterest

This recipe has become my go to for special occasions at home. There is something about the combination of flavors that makes people pause between bites and ask what is in it.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I will add a handful of fresh spinach right at the end, letting it wilt slightly in the hot sauce. You could also use rotisserie chicken to save time, just shred it and add it when you combine everything with the pasta.

Perfect Wine Pairings

A crisp Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. If you prefer red, a light Chianti works well too since it will not overpower the delicate sun-dried tomato flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This pasta actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat gently with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.

• The pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits, so you may need to add extra liquid when reheating
• If freezing, do so without the garnish and add fresh herbs after reheating
• This recipe doubles beautifully if you are feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch

Save to Pinterest

Whether it is a weeknight dinner or something a little more special, this pasta always hits the spot. Simple enough for everyday but impressive enough for company, that is the sweet spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The dish gets its name from the popular Marry Me Chicken, which is said to be so delicious that it inspires proposals. This pasta version adapts those same flavors—sun-dried tomatoes, cream, garlic, and herbs—into a complete pasta dish that's just as impressive and romantic.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that reduces the cooking time to about 20 minutes. Simply skip steps 2 and 3, add the cooked chicken to the sauce in step 7, and heat through until warmed.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni are excellent choices because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Short pasta with ridges or tubes, or long flat noodles, both work beautifully with this rich sauce.

→ Can I make this dish lighter or dairy-free?

You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. For dairy-free options, use full-fat coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative, and nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan instead of dairy cheese.

→ How long do leftovers keep and how should I reheat them?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

→ What can I serve alongside Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread helps soak up the creamy sauce. For a complete meal, roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach make excellent vegetable sides.