Marry me chicken pasta became a surprise hit at my table after I tried it on a whim for a quiet dinner at home when I needed something creamy and indulgent but not too fussy so I threw together some heavy cream sun-dried tomatoes and seared chicken then tossed it with pasta and hoped for the best and after one bite I knew it was the kind of meal people fall in love with

Now it’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress without overcomplicating the process so whether it’s a special date night or a cozy Sunday dinner this dish never fails to deliver with its velvety sauce juicy chicken and just the right amount of heat and richness

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Chicken breast – Sliced and seared until golden juicy and flavorful
Garlic – Adds a warm bold note that makes the sauce pop
Sun-dried tomatoes – Brings a deep tangy richness to the creamy base
Heavy cream – Makes the sauce luxuriously thick and velvety
Chicken broth – Helps balance the cream with savory flavor
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for sharp salty depth
Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat to enhance the flavor
Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that ties everything together
Olive oil – For searing the chicken and cooking the garlic
Pasta – I like linguine or fettuccine for holding all that sauce
Fresh basil – Optional but it adds a bright pop and fragrant finish

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – To sear the chicken and build the sauce
Pot – For boiling the pasta to perfect al dente texture
Tongs or pasta spoon – To toss everything together smoothly
Knife and cutting board – For slicing the chicken and basil
Whisk – Helps blend the cream and cheese into a smooth sauce
Grater – Freshly grated Parmesan melts best into the sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente then I drain and set it aside with a drizzle of oil so it doesn’t stick

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks I season the chicken with salt pepper and a pinch of Italian seasoning then I sear it in olive oil in a hot skillet until it’s golden and fully cooked then I remove it and set it aside

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In the same skillet I add a bit more olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds then I stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute

Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream and bring it to a low simmer then I whisk in Parmesan cheese Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes until the sauce thickens slightly

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Pasta

I return the chicken to the pan then add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and the flavors are combined

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

I finish the dish with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and serve it hot right from the skillet

Tips

I sometimes use rotisserie chicken when I’m in a hurry for an even quicker version

You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce but it won’t be quite as creamy

Adding spinach or mushrooms gives the dish an extra layer of flavor and texture

Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce

Ways to Serve

With a side salad and crusty garlic bread

Over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta instead of pasta

Paired with roasted asparagus or green beans

As a meal prep option portioned into containers for the week

Topped with crispy pancetta or bacon bits for an added twist

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes I’ve made it with penne tagliatelle and even spaghetti and it always works

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

It has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes but you can adjust or skip them

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely I just store the sauce and pasta separately and combine when reheating

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Marry Me Chicken Pasta soon! It’s creamy comforting and full of flavor and always leaves a lasting impression. Let me know if it wins someone over in your kitchen—I’d love to hear your story!

Happy Cooking!