Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Savory, and Restaurant-Quality

If you love rich, creamy pasta dishes that feel luxurious but are actually simple to make, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will become one of your new favorites. Inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe, this version takes all the best parts — the creamy parmesan sauce, the juicy chicken, the sun-dried tomatoes, and the perfect blend of herbs — and turns it into a satisfying, complete pasta dinner.

Every bite is savory, comforting, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken is pan-seared for a golden crust, then gently simmered in a rich cream sauce with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant, but you can make it at home in under an hour.

Whether you’re cooking for family, for a date night, or simply craving something cozy and indulgent, this pasta earns every bit of its name — one bite and you’ll understand why people fall in love with it.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Creamy, flavorful sauce
This dish uses a combination of heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs to create a rich sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

2. Easy enough for weeknights
Despite how impressive it tastes, the method is straightforward and beginner-friendly.

3. Family-friendly flavor
Balanced seasoning and fragrant aromatics make this a crowd-pleasing dish even for picky eaters.

4. Versatile
Swap pasta shapes, adjust spice levels, or use chicken thighs instead of breasts — the dish works beautifully either way.

5. One-pan sauce
Less cleanup, faster cooking, and deeper flavor as everything simmers in the same skillet.

6. Perfect for special occasions
This pasta looks and tastes fancy without requiring complicated steps.

What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs chicken breasts or cutlets (or use boneless thighs)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained slightly)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or your choice)
Salt for the pasta water

For Garnish:

Extra parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Tip: Slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to let it simmer in the sauce — it will finish cooking while absorbing flavor.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely. Let it rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Marry Me Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits — this adds a deep, savory base to the sauce.

Add the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Once the mixture begins to warm, add the parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Season with dried thyme or Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine the Sauce, Pasta, and Chicken

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently so each piece is coated.

Add the cooked pasta, tossing to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it until it reaches your desired consistency.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy a creamy, flavorful pasta that tastes just as comforting as it looks.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated parmesan.
Pre-shredded cheeses don’t melt smoothly and can make the sauce grainy.
Don’t rush the sauce.
Allowing it to simmer gently helps it thicken without breaking.
Reserve pasta water.
Adding it helps the sauce cling better and improves the overall texture.
Sear the chicken well.
Golden edges add extra flavor and richness to the dish.
Season to taste.
As the sauce reduces, the flavors intensify — adjust salt at the end.
Use sun-dried tomatoes in oil.
They add depth, richness, and a slightly tangy-sweet flavor that balances the cream.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

Lemon-Herb Version
Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice and extra herbs for a brighter, lighter finish.

Mushroom Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Sauté sliced mushrooms before making the sauce for an earthier dish.

Spinach Add-In
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the final simmer until wilted.

Tomato-Cream Twist
Add 1/4 cup marinara for a rosé-style sauce.

Bacon Upgrade
Crisp chopped bacon first, then use the drippings to build the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, zucchini)
Crispy brussels sprouts
A side of steamed green beans

For a restaurant-style meal, serve with extra parmesan grated right at the table.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator:

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of cream, milk, or broth to bring the sauce back to life.

Freezer:

You can freeze this dish, but the sauce may separate slightly. If freezing:

Cool completely
Store in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months

Reheat slowly on the stovetop and whisk in a bit of cream or broth.

Make-Ahead Options

Cook the chicken ahead of time and store for up to 2 days.
Prepare the sauce (without pasta) and refrigerate for 24 hours. Reheat gently and combine with fresh pasta.
Chop sun-dried tomatoes and mince garlic in advance to save prep time.

This dish tastes even better after the flavors rest, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thick:
Add pasta water or broth to loosen it.

Sauce too thin:
Simmer longer or add extra parmesan.

Cheese clumping:
Use freshly grated parmesan and keep heat at medium-low while melting.

Chicken turning out dry:
Use chicken cutlets or thighs and avoid overcooking during the sear.

Pasta sticking together:
Toss with a little oil after draining if it will sit for a while before adding to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. They stay juicy and add more flavor.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Simmer longer to thicken.

Is this dish spicy?
Mild by default. Add red pepper flakes for heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and confirm your broth is gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, peas, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes work well.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Not recommended, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Why This Recipe Works

Marry Me Chicken Pasta shines because it layers flavors from start to finish. The browned bits from searing chicken add richness to the sauce, while parmesan provides depth, sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness, and cream ties everything together. The pasta absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a cohesive dish where each element enhances the next.

The ingredients are modest, but when combined correctly, the result is a balanced, luxurious meal that feels comforting and satisfying every time.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a perfect mix of creamy, savory, and comforting flavors — a dish that looks impressive but is simple enough for everyday cooking. The sauce is rich without being overwhelming, the chicken is tender and perfectly seasoned, and the pasta ties everything together into a satisfying bowl of comfort food.

Whether you’re cooking for a special dinner or simply treating yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy results with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes people go back for seconds and ask when you’re making it again.

A perfect combination of flavor and ease — and exactly why they call it “Marry Me.”