Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to impress? Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the answer! This creamy, flavorful dish combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce, making it the perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. With just a few simple ingredients like chicken breast, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Whether you’re cooking for two or a small gathering, this easy chicken pasta recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Follow along as we guide you through the steps to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Brief History or Origin of the Dish

The origin of Marry Me Chicken is somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have emerged as a viral recipe, gaining popularity through food blogs and social media. While it’s hard to pinpoint an exact date or place, the dish is known for its simple yet delicious combination of ingredients that makes it stand out from other chicken pasta recipes. The recipe has since spread across the internet, becoming a favorite among home cooks looking for an easy yet flavorful meal that can be prepared in under an hour.

Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”

The name “Marry Me Chicken” may sound a bit unconventional, but it captures the essence of how this dish can make you fall in love with its flavor. The name is likely a nod to the rich, irresistible taste of the dish that might make someone want to propose! The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory notes from ingredients like garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes come together to create a dish that is both comforting and memorable. It’s a fun, lighthearted name that suggests how delicious the meal is—so much so that it might just win over your heart!

Flavor Profile

Marry Me Chicken Pasta has a rich, creamy flavor profile that makes it a standout comfort food. The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and chicken, offering a smooth texture and savory taste. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the sauce, while the garlic and Italian herbs like basil and oregano give it an aromatic depth. The dish is savory, flavorful, and indulgent—yet light enough to enjoy as an everyday dinner. The balance of these ingredients gives it a unique and unforgettable flavor that has made it a go-to recipe for romantic meals and special occasions.

Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast or Thighs

• Chicken breasts are leaner with a milder flavor.
• Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful due to higher fat content.
• Both options work well, but chicken thighs add extra tenderness.

Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese for the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream: Provides a rich, velvety texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creaminess.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and better flavor.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes for Extra Flavor

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Add a tangy, sweet, and smoky taste.
• Enhance the richness of the sauce and add texture to the dish.
• Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor.

Garlic and Italian Herbs

• Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic base to the sauce.
• Basil and oregano: Provide earthy, herbaceous notes typical of Italian cooking.
• Fresh herbs are ideal, but dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts.

Pasta (Penne, Fettuccine, or Your Preferred Type)

• Penne: A great choice for holding the creamy sauce in its tubes.
• Fettuccine: Wider pasta that pairs well with rich, creamy sauces.
• Feel free to use other pasta types like spaghetti or rigatoni, based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Sauté the Chicken with Garlic and Herbs

1. Heat the skillet: Begin by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil.
3. Add garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Cook the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Rest the chicken: Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

Make the Creamy Sauce with Heavy Cream and Parmesan

1. Melt butter/oil: In the same skillet, add more olive oil or butter and let it melt over medium heat.
2. Add heavy cream: Pour in heavy cream and stir constantly to create a smooth base.
3. Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
4. Season the sauce: Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste. Adjust the richness of the sauce by adding more or less cream.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Seasoning

1. Chop sun-dried tomatoes: Cut sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces and add them to the creamy sauce.
2. Add extra flavor: You can also add more garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
3. Season to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Cook and Combining the Pasta with the Sauce

1. Cook the pasta: Cook your pasta (such as penne or fettuccine) according to package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente.
2. Reserve pasta water: Before draining, save a cup of the pasta cooking water to help thin out the sauce if needed.
3. Combine pasta and sauce: After draining the pasta, add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or pieces and gently mix it into the pasta.
5. Garnish and serve: Top with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor and color.

Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Choos the Right Pasta (Texture and Sauce Compatibility)

When it comes to making the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the type of pasta you choose can make a big difference in the overall dish. Texture and sauce compatibility are essential to getting the right balance.

1. Penne: This short, ridged pasta is excellent for holding onto the creamy sauce. The ridges on penne help trap the sauce, ensuring each bite is coated in flavor. It’s a great choice for a dish like this, where you want a hearty texture.
   
2. Fettuccine: If you prefer a wider pasta, fettuccine is a great option. The broad, flat shape allows the sauce to coat every surface, making it ideal for creamy dishes like Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It offers a luxurious mouthfeel when combined with the creamy sauce.
   
3. Spaghetti or Linguine: For a more delicate texture, you can opt for spaghetti or linguine, though they work best with thinner sauces. Since the Marry Me Chicken Pasta sauce is quite rich and thick, these pasta types can still work but may require slightly more sauce to coat evenly.
   

Ultimately, choose a pasta that will complement the sauce, ensuring that the creamy, cheesy sauce sticks to it and creates a satisfying bite with each forkful.

How to Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked

One of the most important elements of a Marry Me Chicken Pasta dish is perfectly cooked chicken. To ensure your chicken is juicy, tender, and flavorful, here are a few tips:

1. Pound the chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts, lightly pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and avoids dry, overcooked spots.
   
2. Use the right temperature: Cooking chicken over medium heat allows it to brown without burning. You want a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the breast, and always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (165°F or 75°C).
   
3. Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist when you slice it. Cutting too soon can cause the juices to escape, leaving the chicken dry.
   

By following these steps, you can ensure that the chicken remains tender and flavorful, making your Marry Me Chicken Pasta even more delicious.

Adjust the Creaminess to Your Liking

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its creamy sauce, and you can adjust the level of creaminess to suit your preferences:

1. Increase creaminess: If you prefer a richer, creamier sauce, you can add more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese to the mixture. This will make the sauce thicker and more indulgent, perfect if you’re craving a comforting, luxurious dish.
   
2. Lighten the sauce: For a lighter version, reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute part of it with chicken broth or a combination of milk and a bit of cornstarch to create a creamy texture without adding too much fat.
   
3. Add cream cheese: If you’re looking for an even richer texture, consider stirring in a small amount of cream cheese. This will give the sauce a thicker, tangier flavor while maintaining the creamy consistency.
   

By adjusting the creaminess, you can personalize the dish to your taste, whether you prefer a decadent, full-bodied sauce or a lighter, more balanced version.

Add Vegetables Like Spinach or Mushrooms for Extra Flavor

While the core of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy chicken and pasta, adding vegetables can enhance the flavor and make the dish even more nutritious. Here are some great vegetable options:

1. Spinach: Fresh spinach is an excellent addition to the creamy sauce. Its mild flavor wilts down quickly, adding a subtle, earthy taste. Plus, spinach pairs well with both garlic and Parmesan, so it will blend seamlessly into the dish.
   
2. Mushrooms: Mushrooms, particularly cremini or button mushrooms, can add a rich, umami flavor to the dish. Their meaty texture works wonderfully in a creamy sauce, creating a satisfying bite. Sauté the mushrooms with garlic before adding them to the sauce to deepen their flavor.
   
3. Zucchini or Bell Peppers: Zucchini or bell peppers are also great options if you’re looking for something a little lighter or more colorful. They offer a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta and can be sautéed with the chicken or mixed directly into the sauce.
   

Adding these vegetables not only enhances the dish’s flavor profile but also increases its nutritional value, making it a more well-rounded meal. You can tailor the vegetables to your personal preferences or whatever is in season, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.

Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Makes the Perfect Dinner

Simple Yet Impressive Dish

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the epitome of a dish that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance between ease of preparation and an extraordinary depth of flavor.

1. Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: The key to making this dish both simple and impressive is the short list of ingredients. With just chicken, pasta, a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, you can create a meal that feels indulgent without requiring a lot of time or effort. The garlic and herbs infuse the chicken with flavor, while the creamy sauce takes the dish to the next level, making it feel luxurious despite the relatively few steps involved.
   
2. Quick and Efficient: With about 30 to 40 minutes of prep and cook time, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a fantastic option when you want to serve something that looks and tastes gourmet without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a loved one or hosting a small dinner party, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience without the hassle.
   
3. Aromatic and Visual Appeal: The combination of golden, sautéed chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta is visually stunning. Plus, the aroma from the garlic, fresh herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes fills the kitchen, creating a mouth-watering atmosphere that’s sure to impress anyone who walks in.
   

Perfect for Special Occasions and Gatherings

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is an ideal dish for special occasions, whether it’s a family gathering, celebration, or a memorable meal with someone important. Here’s why:

Thoughtful and Meaningful: Cooking a dish like this shows effort and care. The name, Marry Me Chicken, adds a playful touch, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for meaningful moments.

Perfect for Cozy Meals: The creamy, rich flavors and satisfying texture make Marry Me Chicken Pasta perfect for a cozy meal. Whether it’s a quiet evening or a special dinner, this dish adds comfort and elegance to the experience.

Great for Groups: This dish is sure to please everyone at the table, making it perfect for family dinners or any special event. Its balance of flavors makes it a crowd favorite, and even the pickiest eaters will love the creamy, savory combination.

Versatile for Various Dietary Preferences

One of the best features of Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is when it comes to accommodating different dietary preferences and needs. Here’s how:

1. Vegetarian or Veggie-Forward: If you’re looking to make this dish more vegetarian-friendly, you can easily swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Alternatively, you can bulk up the recipe with a variety of veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, allowing for endless customization based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
   
2. Gluten-Free Options: For those following a gluten-free diet, simply swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, quinoa, or even chickpea flour. These gluten-free alternatives will still hold up well in the creamy sauce and provide the same satisfying texture, making the dish accessible for everyone.
   
3. Dairy-Free Alternatives: If you need to make this dish dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or almond cream) and substitute dairy-free cheese for the Parmesan. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor, giving you a similar taste profile without dairy.
   
4. Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, consider using zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash as a substitute for traditional pasta. These options provide the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce while keeping the carb count low.
   
5. Customizable Heat Level: You can also adjust the level of spice in this dish by adding red pepper flakes or incorporating chili oil for a little kick. This versatility makes the dish appealing for a wide range of taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

By offering the flexibility to adapt to various dietary restrictions and preferences, Marry Me Chicken Pasta can become a dish that everyone can enjoy, whether they’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or simply looking for a lighter, more health-conscious version of the classic.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines simplicity and sophistication, making it perfect for any occasion, from date nights to special celebrations. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and pasta, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.

Its versatility allows you to easily adjust for different dietary preferences, from adding veggies to swapping in gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients. Whether cooking for a loved one or hosting a dinner party, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Try it, and you’ll see why it’s more than just a meal — it’s a dish that’s sure to steal hearts! If you’re also a fan of flavorful chicken, check out our recipe for Baked Chicken Thighs for more delicious options.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Sarah

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish with tender chicken, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Easy to make, rich in taste, and perfect for any occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into small pieces)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
• Water for boiling
• ½ teaspoon salt

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup fresh spinach for extra flavor and nutrition
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
• Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
• Add Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, letting the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until thickened.

Combine Everything:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat with the sauce.
• Add the drained pasta and toss until everything is evenly combined.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Adjust seasoning if needed.
• Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Total Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg

Note: Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.

Keyword Creamy Chicken Pasta, Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe