There are meals that nourish, and then there are meals that speak. Marry Me Chicken Pasta belongs to the second kind — the kind that lingers in memory long after the plates are cleared. It starts with the sizzle of seasoned chicken in a hot pan, a moment where the world quiets and the senses lean in. Then comes the garlic, the sun-dried tomatoes, the cream — all coming together like a love letter written in flavor.
This dish has been made in tiny apartments and big family kitchens, for quiet dinners and heartfelt celebrations. It’s been plated beside candlelight and served from saucepans straight onto eager plates. Every time, it brings with it a warmth that’s hard to name but easy to feel. That’s the heart of Marry Me Chicken Pasta — it’s not just a recipe, it’s a feeling.
Why You’ll Love It
Everything about Marry Me Chicken Pasta feels like comfort wrapped in elegance. The sauce is velvety, a balance of creaminess with just the right touch of tang. Each bite is layered — savory chicken with a golden crust, rich Parmesan melting into the sauce, and pasta soaking it all in like it was always meant to.
It’s the kind of meal that looks and tastes like it took hours, yet comes together with grace and ease. Whether it’s a Tuesday evening or a special occasion, this dish has a way of making the moment feel elevated — like something worth remembering.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper; sear in olive oil over medium‑high heat for 4–5 mins per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In same skillet, sauté garlic for ~30 secs until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun‑dried tomatoes; cook 1–2 mins.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping pan; simmer 1 min.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan; stir until cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Return chicken to sauce; simmer ~10 mins until cooked through. Stir in red pepper flakes if using.
- Meanwhile cook pasta al dente; drain, reserve some pasta water.
- Add pasta to sauce, toss gently, thinning with pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or basil and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients
Each ingredient in Marry Me Chicken Pasta plays a role in building the warmth and richness that makes it unforgettable. Here’s everything needed to bring this dish to life:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 2 large |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 |
| Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped | ½ cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | ¾ cup |
| Red pepper flakes | ½ teaspoon (optional) |
| Fresh thyme or basil | For garnish |
| Cooked pasta (penne or fettuccine works best) | 12 oz |
The scent of garlic hitting the hot oil, the vivid reds of the sun-dried tomatoes, and the cream slowly embracing every corner of the pan — it’s a symphony of simple ingredients made to shine together. A bit like how basic pantry items can transform into a dreamy dish like Marry Me Chicken Pasta when handled with a little love.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken and sear until golden on both sides — about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside. The aroma at this point? It’s already promising.
Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant — not browned. This is the moment when the base for Marry Me Chicken Pasta starts whispering comfort.
Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them sizzle with the garlic for another 1–2 minutes. Their deep sweetness adds richness to the soul of the sauce.
Deglaze and Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the golden bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir gently as the cheese melts and the mixture turns into a velvety cream. The sauce, now luscious and aromatic, becomes the very essence of Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Return the Chicken to the Pan
Nestle the seared chicken back into the bubbling cream. Let it simmer gently for around 10 minutes until the meat is cooked through and tender. Add red pepper flakes if a touch of heat is desired.
Cook the Pasta
While the chicken simmers, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and keep a bit of pasta water in reserve.
Bring It All Together
Slice the cooked chicken if you’d like. Add the pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce needs thinning, that reserved pasta water will do the trick. Now the pan is full — not just of food, but of comfort.
Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh thyme or basil. Serve immediately, while the creamy sauce still clings warmly to every strand. Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just served — it’s presented with love.
Rafel’s Tips
- Sear with Patience: Don’t rush the chicken. A deep golden sear adds flavor that carries through the entire dish. Let it sit in the pan undisturbed for those few minutes — it’s worth the wait.
- Choose Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The ones packed in oil are best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta — they’re soft, richly flavored, and blend seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
- Stir in Pasta Gently: Once everything is combined, stir with care. You want each piece coated, not broken.
Whenever I want to add a little something extra, I pair this pasta with a bold side like cowboy butter — that garlicky, herby heat gives the dish a rustic edge that’s so satisfying.
Variations
- Make It Spicy: If your crowd loves a little fire, toss in a diced chili or double the red pepper flakes. The cream in Marry Me Chicken Pasta balances heat beautifully without overwhelming the flavor.
- Swap the Protein: Chicken thighs bring a deeper, richer taste. Or go completely adventurous and try it with shrimp or salmon for a coastal twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Simply skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce carries the flavor just as well on its own.
On evenings when I want to change up the mood entirely, I’ve even layered this sauce over spaghetti squash or served it with garlic naan — and once, on a whim, I topped a baked potato with the leftovers (pure comfort!). It’s that adaptable. And for those nights when I’m feeling extra playful in the kitchen, I take inspiration from something like cottage cheese pizza crust — unusual, yet deeply satisfying.
Serving Ideas
Marry Me Chicken Pasta deserves a setting that matches its richness and romance. Serve it in wide, shallow bowls so the sauce clings lovingly to each strand. A sprinkle of fresh basil or thyme just before serving adds color and a breath of garden-fresh flavor.
Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette — the light acidity cuts through the cream beautifully. And don’t forget the bread. A warm, crusty sourdough or garlic focaccia makes the perfect partner to mop up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
Sometimes, I serve it alongside a delicate seasonal salad like zesty time shrimp and avocado salad — its freshness lifts the whole experience into something almost celebratory.
Whether it’s a quiet night or a table filled with loved ones, this dish finds its way into the heart.
A Final Thought from Rafel
There are meals that you forget the moment you finish them, and then there are meals like Marry Me Chicken Pasta — the kind that stay with you. Not just because of how they taste, but because of what they create. The laughter over candlelight. The comfort after a long day. The silent pause between bites that says, this is really good.
I believe the best recipes aren’t just made — they’re felt. They become part of our story. Like the time this dish turned a quiet Tuesday into a night of music and red wine. Or the time it was served with soft rolls and warm hearts after a tough week. It’s more than a recipe. It’s a reminder that love, when simmered slowly, becomes unforgettable.
And if this dish brought you even a spoonful of joy, you might also find that same comfort in something like cottage cheese banana bread — warm, soft, and full of feeling.
FAQs
u003cstrongu003eCan I make this ahead of time?u003c/strongu003e
Penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni all work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s al dente to hold the sauce well.
u003cstrongu003eWhat pasta works best?u003c/strongu003e
Penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni all work wonderfully. Just make sure it’s al dente to hold the sauce well.
u003cstrongu003eCan I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?u003c/strongu003e
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the sauce and chicken separately. Add fresh pasta when serving.
For more heartwarming recipes and behind-the-scenes baking moments, join me on Facebook and Pinterest. Let’s bake and create memories together!
