If you’re looking for a dish that is rich, indulgent, and full of bold flavors, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. The creamy sauce, infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Some say this dish is so good that it might just earn you a marriage proposal—and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised.
Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or simply want to treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, this pasta is a winner. The combination of juicy, pan-seared chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a luscious sauce is enough to make anyone fall in love. Let’s dive right into the magic of this dish and break down how to make it from scratch.
WHAT MAKES THIS DISH SO SPECIAL?
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about why this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is truly exceptional.
- The Creamy Sauce: Made with heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes, this sauce is velvety smooth and packed with deep, comforting flavors.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a slightly tangy, umami-rich taste that cuts through the creaminess and enhances every bite.
- Perfectly Seared Chicken: Golden brown, seasoned to perfection, and incredibly juicy, the chicken takes this dish to the next level.
- A Hint of Heat: The red pepper flakes give the sauce just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- A One-Pan Wonder: While the pasta cooks separately, the entire sauce and chicken come together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze!
STEP 1: SEASON AND COOK THE CHICKEN
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Step:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step is key to ensuring every bite of your chicken is flavorful.
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. The goal is to achieve a beautifully golden crust while making sure the inside remains tender and juicy.
A great tip for perfect searing: don’t move the chicken too much! Let it develop a nice, caramelized crust before flipping.
Once fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate. You’ll be slicing it later and adding it back to the pasta.
STEP 2: CREATE THE CREAMY, FLAVORFUL SAUCE
Ingredients for This Step:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Using the same skillet (because hello, flavor!), add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to stir constantly to avoid any bitterness.
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, followed by the red pepper flakes and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
At this stage, your kitchen is probably smelling amazing. The combination of garlic, cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an aroma that will have everyone impatiently waiting for dinner.
STEP 3: ADD THE PARMESAN CHEESE
Ingredients for This Step:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it ultra-creamy and giving it that rich, cheesy flavor. Stir continuously to ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra minute or two. Just remember, it will continue to thicken once you add the pasta.
STEP 4: COOK THE PASTA TO PERFECTION
Ingredients for This Step:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)
While your sauce is simmering and developing all those deep flavors, it’s time to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne. Cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—firm to the bite but not overly soft.
Why is al dente important? Because the pasta will continue absorbing some of the sauce when mixed in, which means overcooking it now could result in mushy noodles later. Once the pasta is ready, drain it and set it aside. Do not rinse it! The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles, making every bite more flavorful.
STEP 5: COMBINE EVERYTHING IN THE SKILLET
Ingredients for This Step:
- Cooked and sliced chicken
- Cooked penne pasta
Now comes the best part—bringing everything together.
Start by slicing the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Then, add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, stirring gently to coat every noodle in that creamy, flavorful goodness. Finally, add the sliced chicken back to the pan, mixing everything together. Let it cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to fully blend.
At this point, your Marry Me Chicken Pasta should look absolutely stunning. The sauce should be rich and creamy, clinging perfectly to the pasta, while the golden slices of chicken sit beautifully among the sun-dried tomatoes.
STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE
Ingredients for This Step:
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (optional)
Right before serving, sprinkle fresh basil over the dish. This small touch adds a pop of color and a light, herby freshness that balances the richness of the sauce. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Now, serve this indulgent dish while it’s hot. Pair it with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete, restaurant-quality meal at home.
PRO TIPS FOR THE BEST MARRY ME CHICKEN PASTA
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Cooking the chicken just until it reaches 165°F ensures it stays juicy and tender. Overcooked chicken can turn dry and tough.
- Use High-Quality Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the sauce with a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you love extra heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount slightly.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water – If your sauce thickens too much, adding a splash of pasta water can help loosen it without diluting the flavor.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes – While penne works beautifully, you can also use fettuccine, rigatoni, or even orecchiette for a different texture.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are an excellent alternative because they tend to be more flavorful and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce may not be as thick and creamy. To compensate, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to help thicken the sauce.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and chicken, then toss them with freshly cooked pasta.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
5. Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
While you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately, freezing the pasta is not recommended as it can become mushy when reheated. If you plan to freeze, store the sauce and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving with freshly cooked pasta.
6. What other cheeses can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Grana Padano. These cheeses offer similar nutty and salty flavors that enhance the dish beautifully.
7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make great additions to this dish. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream and broth.
FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that makes any dinner feel special. The combination of creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and bold flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan creates a meal that feels indulgent yet easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a date night, a family dinner, or simply treating yourself to a comforting bowl of pasta, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a hint of spice. It’s so delicious, it might just earn you a marriage proposal! 💍😍
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Season and Cook the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, red pepper flakes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
3️⃣ Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add it to the skillet with the sauce.
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet. Toss everything together and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
6️⃣ Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve hot! Enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for date night or any special occasion.
Notes
✅ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – They stay even more tender and flavorful!
✅ Control the Spice – Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. Omit for a milder version.
✅ Make it Even Creamier – Add a bit more heavy cream or a splash of white wine for depth.
✅ Swap the Pasta – Try it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti!
✅ Storage – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
