Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful Dinner Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, savory, and unforgettable, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta might just be the answer. With its luscious cream sauce, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this recipe has taken over dinner tables and TikTok feeds alike. They say it’s so good, it might inspire a proposal—and after one bite, you’ll understand why.

Introduction: The Story Behind “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”

The origins of Marry Me Chicken go back to a simple skillet dish created by editors at Delish. The idea was to develop a creamy, romantic chicken dinner that was so good, it might cause someone to propose. The dish quickly went viral—especially with the rise of comfort food cravings on social media.

Over time, cooks added their own twist to the original, giving birth to variations like Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where the velvety sauce hugs every bite of pasta and makes it a satisfying, complete meal.

This version is perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or anytime you want a little indulgence. Creamy, garlicky, and balanced with the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the bite of Parmesan, it’s a dish that whispers comfort and confidence in every forkful.

Ingredient Overview: What Makes It So Addictive?

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and what role they play in building flavor and texture.

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the traditional choice here. They’re lean, easy to slice, and absorb flavor well when seared properly. You can also use thighs for a richer result.

Pasta

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works best for catching the creamy sauce in every crevice. The pasta should be cooked al dente so it doesn’t get mushy after mixing with the sauce.

Heavy Cream

This is the base of the luxurious sauce. It gives the dish body and richness, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines Marry Me Chicken.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds umami and saltiness, thickening the sauce while giving it a nutty, savory finish.

Garlic

A few cloves of fresh garlic infuse the oil with a deep aroma and flavor that builds the savory base.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

These provide the sweet-tangy contrast that cuts through the richness of the cream. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor and texture.

Chicken Broth

It thins the sauce just enough while contributing another layer of flavor. A good-quality low-sodium broth is key.

Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes

These boost the flavor profile with a blend of herbs and just a hint of heat, making the sauce more complex and satisfying.

Olive Oil & Butter

Used for sautéing the chicken and garlic, these fats give the dish a golden crust and silkier texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Cooking the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s how to build this decadent dish from scratch—with detailed steps to make sure you nail it every time.

1. Prepare the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until just al dente, following package directions. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

2. Sear the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally for thinner cutlets.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add more butter if needed. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Deglaze & Build the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the skillet—this is flavor gold. Let it simmer for 2 minutes.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan, letting it melt into the sauce.

5. Add Chicken Back In

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized chunks and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

6. Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

7. Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or more Parmesan if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley for brightness.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Chef Tips:

Sear don’t steam: Make sure the skillet is hot when adding the chicken—this gives a nice golden crust.

Fresh over pre-shredded: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.

Reserve pasta water: It’s starchy and perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.

Variations:

Add spinach: A handful of baby spinach wilted into the sauce adds color and nutrients.

Mushroom twist: Sautéed mushrooms make a great addition for earthy depth.

Spicy version: Use extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a kick.

Dietary Swaps:

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and check your broth label.

Low-carb: Serve over zoodles or spaghetti squash.

Dairy-free: Substitute cream with coconut cream and skip cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives.

Serving Ideas & Perfect Occasions

This pasta is incredibly versatile and fits many occasions. Here’s how you can enjoy it:

Romantic Date Night

It’s called Marry Me Chicken for a reason. Light a candle, pour some wine, and impress someone special.

Family Dinner

Even picky eaters love this dish. Pair it with a green salad or roasted veggies for balance.

Meal Prep or Leftovers

It reheats beautifully! Store in an airtight container and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Holiday or Potluck

Bring it to a potluck in a slow cooker to keep warm—expect zero leftovers.

Nutrition & Health Notes

While this dish is on the indulgent side, it offers more than just comfort:

Protein

With chicken as the centerpiece, this dish provides a solid dose of lean protein—essential for muscle repair and satiety.

Healthy Fats

Olive oil and cream add richness and help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins—though it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

Balanced Meal

Paired with a fresh salad or steamed greens, this dish can be part of a well-rounded meal.

Gluten/Dairy Considerations

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s easy to adapt the recipe with a few smart swaps without losing flavor.

FAQ
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’re juicier and more flavorful, though slightly higher in fat.

2. What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal—they hold onto the creamy sauce well. You can use long pasta like fettuccine, but it won’t capture the sauce as effectively.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the entire dish ahead and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

4. Is it freezer-friendly?

It freezes decently, but the cream sauce may separate slightly. For best results, freeze the sauce and chicken separately from the pasta, and combine when reheating.

5. How do I make it spicier?

Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking the sauce. You can also stir in a spoonful of hot chili oil for depth and heat.

6. What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette all complement the richness of the dish.

7. Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?

Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a thicker texture, add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry while cooking.

Print