I have a serious soft spot for creamy pasta dishes, and penne a la vodka is one of my all-time favorites — the blend of tangy tomato and rich cream is pure comfort food. So when I stumbled upon Marry Me Chicken Pasta on TikTok a few months ago, I knew I had to try it. And wow, it quickly became a staple in our house.
What makes this dish so special is its silky, tomato-cream sauce with a subtle hint of orange sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes. Paired with tender, juicy chicken and your choice of pasta, it’s simple to make yet always feels like a special treat. Whether you prefer chicken breasts or thighs, or swap regular pasta for gluten-free or lentil options, this recipe is flexible and forgiving—perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring juicy chicken cooked in a rich Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Legend has it the recipe is so delicious, it could inspire a proposal! The sauce balances creaminess with the tang of sun-dried tomatoes and just the right hint of herbs and spice.
It’s an elevated, yet simple meal you can make quickly on any night of the week — perfect for when you want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy chicken bites coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.
- Versatile—works with penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
- The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tang and subtle sweetness.
- A quick, one-skillet meal that’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for any night.
- The secret silky sauce is made even better by reserving pasta water to bring it all together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, diced.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine—use your favorite shape.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil: Adds rich flavor (sub olive oil or butter if unavailable).
- Cornstarch: Helps chicken brown perfectly.
- Butter: For richness (vegan butter works for dairy-free).
- Garlic: Fresh minced for aroma and depth.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Thinly diced; pack in oil preferred.
- Heavy Cream: For that silky sauce (sub half-and-half or coconut cream if needed).
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle kick.
- Dried Oregano: Or Italian seasoning.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish and freshness.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Save ½ cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s key for the sauce!
- Prepare the Chicken: Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss with cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large skillet. Cook chicken until golden and crispy (about 5-6 minutes), then set aside.
- Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until fragrant (2-3 minutes).
- Make the Sauce: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream. Let simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Add Parmesan: Slowly stir in freshly grated Parmesan until sauce thickens and is smooth.
- Combine Chicken & Sauce: Return chicken to the pan, letting it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
- Finish with Pasta: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfection
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is magic for smoothing out the sauce.
- Use a Large Skillet: Cooking chicken and sauce in one pan maximizes flavor.
- Fresh Parmesan: Melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Aim for golden, juicy bites by cooking 5-6 minutes.
- Customize Heat: Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Add Fresh Herbs Last: They brighten the dish and add vibrant color.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day — creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether it sparks a proposal or just satisfies your dinner craving, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to save some pasta water!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 10 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomatoes (or olive oil/butter)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, thinly diced
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare chicken: Toss diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook chicken: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic & tomatoes: Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and diced sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream; simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta to skillet; toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.