If you love creamy pasta dishes like penne alla vodka, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor—the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough for a weeknight.
This recipe went viral on TikTok, and after one bite, I understood why. The silky sauce blends cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes into the perfect balance of tangy and savory. Tossed with juicy chicken and your favorite pasta, it’s a dish that wins everyone over.
Whether you use penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine (or even a gluten-free option like lentil pasta), this recipe is flexible and always comes out delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality, at home – Creamy, cheesy, and elegant without the fuss.
- Versatile – Works with chicken breasts, thighs, or even meatless with extra veggies.
- Customizable pasta – Any pasta shape works, plus gluten-free swaps taste great.
- Family favorite – Feels special but is ready in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
- Sun-Dried Tomato Oil – From the jar, adds a boost of flavor
- Cornstarch – For coating chicken, helps it crisp up
- Butter – For richness in the sauce
- Garlic – Freshly minced for depth of flavor
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Thinly diced, tangy and slightly sweet
- Heavy Cream – Creates the luscious base
- Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated, melts smoothly into the sauce
- Chicken Broth – Adds moisture and flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a little heat
- Oregano – Or substitute with Italian seasoning
- Salt + Pepper – To taste
- Fresh Basil or Parsley – For garnish and freshness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season & Cook the Chicken
In a bowl, toss diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in batches until golden and crispy, 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer 3–5 minutes.
4. Add the Cheese
Stir Parmesan into the sauce until melted and creamy. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
5. Combine & Serve
Return chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes. Toss in the pasta, coat well, and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Save pasta water – It’s the secret to a silky, clingy sauce.
- Freshly grated Parmesan – Melts smoother than pre-grated.
- Don’t overcook chicken – Keep it juicy by searing quickly.
- Customize heat – Adjust red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Finish with fresh herbs – Basil or parsley brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.
Serving Ideas
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted vegetables on the side
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, cozy, and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a date night at home, or to impress friends, it’s guaranteed to win hearts.
Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 3–4 lbs chicken (drumsticks or thighs, skin removed)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp Lawry’s seasoning salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 fresh thyme sprigs
- 2 cups chicken stock or bone broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, season chicken with 1 tsp seasoning salt, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place in a sealed bag, refrigerate at least 3 hours (overnight best).
- Bring to room temp for 15–20 minutes before cooking.
- Brown the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (3–4 minutes each side). Remove and set aside.
- Make the Gravy
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onions and cook until caramelized, 8–10 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Mix in flour, then slowly whisk in stock. Cook until slightly thickened, 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, thyme, and remaining seasoning salt. Reduce heat and simmer until smooth.
- Smother the Chicken
- Return chicken to skillet, coating with gravy.
- Simmer 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and gravy is thick.
- Serve
- Enjoy with rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.