If you love creamy pasta dishes as much as I do, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is going to be your new obsession. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor thanks to juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
The name comes from the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, which is said to be so good it could win you a proposal. And honestly? With this pasta twist, I believe it.
Whether you serve it with penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine, this dish always feels special but is simple enough to make on a weeknight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cozy, and satisfying—perfect for pasta night.
- Flexible with any pasta shape, or even gluten-free or lentil pasta.
- Balanced flavors: tangy sun-dried tomatoes, garlicky cream sauce, and nutty Parmesan.
- Restaurant-worthy flavor with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – Boneless skinless breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces.
- Pasta – Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Use the oil-packed kind for the best flavor.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for aromatic depth.
- Butter & Oil – A mix of butter and the tomato oil adds richness.
- Heavy Cream – For that luscious, velvety sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Adds body and balances the richness.
- Parmesan – Freshly grated melts best and gives a nutty, salty finish.
- Cornstarch – Lightly coats the chicken for a golden sear.
- Seasonings – Oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Fresh Herbs – Basil or parsley for a bright garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken
Toss diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden and crispy on the outside, about 5–6 minutes. Set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic with diced sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. Deglaze with chicken broth, then stir in the cream and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
4. Add the Cheese
Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir until melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.
5. Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes to soak up flavor. Toss in the cooked pasta, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats every noodle.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Save the pasta water – It’s the secret to a glossy, restaurant-style sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Keep it juicy by cooking just until golden.
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Adjust spice – Add more or less red pepper flakes to taste.
Variations
- Protein Swap – Try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu.
- Veggie Boost – Toss in spinach, peas, or roasted zucchini.
- Cheese Twist – Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp oil from jarred sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Toss diced chicken with cornstarch, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet with sun-dried tomato oil until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté 2 minutes.
- Stir in chicken broth, then cream, and let simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5 minutes. Toss in cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed.
- Garnish with basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to—cozy, comforting, and just a little indulgent. Perfect for date night, Sunday dinner, or whenever you’re craving creamy pasta bliss.