Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s a recipe with love baked into every bite. The first time this creamy, dreamy pasta landed on our table, my husband jokingly dropped to one knee between bites, and my kids declared it “restaurant food at home.” What sets this dish apart is the magical mix of tender chicken, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and a Parmesan cream sauce so rich, you’ll want to savor every twirl of noodles.​

This has quickly become our go-to for cozy nights in, special occasions, or when someone needs a quick pick-me-up. It’s elegant enough for date nights, easy enough for busy weeknights, and always turns an ordinary evening into a little celebration. If you’re searching for a dish that delivers comfort, wow-factor, and pure happiness in under 30 minutes, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Trust me, this isn’t just another pasta dish, it’s the kind of meal that makes people swoon. Here’s why it’s become my go-to recipe for every occasion:

• Creamy perfection: That silky sauce clings to every bite of pasta like a dream, thanks to the perfect blend of heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan. No watery sauces here!
• Faster than takeout: From chopping to serving, you’re looking at about 35 minutes. I’ve made this after work more times than I can count when I need something quick but special.
• Restaurant-worthy flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic give it that “fancy Italian restaurant” taste without the price tag. My kids think I’m a gourmet chef when I make this.
• Works for any occasion: Date night? Family dinner? Potluck? It’s fancy enough to impress but comforting enough for weeknights. I’ve even served it at dinner parties with rave reviews.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this swoon-worthy dish. I always measure my ingredients before starting, which makes the cooking process so much smoother!

• 12 oz rigatoni pasta (my favorite for holding all that creamy sauce)
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
• Salt and black pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use that glorious oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is best, no jarred stuff here!)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (I prefer the oil-packed ones)
• 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium works great)
• 1 cup heavy cream (this is what makes the sauce so luxurious)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (please grate it yourself, it makes all the difference)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (save some for garnish)

Don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining, it’s like liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later!

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

I’ve tested this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe every which way, and here’s what I’ve learned about these key ingredients:

Sun-dried tomatoes are the flavor powerhouse here: Their concentrated sweetness balances the rich cream sauce perfectly. If you can only find dry-packed ones, just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.

Heavy cream gives that velvety texture we all crave, but in a pinch, half-and-half works too (just simmer the sauce a bit longer to thicken). For the Parmesan, freshly grated is non-negotiable; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

Rigatoni’s ridges hold the sauce beautifully, but penne or fusilli make great substitutes. Want to lighten it up? Swap half the basil for baby spinach (add it with the pasta at the end). Just promise me you won’t use low-fat cheese – the sauce needs that fat for proper texture!

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together fast, so I like to have everything prepped and ready to go before I turn on the stove. Follow these steps, and you’ll have restaurant-quality pasta in no time:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil (it should taste like the sea). Add the rigatoni and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of that precious starchy pasta water before draining – trust me, you’ll want it later!

Brown that chicken: While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil (or that flavorful sun-dried tomato oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer – don’t crowd the pan! Cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Build the sauce: In that same skillet (keep all those tasty browned bits!), reduce heat to medium and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant – careful not to burn it! Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook another 2 minutes to release their oils.

Simmer to perfection: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it bubble away uncovered for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened – stir occasionally.

Cheese please: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until completely melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Bring it all together: Return chicken to the skillet along with drained pasta. Gently toss everything until coated evenly in that creamy sauce. Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil – save some for garnish!

Taste and serve: Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and basil on top.

Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

After making this dozens of times (seriously, my family requests it weekly), here are my golden rules:

Always cook pasta al dente – it’ll continue cooking when mixed with the hot sauce. That sun-dried tomato oil? Liquid gold! Use it instead of olive oil for extra flavor. Add basil at the very end to keep it fresh and vibrant.

If your sauce breaks (looks oily), whisk in a splash of the reserved pasta water – the starch helps emulsify it. Dry chicken? Cut pieces evenly and don’t overcook – they’ll simmer again in the sauce. And whatever you do, don’t skip reserving that pasta water!

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This pasta deserves the perfect sidekicks! I love serving it with garlic bread; that crispy, buttery crunch is heavenly for soaking up every last drop of creamy sauce. For something lighter, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Roasted asparagus or broccoli also makes great veggie sides.

Wine pairing? A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce perfectly. And don’t skimp on the garnishes. I always set out extra Parmesan and basil at the table because everyone wants more. Trust me, your guests will be fighting over the last bite!

Storing and Reheating Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you! This pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Just know the noodles will soak up some sauce overnight, no worries though!

When reheating, I always do it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back that luscious texture.

Microwave works in a pinch, but stir in a tablespoon of liquid first to prevent drying out.

Pro tip: If you know you’ll have leftovers, slightly undercook the pasta, it’ll be perfect when reheated!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Nutrition

While this dish tastes indulgent, it’s actually pretty balanced! Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (based on using full-fat ingredients):

• Calories: 540 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 25g

Remember, these are estimates: Your exact numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or add more veggies!

Marry Me Chicken Pasta FAQs

More Creamy Chicken Pasta Favorites

Love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta? Here are more rich, creamy, and crowd-pleasing pasta dishes you’ll want to add to your weekly rotation.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Bake: Cozy baked pasta loaded with juicy chicken and creamy garlic-parmesan sauce.
• Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: A creamy pasta with a kick, perfect when you want bold flavor and comfort.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine: Buttery, garlicky chicken pasta bursting with herbs and zesty flavor.
• Philly Cheesesteak Pasta: Creamy, cheesy pasta packed with tender beef, peppers, and onions.

Each one is creamy, comforting, and guaranteed to impress. Save these and enjoy a new favorite pasta night soon!

Why This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a Winner

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe perfectly blends creamy richness with bold, comforting flavors. The tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cream sauce are the perfect harmony that makes every bite feel like a hug. It’s quick and simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for special date nights or family dinners, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser.​

The magic lies in how it balances freshness with indulgence, thanks to the bright lemon and herbs that keep the sauce from feeling heavy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor with way less effort. Whether you’re cooking to impress or craving serious comfort food, this is a recipe you’ll return to often.

Give it a try, leave your thoughts below, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more delicious recipes!

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