💍🍝 Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Romantic & Irresistible

Author: Jacky

Published: August 8, 2025

Updated: October 16, 2025

🎉 Introduction

If there were ever a pasta dish that could inspire a proposal, it would be this one. Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, tossed with tender pasta for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable.

Legend has it, this pasta is so good that whoever eats it will fall in love on the spot—whether it’s with you or just the food! With layers of flavor from garlic, herbs, cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect dinner for date night, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress.

🧰 Equipment Needed

Large pot (for pasta)
Large deep skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or whisk

🛒 Ingredients

For 4 Servings:

12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well)
2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), halved horizontally for thinner cutlets
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Directions

Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
Combine Pasta & Chicken
- Slice chicken into strips. Add pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce.
- Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
Serve & Garnish
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze sauce separately from pasta for up to 1 month.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh sauce.

🥄 Variations

Spicy Marry Me Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Swap chicken for seared shrimp.
Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
The legend says it’s so delicious it could lead to a marriage proposal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and work perfectly.
Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?
They’re key for flavor, but you can sub with roasted red peppers.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk works, but sauce won’t be as rich.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold sauce well, but fettuccine is also great.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan.
Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Yes—just leave them out for a milder sauce.
What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread and a green salad are perfect sides.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.

🏁 Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and bursting with irresistible flavors. Perfect for a romantic dinner or simply treating yourself, it’s proof that a great meal can be both quick and unforgettable. One bite and you’ll understand why it has such a swoon-worthy reputation.

💍🍝 Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Romantic & Irresistible

If there were ever a pasta dish that could inspire a proposal, it would be this one. Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a creamy sun-dried tomato Parmesan sauce, tossed with tender pasta for a dish that’s rich, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable. Legend has it, this pasta is so good that whoever eats it will fall in love on the spot—whether it’s with you or just the food! With layers of flavor from garlic, herbs, cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, it’s the perfect dinner for date night, special occasions, or anytime you want to impress.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For 4 Servings:

12 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well
2 large chicken breasts about 1 lb, halved horizontally for thinner cutlets
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped (packed in oil, drained)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes adjust to taste
Fresh basil or parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

Large pot (for pasta)
Large deep skillet or sauté pan
Tongs or spatula
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or whisk

Method

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Season & Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

Combine Pasta & Chicken

Slice chicken into strips. Add pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat.
If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen sauce.
Return chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.

Serve & Garnish

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Freeze sauce separately from pasta for up to 1 month.

Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to refresh sauce.

🥄 Variations

Spicy Marry Me Pasta: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Marry Me Shrimp Pasta: Swap chicken for seared shrimp.

Lightened-Up Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.

Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.

❓ 10 FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta?
The legend says it’s so delicious it could lead to a marriage proposal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and work perfectly.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?
They’re key for flavor, but you can sub with roasted red peppers.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk works, but sauce won’t be as rich.

What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold sauce well, but fettuccine is also great.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, but cook pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated.

How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan.

Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
Yes—just leave them out for a milder sauce.

What can I serve with it?
Garlic bread and a green salad are perfect sides.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.

🏁 Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is creamy, savory, and bursting with irresistible flavors. Perfect for a romantic dinner or simply treating yourself, it’s proof that a great meal can be both quick and unforgettable. One bite and you’ll understand why it has such a swoon-worthy reputation.

Jacky’s Kitchen

Welcome to Jacky’s Kitchen! I’m Jacky — a home chef sharing easy, colorful, cartoon-style recipes you’ll actually enjoy cooking. From quick dinners to sweet treats, everything here is made with love, flavor, and a dash of fun.