If there’s one pasta dish that lives up to its name, it’s marry me chicken pasta. Creamy, garlicky, with sun-dried tomatoes and tender chicken, this pasta promises love at first bite. Whether you’re making it for a special date night or just craving something rich and cozy, this recipe brings flavor without fuss. In this article, you’ll get everything from a personal story to a step-by-step breakdown, plus pairing tips and answers to common questions about the dish. Let’s dig into what makes marry me chicken pasta a go-to when you’re cooking to impress.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Story & Why This Dish Works
My First Time Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The first time I made marry me chicken pasta, I had no idea it would turn into one of my go-to comfort meals. I’d just come back from a long day and had a half-jar of sun-dried tomatoes, a pack of chicken thighs, and a serious craving for something creamy. I threw it together, expecting a simple dinner—and instead, I got a dish so rich and flavorful I actually said, “Wow,” out loud.
It wasn’t a date night. It wasn’t a holiday. It was just a Wednesday. And yet, something about that creamy sauce, the way the garlic played off the sun-dried tomatoes, and how the chicken soaked it all up felt like magic in a bowl.
Since then, marry me chicken pasta has become part of my regular rotation. I make it for friends, I make it on chilly California nights, and yes—I’ve even made it as a quiet romantic dinner. The name might be cheeky, but the flavor is no joke.
What I love most is that this pasta doesn’t need perfection. You don’t have to make everything from scratch. Whether you’re using homemade tagliatelle or store-bought penne, marry me chicken pasta still delivers.
And if you’re cooking for someone special—or just really hungry—it’s one of those dishes that hits all the right notes. Creamy, garlicky, and just enough sweet-salty pop from the sun-dried tomatoes to make it feel restaurant-worthy.
Craving more pasta that brings the comfort? Try my Creamy Tuscan Gnocchi or this fast, flavor-packed Trader Joe’s LobsTrader Joe’s Lobster Bisque Pasta ter Bisque Pasta. Both pair beautifully with a glass of white wine.
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
The phrase “marry me chicken pasta” didn’t come from an old cookbook—it started online, and for good reason. One bite of this rich, creamy, garlic-loaded dish and people started joking it could earn you a marriage proposal. The pasta version took off fast. Because once you’ve got that golden chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and luscious sauce, what else do you need?
This pasta works for a weeknight or a big moment. It’s flexible. It’s rich. And it looks impressive even when it’s simple. No wonder people keep asking for the recipe.
If you love pasta with a good story, you might also check out Pasta alla Vodka — another modern classic with a touch of creamy heat.
PrintMarry Me Chicken Pasta: The Comfort Dish That Wins Hearts
Creamy marry me chicken pasta with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and seared chicken. A one-pan dish that’s quick, cozy, and full of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
1. Season and sear chicken in olive oil until golden.
2. Remove chicken and sauté garlic, red pepper, and tomatoes in butter.
3. Add chicken broth and cream, then stir in Parmesan.
4. Return sliced chicken to pan; simmer gently.
5. Cook pasta separately and reserve 1/2 cup of water.
6. Combine pasta with sauce; adjust thickness if needed.
7. Serve with extra herbs and cheese.
Notes
Use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil for best flavor.
Add more pasta water to thin sauce if it thickens too much.
Swap penne with rigatoni or tagliatelle if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
How To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need (Pantry-Friendly!)
This recipe keeps things simple while delivering that rich, creamy flavor you want in a date-night dish—or honestly, any night dish.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
If you’re working with boxed pasta, no shame in that. I’ve made marry me chicken pasta using store-bought rigatoni and it was still a total hit. The sauce is the star here.
Tip: If you’re into easy cream sauces, check out how I do it in One-Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta. You’ll see similar techniques, minus the chicken.
Step-by-Step: Making the Sauce & Bringing It Together
- Season & Sear the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute. - Add Cream & Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and let it melt into a smooth, creamy sauce. - Slice Chicken & Return to Pan
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet. Let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes while you cook the pasta. - Boil Pasta & Combine
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. Add the pasta to the sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water until the texture’s just right. - Finish & Serve
Stir everything to coat the pasta. Top with extra cheese and chopped basil or parsley.
Want another comforting pasta with a protein twist? Don’t miss my Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta. It’s bold, peppery, and still weeknight easy.
What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Balanced Pairings for a Creamy Pasta
Marry me chicken pasta is rich and satisfying, so the best sides are the ones that lighten or contrast that creamy base. You don’t want anything too heavy, but you still want flavor on the plate. Here’s what works beautifully every time:
Fresh Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect. The acidity cuts through the creamy sauce and resets your palate between bites. Arugula, spinach, or baby kale with shaved Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice gets the job done.
Crusty Bread: You’re going to want to mop up that sauce. A warm sourdough loaf, ciabatta, or even garlic knots will do the trick. For bonus points, rub your bread with a halved garlic clove while it’s hot out of the oven.
Looking for a full meal idea? My Pasta Night with Salad and Garlic Bread guide has simple pairings you can mix and match with creamy pasta dishes like this one.
Wine and Sips That Match the Mood
When you’re serving marry me chicken pasta, it helps to keep the drinks simple and not too overpowering. The dish is already doing a lot—your drink should complement, not compete.
White Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay balances the creaminess without clashing with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauvignon Blanc also works, especially if you’re leaning into those herby notes with fresh basil or thyme.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings: Sparkling water with lemon or cucumber slices gives that fresh lift, and a lightly brewed iced tea with mint also feels refreshing next to this dish.
And if you’re going for more of a comfort food spread, feel free to add something like my Creamy Baked Ziti with Mozzarella to the table for a crowd. It’s creamy, cheesy, and still easy to pull off.
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FAQs & Final Thoughts
How To Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Making marry me chicken pasta starts with searing seasoned chicken breasts until golden, then building a sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Once the sauce simmers to creamy perfection, you return the sliced chicken to soak up all that flavor. Toss it with freshly cooked pasta—penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni works great. Finish with a handful of herbs and extra cheese if you’re feeling it.
It’s a one-pan sauce and a simple pasta boil—easy enough for a weeknight, special enough for a date night. This is the kind of dish you’ll make more than once.
What To Serve With Marry Me Pasta?
Because marry me chicken pasta is rich and full of flavor, pair it with light, bright sides. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess and refreshes the palate. Crusty bread (especially garlic bread) helps soak up that sauce. Want to drink wine? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc balances the dish without overpowering it.
For a bigger dinner, you can serve a roasted vegetable medley or even sautéed green beans. Just keep it fresh, and let the pasta stay center stage.
Want to see another creamy dish made in under 30 minutes? Try my Spinach and Artichoke Pasta—it’s cheesy, herby, and a hit every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a date, your family, or just yourself on a cozy night in, marry me chicken pasta delivers. It’s creamy without being too heavy, savory with a little tomato tang, and honestly hard not to love. You don’t need to overthink this recipe—just cook with heart, and the results speak for themselves.
If you’ve never made this dish before, now’s the time. And if you already have? Well, you probably know it’s worth making again.
Thanks for cooking with me. And hey—don’t wait for a proposal to enjoy good pasta.
