Imagine a dish so irresistible, so creamy, and bursting with flavor that it could make someone fall in love with every bite. That’s exactly what Marry Me Chicken Pasta does. 🧄🍝 Tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, and finished with fresh Parmesan and herbs — this dish is indulgence at its finest.
Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special date night meal, this pasta has a way of making every meal feel celebratory and romantic.
The Story Behind the Recipe
The story goes that a chef created this dish for a client — and after one bite, the client was so smitten that they supposedly proposed on the spot. 💍 While we can’t verify that part, the combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan truly is unforgettable.
I first tried making it on a quiet evening when I wanted comfort food that felt a little fancy. The creamy, garlicky sauce enveloped the chicken perfectly, and tossing it with pasta made it feel like a restaurant-quality meal at home. Now, it’s become a family favorite that always impresses.
What Makes This Recipe Special
✨ Creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes that’s rich and indulgent.
🍗 Juicy chicken breasts perfectly cooked to tender perfection.
🍝 A one-pan meal if you want quick and easy cleanup.
🌿 Fresh herbs and Parmesan elevate the flavors beautifully.
⏱️ Ready in under 40 minutes — impressive yet simple.
Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts 🍗
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite) 🍝
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish 🌿
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Simmer until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss gently until everything is coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley or basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. 🥗🍞
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With
🥗 A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
🍞 Garlic bread or focaccia for soaking up the sauce.
🍷 A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully.
🍅 Cherry tomato and mozzarella skewers for a light starter.
Customization & Variations
🌶️ Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
🥬 Toss in spinach or arugula for added freshness.
🧄 Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a sweeter, milder flavor.
🍄 Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy note.
🥩 Substitute chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage for a different twist.
Storing & Reheating
❄️ Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
🚫 Avoid microwaving too long to prevent the sauce from separating.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
Reader Q&A – Common Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs stay juicy and flavorful.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
3. How spicy is it?
Mild by default, but you can add red pepper flakes for heat.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead; toss with pasta just before serving.
5. What kind of pasta works best?
Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work beautifully.
6. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, just chop them finely; drained packed-in-oil works best.
7. Can I make it lighter?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
8. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze chicken and sauce without pasta; add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
9. How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Simmer gently over medium heat and add Parmesan gradually while stirring.
10. Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers pair wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort-meets-elegance meal. 🧄🍝 Creamy, garlicky, and rich with sun-dried tomato flavor, it’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests. Each bite feels indulgent, yet it’s easy enough to make any night of the week. Once you try it, it will surely become a staple in your kitchen. 💛
🍽️ Tried This Recipe?
If you made this Marry Me Chicken Pasta, don’t forget to follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest and share your creamy, garlicky creation! 🧄💍
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.