Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless; 12 oz penne pasta; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish); Salt and pepper to taste

Creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible—Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those meals that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. The name isn’t just playful; it’s a nod to how heart-meltingly good this dish is. With juicy seared chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety sun-dried tomato cream sauce, this recipe is perfect for weeknight indulgence or a romantic dinner at home.

What makes this dish a true standout is its rich blend of flavors. The sauce hugs each piece of penne with just the right balance of garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s a one-pan miracle that tastes like it came out of a restaurant kitchen, but it’s totally doable in your own. Trust me, if you’re cooking to impress, this is the meal to serve.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring out the best in your Marry Me Chicken Pasta, using the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is your main stage. A deep skillet allows room to sear the chicken and simmer the sauce without splattering everywhere.
Tongs: Ideal for turning the chicken to get that perfect golden crust without tearing the meat.
Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Go for one that allows room for the pasta to cook evenly without sticking.

Colander: Draining pasta quickly helps it retain its ideal texture.
Sharp Chef’s Knife: You’ll need this for chopping garlic, slicing the chicken, and prepping herbs.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Stirring the sauce gently ensures it doesn’t scorch or separate.

Ingredients for the Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the heart of this dish. When seared, they develop a golden crust that locks in juices and flavor.
Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta holds the creamy sauce beautifully. It cooks to the perfect al dente texture and makes every bite satisfying.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aromatic richness that’s essential in building the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These provide a tangy, slightly sweet punch that cuts through the creaminess and adds complexity.
Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious base of the sauce, making it velvety smooth.
Chicken Broth: Enhances the chicken flavor and helps balance the richness of the cream.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to layer in warm, comforting flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that contrasts the creamy base.

Olive Oil & Butter: A blend of fat for searing the chicken and starting the sauce with rich flavor.
Fresh Basil: For garnish and a pop of herbal brightness that finishes the dish.

How To Make the Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Let them soften and release their flavor into the oil.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add grated Parmesan and a touch more Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes to reheat and absorb the flavors. Add cooked pasta to the pan, tossing to coat everything in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with chopped fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your romantic, flavor-packed pasta masterpiece!

Serving and Storing Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish is best served right out of the skillet while the sauce is hot and silky. Plate it up with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a generous shave of Parmesan for an eye-catching and mouthwatering finish. Pair it with a light side salad or roasted veggies if you’re aiming for balance.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely and then transfer it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream in a skillet to bring back its creamy consistency, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The red pepper flakes add only a subtle kick. If you prefer it mild, simply skip them—or if you love heat, add a pinch more!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While penne holds the sauce beautifully, rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work just as well.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken a day ahead, but for best results, cook the pasta fresh and assemble just before serving.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

For a lighter option, use half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit thinner. Coconut cream can work too, but it will slightly change the flavor.

What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

Shrimp or boneless chicken thighs are fantastic substitutes. Just adjust the cook time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

Does this recipe freeze well?

It’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, which can separate. However, the chicken alone can be frozen and added to freshly made sauce later.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, then you’ll definitely want to check out these other comforting dinner dishes from Life With Olivia:

Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce

One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life With Olivia Pinterest.

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or use a different pasta? Maybe tossed in spinach or a dash of white wine?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta combines juicy seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with penne pasta. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary night into something memorable—perfect for dinner dates or comfort food cravings.