If there’s one dish that’s both comforting and romantic, it’s marry me chicken pasta. This creamy, flavor-packed skillet meal isn’t just a dinner, it’s a declaration of affection.
With rich sun-dried tomatoes, garlic-kissed cream sauce, and perfectly seared chicken, it’s no surprise folks say it could seal the deal. In this article, I’ll walk you through my version of this viral classic, inspired by a love of shared meals and Southern charm.
You’ll get the story, simple steps, and plenty of pro tips to make this your go-to dish for impressing family, friends, or that someone special.
Table of Contents
Why Marry Me Chicken Pasta Feels Like Home?
I’ll never forget the first time I cooked Marry Me Chicken Pasta, it was love at first bite. My husband had just finished a long day helping a neighbor rebuild their fence, and I wanted to surprise him with something hearty but elegant.
I had chicken breasts thawing and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes that had been begging to be used. That night, as we sat under the back porch lights, he took one bite and looked at me with that goofy, eyes-wide smile. “If I hadn’t already proposed,” he said, “this would’ve done it.”
It reminded me of my grandmother’s buttermilk roast chicken, not in flavor, but in feeling. That rich, warm goodness that makes everyone pause and savor. That’s what this dish does. It tells people, “I care.”
A Love Letter in a Skillet
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Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy marry me chicken pasta features seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan garlic sauce—all tossed with tender pasta for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Cut chicken into cutlets and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat oil in skillet and sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
3. In same skillet, sauté garlic, then add sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream.
4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, then stir in parmesan.
5. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 5 more minutes.
6. Cook pasta according to package. Drain and add to skillet.
7. Toss to coat and garnish with basil. Serve hot.
Notes
For spice, add crushed red pepper.
Can be made dairy-free with coconut milk.
Store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Marry me chicken pasta isn’t complicated, and that’s the beauty of it. It’s the kind of meal you cook to wrap someone in comfort and make them feel like they truly belong.
The creamy sauce clings to every bite, the chicken is seasoned just right, and the pasta carries it all like a warm hug. Even beginners can master this. I’ve guided folks who’ve never sautéed a thing, and by the end, they’re proudly plating up like pros.
You’ll find this dish fits perfectly into your dinner rotation, quick enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for a date night. And with flavors this delicious, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over.
Ingredients & Cooking Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta
The ingredients in marry me chicken pasta are simple, but together they create magic.
Here’s a quick reference table to help you prep with confidence:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Use breasts or thighs, sliced into thin cutlets |
| Heavy Cream | Adds richness, don’t substitute with milk |
| Sun-Dried Tomatoes | Use oil-packed, not dry-packed, for best flavor |
| Garlic | Freshly minced, not jarred, gives the sauce real depth |
| Parmesan Cheese | Always go for freshly grated, it melts smoother |
| Chicken Broth | Low sodium preferred so you can season to taste |
| Pasta | Penne or fettuccine hold sauce well |
Pro Tips for Making It Foolproof
Use a hot skillet for a perfect sear on the chicken. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes per side.
Deglaze with broth to lift all those browned bits, that’s where the flavor lives. Stir in parmesan last, and off the heat, to avoid clumping.
Want a Southern-style upgrade? Add a touch of Cajun seasoning, like I do in my spicy chicken pasta. For a dairy-free variation, full-fat coconut milk works wonders, just like in my one-pot coconut chicken pasta.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Step by Step
You don’t need a fancy kitchen or culinary degree for this one, just one skillet and about 30 minutes.
Here’s how I make it in my own home, usually with my kids doing homework nearby and the dog hoping for a bite.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:
- Season & Sear the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into even cutlets. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. Remove and set aside. - Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. - Add the Cheese & Chicken
Stir in freshly grated parmesan until melted. Then, return the chicken to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for another 5 to 7 minutes, gently spooning the sauce over the chicken as it cooks. - Combine with Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and add it directly into the skillet. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce until everything is evenly coated in the creamy, savory goodness.
That’s it, comfort in a pan.
Serving Suggestions to Impress
I like to serve this dish with warm crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce. A crisp green salad on the side adds freshness and balance.
If you’re feeling cozy, pour a glass of white wine and enjoy the moment. And don’t forget, leftovers make the perfect next-day lunch, especially packed in a thermos or reheated gently with a splash of broth.
Flavor Variations to Try
Looking to mix it up? This dish is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few twists my readers have loved:
- Spicy version: Stir in some red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
- Green twist: Stir in spinach or chopped kale just before serving. I love how the kale adds texture, like in my Chick-fil-A kale salad recipe.
- Cheesy bake: Transfer everything to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.
- Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash instead of pasta.
Planning ahead? You can make the sauce and chicken a day in advance, then simply cook and add the pasta when it’s time to eat.
This works great for guests or meal prep, just like my slimming world chicken salad recipes that I often prep on Sundays for the week ahead.
Whether you’re reinventing the dish or packing it for lunch, this pasta proves that simple meals can still be full of comfort and love.
How to Store and Reheat Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
One of the best things about marry me chicken pasta is how well it holds up the next day. Place any leftovers in a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works just fine, just give it a stir halfway through to keep the sauce nice and creamy.
Freezing? Not ideal with cream sauces, but if you must, freeze only the chicken in sauce, skip the pasta. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator and prepare a fresh batch of pasta to serve alongside.
Conclusion
Marry me chicken pasta isn’t just a meal, it’s a feeling. It’s weeknight ease meets special occasion magic, all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for someone you love or just treating yourself to something comforting and flavorful, this recipe has your back. With a little sear, a rich sauce, and pasta to pull it all together, you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so memorable.
So pull up a chair, pour a little something, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes people slow down and smile. That’s what good chicken dishes are all about in my kitchen.
Craving more feel-good meals like this one? Join us over on Facebook, where you’ll find fresh ideas, quick dinner inspiration, and plenty of chicken recipes to keep your table full and happy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is marry me chicken pasta?
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and heavy cream, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. It earned its name because it’s said to be so good, it could inspire a proposal!
Can I make marry me chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge, then cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve. When reheating, add a splash of cream or chicken broth to help keep the sauce silky and smooth.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are top choices because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, any pasta shape you have will do in a pinch, like I use in my buffalo chicken mac and cheese crock pot, flexibility is key.
Is marry me chicken pasta recipe spicy?
The original marry me chicken pasta recipe version isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat with crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce. If you like bold flavors, check out my hellmanns parmesan crusted chicken recipe for another flavor-packed option.