First off, thank you so much for being here! Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself (as you should!), this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a dinner that gets people talking—and yes, it’s rumored to be proposal-worthy for a reason. Creamy, rich, and full of bold flavor, it’s the kind of pasta dish that makes people swoon at the first bite.
I’ve made this countless times for guests, for weeknights, for anniversaries… and every single time, it’s a hit. If you’re into recipes that feel fancy but are secretly super simple? This is it. And once you try it, you’ll see why it might just deserve a ring 💍😉
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant but easy – Feels like restaurant fare, made in your own kitchen.
- Creamy, garlicky goodness – With just the right punch from sun-dried tomatoes.
- One pan magic – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights or date nights in.
What Does Marry Me Chicken Pasta Taste Like?
It’s rich, creamy, and layered with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add tangy sweetness, the garlic brings warmth, and the Parmesan melts into a silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The chicken is juicy and seared to golden perfection. Honestly? It tastes like something you’d order at a fancy Italian spot… but made with way less fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite!)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Cutting board + sharp knife
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even gnocchi all work well.
- Chicken: You can use thighs instead of breasts if preferred.
- Dairy-free? Try coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- More veggies? Add spinach or mushrooms into the sauce before tossing with pasta!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute more.
Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any brown bits. Stir in cream, Parmesan, oregano, and thyme. Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan if you like (I always do!). Serve hot and prepare for compliments.
What to Serve With It
- A basket of warm, homemade Garlic Flatbreads – the perfect buttery scoopers!
- A side of green salad or lightly roasted veggies.
- Pair it with wine or sparkling water for that fancy-at-home feel.
- For garlic lovers, double down with this Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the chicken—cutlets cook quickly!
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor.
- Simmer the sauce gently so the cream doesn’t separate.
- Save that pasta water! It helps bring everything together.
How to Store & Reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze: Not ideal due to the cream sauce, but it can work in a pinch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep the sauce and chicken ahead, then toss with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Just skip the searing and add it directly to the sauce.
Is it spicy?
Only slightly—red pepper flakes add a subtle heat. Skip them if you prefer mild.
More Recipes That Pair Beautifully
- Garlic Flatbreads – Soft, chewy, and brushed with garlic butter. Perfect for soaking up that sauce!
- Crispy Parmesan Chicken with Garlic Sauce – Bold, savory, and packed with garlic goodness.
- Tasty Baked Cod in Coconut Lemon Cream Sauce – A lighter, tangy twist that still brings the creamy comfort.
Share Your Plate!
Tried this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe? I’d love to see your delicious masterpiece. Post a photo on Pinterest and tag me so I can celebrate your kitchen win! 💛🍝✨ Let’s keep the cozy dinner inspiration going!
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and tender chicken. It’s the perfect one-pan comfort food—fancy enough for date night, easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. A truly swoon-worthy dish that lives up to its name!
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into cutlets)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 –4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, chopped)
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in cream, Parmesan, oregano, and thyme. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Slice chicken and return it to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat in sauce. If needed, loosen with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
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For even creamier results, stir in an extra splash of cream or pasta water before serving.
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Want more veggies? Add fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
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This dish is best fresh, but leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth or cream.
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Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat—they stay super juicy!