Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Dreamy One-Pan Dinner
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs all tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknights, date nights, or any night you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Why It’s Called “Marry Me” Chicken Pasta
This recipe is inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” — a skillet chicken dish so good it’s said to inspire proposals. We’ve taken those beloved flavors and turned them into a hearty, satisfying pasta recipe that’s sure to win hearts.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Pasta:
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces fusilli or penne pasta
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ⅓ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 20–30 seconds.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Slowly add the heavy cream and reserved pasta water, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta and stir everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Pasta Water Magic: Don’t skip reserving pasta water! It helps create a silky sauce.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and turns bitter if overcooked. Keep it at 20–30 seconds.
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs add even more juiciness and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy chicken pasta with:
- A fresh green salad or Mediterranean-style veggie salad
- Homemade garlic breadsticks or toasted baguette slices
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for a lighter side
- Finish with a light dessert like lemon sorbet or chocolate mousse
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Pasta pot
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1.5 Cups)
- Calories: 664 kcal
- Protein: 33g
- Carbs: 56g
- Fat: 34g (Sat. Fat: 19g)
- Sodium: 386mg
- Potassium: 1006mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Calcium: 189mg
- Iron: 3mg
Nutrition values are estimates based on standard ingredients.