Introduction
If you’re ready to impress at dinner time, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe 2025 is exactly what you need. Creamy, flavorful, and so indulgent—it’s the kind of pasta that turns an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious garlic cream sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh herbs… all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
I still remember the first time I made Marry Me Chicken Pasta. It was on a cozy Friday night, music playing softly in the background, and the kitchen filled with the warm aroma of garlic and Parmesan.
So let’s dive into the recipe!
What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
» You’ve probably heard of the famous “Marry Me Chicken”—a creamy, savory chicken dish so delicious, it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals. This pasta version takes all those irresistible flavors—garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and cream—and wraps them around perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s hearty, satisfying, and swoon-worthy.
» It’s rich without being heavy, tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and beautifully balanced with fresh herbs. Perfect for date nights, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, or a fancy family dinner—this recipe is a love letter in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
» Romantic & Crowd-Pleasing – Perfect for date nights, anniversaries, or impressing guests.
» Creamy & Flavor-Packed – The garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes is irresistible.
» One-Pan Sauce – Less cleanup since the chicken and sauce cook in the same skillet.
» Customizable – Swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or change up proteins.
» Guaranteed Compliments – Every bite is rich, savory, and memorable.
Kitchen Equipment Required For This Recipe
♥ Large skillet or sauté pan
♥ Large pot for boiling pasta
♥ Tongs
♥ Wooden spoon or spatula
♥ Chef’s knife & cutting board
♥ Measuring cups & spoons
♥ Colander or pasta strainer
♥ Instant-read thermometer
♥ Grater for Parmesan
Ingredients Required For Marry Me Chicken Pasta
♥ Boneless Chicken
♥ Parmesan Cheese
♥ Butter & Olive Oil
♥ Garlic – Minced for aromatic flavor
♥ Heavy Cream – For that silky, luscious sauce
♥ Chicken Broth – Adds depth and savory richness
♥ Pasta – Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work beautifully
♥ Seasonings – Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper
♥ Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Brings tangy sweetness and beautiful color
♥ Optional Garnishes – Fresh basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes for a pop of flavor and color!
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe 2025
Step 1: Prepare & Season the Chicken
♥ First of all, you need to prepare the boneless chicken by patting it dry with the help of paper towels. This step is important because moisture on the surface prevents a good sear.
♥ Slice horizontally to make 4 thinner cutlets for quicker, even cooking.
Season generously on both sides with:
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
Tip: If you want an extra flavor boost, season the chicken 30 minutes ahead and let it sit at room temperature before cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
♥ Now, in a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon olive oil & 1 tablespoon butter over medium flame.
♥ Once the oil & butter melt & blend perfectly, add the chicken in a layer.
♥ Cook 4–5 minutes per side without moving them until a golden-brown crust forms. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
♥ Now, transfer the chicken to a plate & cover it with the foil paper to keep it warm.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
♥ In a large pot, bring 4–5 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
♥ Now, you can add salt according to your taste.
♥ Add 12 ounces of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni) and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually 9–11 minutes.
♥ In my opinion, reserve at least one cup of pasta cooking water before draining to maintain the sauce consistency later.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
♥ Using the same skillet from the chicken, lower the heat to medium.
♥ Add 3–4 cloves of garlic, minced, and sauté for at least 30 seconds to get fragrant (don’t let it brown).
♥ Stir in ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained slightly) and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor.
♥ Now, pour one cup of chicken broth and heavy cream & stir to combine perfectly.
♥ Add ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
♥ Season with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
♥ Now, simmer the sauce perfectly for at least 4–5 minutes & stir occasionally, until you get a consistent thick sauce.
What if my sauce is too thin?
Simmer longer or add more Parmesan to thicken.
Step 5: Combine Chicken & Pasta
♥ Now, you need to slice the rested chicken into light strips & pieces.
♥ Time to add your drained pasta to the sauce & mix it well to combine.
♥ It’s time to add chicken to the skillet and stir it gently to combine perfectly.
♥ If the sauce feels too thick, add pasta water 2 tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired creaminess.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
♥ Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or chopped parsley for color.
♥ Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want heat.
♥ Serve hot & enjoy with garlic bread or a side!
Pro Tip for Extra Creaminess: If you want a silkier sauce, remove the skillet from the heat right before adding the Parmesan and stir vigorously. This prevents clumping and gives a glossy texture.
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta
» Keep Chicken Juicy – Avoid overcooking; let it rest before slicing.
» Use Freshly Grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
» Don’t Rush the Sauce – Let it simmer gently for a smooth, thick consistency.
» Balance Flavors – Add a squeeze of lemon juice if it tastes too rich.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge – You can store it in an air-tight container, best for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months (add fresh pasta when reheating).
- Reheat – Reheat the pasta on a medium flame with a splash of cream or broth.
Presentation & Topping Ideas
♥ You can garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
♥ Add extra shaved Parmesan for elegance.
♥ Drizzle with a hint of olive oil for shine.
♥ Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
♥ Serve in wide, shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
» Overcooking Chicken – It becomes dry; aim for juicy, tender pieces.
» Too Much Heat – Cream can curdle if boiled hard; keep it at a gentle simmer.
» Skipping Pasta Water – This helps adjust sauce consistency and ensures it clings well.
» Using Fresh Parmesan – That enhances flavor & melts butter perfectly.
» Not Seasoning in Layers – Season chicken, sauce, and pasta for a balanced taste.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Here’s the Ingredient Substitutions & Variations for your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe you can try!
» Chicken Options – Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or use rotisserie chicken for a quick version.
» Pasta Choices – Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work perfectly; use gluten-free pasta if needed.
» Cream Alternatives – Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free.
» Cheese Swap – Asiago or Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
» Vegetable Add-Ins – Spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers add freshness and color.
» Protein Variations – Try shrimp, salmon, turkey, or crispy tofu for a twist.
» Flavor Boosters – Add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the sauce.
» Low-Carb Version – Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers make a great substitute.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Pairing your Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe 2025 with the right sides elevates it from a great dinner to a complete dining experience:
» Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
» Side Salad – A crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad balances the richness.
» Roasted Vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add freshness and color.
» Steamed Green Beans – Light and fresh with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Sparkling Water with Citrus – A refreshing non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Card
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente; reserve ½ cup water and drain.
- Prepare chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder & Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through; set aside.
- Now add the following & sauté: garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth & cream.
- Stir in the Parmesan until smooth, then simmer.
- Return chicken and pasta to skillet; toss well.
- Adjust the sauce with pasta water if needed; garnish with basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for an extra boost of veggies.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “marry me pasta”?
It’s said to be so irresistibly delicious that anyone you serve it to might want to marry you! The rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a flavor combination that feels romantic and indulgent.
Can I make this in one pot?
Yes! Use an extra-large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Cook chicken first, set aside, prepare the sauce, then boil pasta directly in the sauce with added broth for a one-pot version.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or oat cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. The flavor stays rich and creamy while being completely lactose-free.
Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta kid-friendly?
Yes, kids usually love it! Simply skip the red pepper flakes and keep the seasoning mild. You can also cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce liquid, or add extra freshly grated Parmesan. Avoid cornstarch unless necessary, as it can change the sauce’s creamy texture.
What is the sauce on Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The sauce is a creamy, savory blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, chicken broth, and sun-dried tomatoes, often finished with herbs like thyme or basil for a well-rounded flavor.
Which pasta shape works best for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, while long pasta like fettuccine offers a silky bite. Choose based on your texture preference—both are delicious with this creamy sauce.
My Final Thoughts
In conclusion, cooking this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe 2025 feels like writing a love story in the kitchen—one that ends with everyone smiling. Every bite is creamy, savory, and unforgettable, making it perfect for moments that matter.
I love making this dish when I want to slow down, pour a glass of wine, and enjoy good company. So, tie on that apron, turn on some music, and let this pasta work its magic—because some meals are worth falling in love with. 💖
If you have any thoughts or suggestions, then write to me in the comment section below!
Happy Cooking! 💖
