Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly impressive this dish is. The sauce is indulgently creamy with just the right kick from red pepper flakes, balanced by the sweet intensity of sun-dried tomatoes. Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, and it only takes one pan and a pot of pasta to make it happen. It’s cozy, elegant, and incredibly satisfying — one of those meals that always gets compliments.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, I drain it and set it aside.

2. While the pasta cooks, I season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. I remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.

3. In the same skillet, I melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes, cooking them for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor.

5. I pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

6. Once simmering, I add the Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

7. I slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Then I toss in the cooked pasta, stirring everything together so the sauce coats each bite.

8. I garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving the dish warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 525 kcal per serving

Variations

• Protein Swap: Sometimes I substitute the chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.

• Veggie Boost: I like to add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to bulk up the meal and sneak in some greens.

• Lighter Option: I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich.

• Spice It Up: If I want more heat, I add a bit of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.

• Gluten-Free: I simply switch to gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: The cream sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, but the dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. I let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container.

• Reheating: I reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I’ve made it a few hours in advance and it reheats really well. I just store the sauce and pasta separately if possible, and combine them when ready to serve for the best texture.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually go for penne or fettuccine because they hold the sauce well, but I’ve also used spaghetti and rigatoni with great results.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Absolutely. I always use the ones packed in oil, and I drain them before chopping. They add a deep, tangy flavor that really defines the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I sear the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and no longer pink in the center. If I’m unsure, I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

The sauce thickens naturally as the Parmesan melts and the cream simmers. If I need it thicker, I simmer it a few extra minutes, stirring occasionally.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is everything I want in a comforting meal — creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull off. With simple ingredients and a big payoff in flavor, it’s one of those dishes that always feels special. Whether I’m making it for a cozy night in or a dinner with friends, this pasta never fails to impress and satisfy.