Looking for a pasta dish that’s guaranteed to impress? This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is so delicious, it might just inspire a proposal! Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, this dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with your favorite pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a comforting dinner, this meal is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta : 

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a dreamy combination of bold flavors and creamy goodness, with the added kick of sun-dried tomatoes and the warmth of smoked paprika. It’s perfect for date nights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

“This recipe has become a go-to for special occasions in our house. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, and the chicken is perfectly seasoned—it never fails to impress!”

Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Pasta :

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Marry Me Chicken Pasta:

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great.
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic.
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken.
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and tender.
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper: This combination of seasonings brings warmth and depth to the dish.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: For a salty, savory kick.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor.
• Basil leaves for garnish: Fresh basil adds a bright, herby finish.

Ingredient Tips :

• Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but penne or rigatoni are especially good at catching the creamy sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Just drain them before chopping.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or even a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream.
•  

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta :

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Pro Tip: Reserve a little pasta water before draining, in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

“The smell of onions and garlic sautéing is one of the best ways to start a dish—it sets the stage for all the flavors to come!”

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Once the onions and garlic are fragrant, add the butter to the skillet. When the butter melts, add the bite-size chicken pieces. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Pro Tip: Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet, so the chicken browns nicely instead of steaming.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

With the chicken fully cooked, it’s time to make the creamy sauce! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the chicken. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.

“The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich, decadent sauce that perfectly complements the seasoned chicken.”

Step 5: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Then, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish your Marry Me Chicken Pasta with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.

“Fresh basil adds a wonderful brightness to this rich dish—it’s the perfect finishing touch!”

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q: Can I use a different type of protein?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even a plant-based protein for a different twist on the recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and toss them together.

Q: How can I lighten the dish?
A: To make a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even substitute with a plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk. Just note that the sauce will be less thick and rich.

Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken Pasta :

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish on its own, but here are a few side dishes that would pair perfectly with it:

1. Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of warm garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or broccoli make excellent sides that add a bit of crunch and extra nutrition.

“Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dinner at home!”

Please remember to SHARE on Facebook and PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME ON PINTEREST BY CLICKING HERE <——

★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

Yield: 4 serving

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print

With this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe, you’re guaranteed a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a family favorite!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta of choice
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

Add butter and chicken, season with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through.

Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, simmer until sauce thickens.

Add sun-dried tomatoes and cooked pasta, toss to coat evenly.

Garnish with basil leaves and serve immediately.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

This recipe is a showstopper—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. The tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, and luscious cream sauce come together in just under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for date nights, family dinners, or when you simply want to treat yourself to something special.