Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Looking for the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe? This rich and creamy pasta features tender, perfectly seasoned chicken in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. It’s an easy restaurant-quality dinner that’s perfect for date nights, family meals, or whenever you’re craving comforting Italian-inspired flavors.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce
Juicy, flavorful chicken
Ready in about 40 minutes
One-pan sauce for easy cleanup
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
Family-friendly and meal-prep approved
⏱️ Prep Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta
12 ounces penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
Salted water for boiling
For the Creamy Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
Fresh basil, chopped
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken with:
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter.
Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Season with Italian seasoning, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
If needed, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with:
Fresh basil
Chopped parsley
Extra grated Parmesan
Serve immediately with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
💡 Chef’s Tips
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the rich sauce.
🧊 Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Up to 2 months (the cream sauce may separate slightly when reheated).
Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 760
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 760mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?
The dish gets its name from its incredibly rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce—it’s jokingly said to be so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal!
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and stay especially juicy.
What pasta works best?
Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, and linguine all work well because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly for a lighter version.
