This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. With sun-dried tomatoes, tender chicken, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, it’s a dinner that’s hard to resist—and even harder to forget.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze
Rich and creamy sauce with bold, savory flavors
Perfect for date night or a cozy family dinner
Customizable with different pasta types or protein options
Ready in under an hour, great for weeknight meals

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic
Sun-dried tomatoes
Chicken broth
Heavy cream
Pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
Grated parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

directions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Add dry pasta and stir. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Slice the cooked chicken and return to the pot. Mix to combine.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use boneless thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Substitute spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes.
Swap parmesan for pecorino romano for a sharper taste.
Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for dietary restrictions.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. It can also be microwaved in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

What is “Marry Me Chicken”?

It’s a popular chicken dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and bold flavors, rumored to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust to taste or omit entirely.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cream alternatives and skip the parmesan, or use a vegan version.

What can I serve with this dish?

A side salad or garlic bread complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well as the sauce may separate. Best to enjoy fresh or refrigerated.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (75°C).

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil work great. Drain excess oil before using.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a winning combination of ease and indulgence. Whether you’re impressing a guest or just treating yourself, this comforting, creamy pasta dish is bound to become a regular on your dinner table. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s a one-pot wonder worth repeating