Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If dinner has ever felt like a chore instead of a moment to look forward to, this creamy marry me chicken pasta is exactly the dish you need.

It’s the perfect comfort-meets-impressive dinner for date nights, family meals, or anytime you want something that feels special without hours in the kitchen.

The magic lies in its luxuriously creamy sauce and bold sun-dried tomato flavor, delivering instant comfort while making you feel like you’ve cooked something truly unforgettable.

From the very first bite, you’ll taste the rich harmony of savory garlic and deep, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, wrapped in a silky cream sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

The chicken is juicy and tender, lightly seasoned and pan-seared to golden perfection, creating a beautiful contrast between velvety sauce and succulent, meaty texture.

Each forkful is cozy, indulgent, and balanced, with parmesan adding a subtle nutty depth that ties everything together.

This recipe is easy and ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Serve it with a simple salad or a slice of warm bread, and you’ll have a meal that feels restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

Once you make it, don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to signature pasta—the one that solves dinner and wins hearts every single time.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients

450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
30 g unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
340 g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette work best)
¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick strips.

Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor into the butter and garlic mixture.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pan and incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom.

Stir in parmesan cheese, red chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Simmer the sauce gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth and glossy.
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently fold it into the pasta. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors fully combine.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.

What Is Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta And Why Is It So Popular?

Creamy marry me chicken pasta is a rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender chicken, a creamy garlic-based sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. It became popular because it feels fancy and special but is actually very easy to make at home.

When you cook it, you get a meal that looks impressive, smells amazing, and tastes like something you would order at a restaurant. You need this dish when you want something cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Does Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Taste Like?

This dish has a bold yet balanced flavor that is easy to love. The sauce is creamy and smooth, with a savory and slightly tangy taste from the sun-dried tomatoes. The garlic adds warmth without being overpowering, and the parmesan gives a gentle salty and nutty flavor. When you eat it, you notice how the juicy chicken and soft pasta are wrapped in a silky sauce, creating a comforting and rich bite every time.

Why Is It Called Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. When you make it, the flavors feel indulgent and special, like something cooked with care and love. You might hear people joke that if you serve this pasta to someone, they will fall in love with your cooking instantly. While it is just a fun name, it truly describes how impressive and comforting the dish feels.

What Type Of Pasta Works Best For Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

You want to choose pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce instead of letting it slide off. Pasta with curves, ridges, or small cups works best because it traps the sauce in every bite. A good way to decide is to look for pasta that feels sturdy and not too thin. This helps the sauce cling well and keeps the dish creamy instead of watery.

Can You Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Chicken Breasts?

Yes, you can easily use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer and juicier texture. Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, even if cooked a little longer, which makes them very forgiving. If you switch to thighs, just make sure they are cooked fully and sliced evenly so they mix well with the pasta and sauce.

How Do You Keep The Sauce Creamy And Smooth?

To keep the sauce creamy, you need gentle heat and a little patience. High heat can cause the cream to split or become oily, which changes the texture. The key is to let the sauce simmer slowly and stir often. Adding a small amount of reserved pasta water also helps because it blends with the cream and creates a smooth, silky texture that coats the pasta evenly.

Is Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Spicy?

This dish is mildly warm, not spicy. The small amount of chili flakes adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess instead of overpowering it. If you are sensitive to spice, you can reduce or skip the chili flakes completely. If you enjoy more heat, you can increase them slightly or add a pinch more at the end.

Can You Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ahead Of Time?

You can make parts of the recipe ahead, but it tastes best when freshly cooked. The chicken can be cooked and sliced earlier in the day and stored in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be prepared in advance, then gently reheated. When you are ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and combine everything so the sauce stays creamy and smooth.

How Do You Store Leftover Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Proper storage helps keep the pasta safe and tasty for later meals. Let the dish cool slightly before storing it so excess moisture does not build up. Use airtight containers to prevent the pasta from drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Refrigerator: store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can You Freeze Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Freezing is possible, but you need to know what to expect. Cream-based sauces can change texture when frozen and thawed, becoming slightly grainy. If you still want to freeze it, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Freezer: freeze for up to 2 months, knowing the sauce may be less smooth after reheating.

How Do You Reheat Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Without Drying It Out?

Reheating slowly is the secret to keeping this pasta creamy. High heat will dry out the sauce and make the chicken tough. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth before reheating to bring the sauce back to life.

Stovetop: reheat gently over low heat, stirring often until warmed through.
Microwave: heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until evenly hot.

What Can You Serve With Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is rich and filling, so simple sides work best. Light and fresh options help balance the creamy sauce. A small side dish makes the meal feel complete without being heavy.

Salad: a simple green salad with a light dressing adds freshness.
Vegetables: roasted or steamed vegetables pair well with the creamy texture.
Bread: warm bread is perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Why Did My Sauce Turn Too Thick Or Too Thin?

Sauce texture can change depending on heat and timing. If your sauce feels too thick, it usually means it cooked too long or lost too much liquid. You can fix this by adding a little pasta water or cream and stirring gently. If it feels too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes so it thickens naturally while stirring often.

Is Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Good For Special Occasions?

Yes, this dish is perfect when you want something comforting yet impressive. It looks elegant, tastes rich, and feels like a special meal without complicated steps. When you serve it, you get a dish that feels thoughtful and satisfying, making it ideal for celebrations, date nights, or cozy dinners at home.

hinamunawar

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta made with juicy pan-seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in a silky cream sauce. Perfect for special dinners or comforting weeknight meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 720

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

450 g boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
30 g unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
½ tsp red chili flakes
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
340 g pasta penne, rigatoni, or orecchiette work best
¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped

Method

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thick strips.
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes to release their flavor into the butter and garlic mixture.
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pan and incorporate all the flavorful bits from the bottom.
Stir in parmesan cheese, red chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Simmer the sauce gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth and glossy.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently fold it into the pasta. Let everything simmer together for 1–2 minutes so the flavors fully combine.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving.