Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Intro

Some recipes feed you… And then some recipes change the mood in the room.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe falls very firmly into the second category.

I first made this dish on a random weeknight when I wanted something comforting but still impressive—something that felt like effort without actually being effort. One pan, one pot, creamy sauce, golden chicken, pasta soaking up all that goodness. By the time it hit the table, the kitchen smelled like garlic, parmesan, and confidence.

The name isn’t subtle. “Marry Me Chicken” has a reputation for being that dish—the one so good it could inspire a proposal. And honestly? I get it. Add pasta to the mix, and now we’re talking about commitment-level comfort food.

This is a recipe I make when I want to spoil someone. Or myself. Or both.

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What Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

At its heart, Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy chicken pasta dish made with:

• Golden pan-seared chicken
  
• A rich Parmesan cream sauce
  
• Sun-dried tomatoes for tang and depth
  
• Garlic, herbs, and just enough spice
  

The sauce clings to every piece of pasta, the chicken stays juicy, and the flavors feel luxurious without being heavy. It’s Italian-inspired, cozy, and bold in that “how is this homemade?” kind of way.

Think restaurant-quality… but in your own kitchen, in your comfiest clothes.

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Why This Dish Has a Reputation

Let’s be honest—food doesn’t make people propose.
But good food? It makes people feel cared for. And this dish does exactly that.

It’s:

• Creamy without being boring
  
• Savory with a little sweetness
  
• Comforting but elegant
  

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe feels intentional. Like you planned something special—even if you didn’t.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy. This is real-life cooking.

• Large skillet or sauté pan
  
• Medium pot for pasta
  
• Tongs
  
• Wooden spoon or spatula
  
• Sharp knife
  
• Cutting board
  

If you can stir and taste, you’re already qualified.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 10 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best)
  
• 3 tablespoons butter
  
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 cup heavy cream
  
• ½ cup chicken broth
  
• ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional but recommended)
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
• Salt to taste
  

To Finish

• Fresh basil or parsley
  
• Extra parmesan for serving
  

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

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Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Remove from pan and set aside. Don’t wipe the pan—those browned bits are flavor.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan.

Once melted, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Then add:

• Heavy cream
  
• Sun-dried tomatoes
  
• Oregano
  
• Chili flakes
  

Let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes.

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Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in parmesan cheese.

The sauce should thicken and turn silky. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

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Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slice the chicken and return it to the pan.

Add cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

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Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh herbs and extra parmesan.

Serve immediately—this dish waits for no one.

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What Makes This Sauce So Addictive

The magic of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is in the balance.

• Cream for richness
  
• Parmesan for salt and umami
  
• Sun-dried tomatoes for acidity
  
• Garlic and herbs for depth
  

Nothing overwhelms. Everything supports. It’s bold but smooth—like a really good love letter.

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Choosing the Right Pasta

Short pasta is my go-to because it traps the sauce inside, but long pasta works too.

Best options:

• Penne
  
• Rigatoni
  
• Fettuccine
  
• Tagliatelle
  

Avoid very thin pasta—it gets lost in the sauce.

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Easy Variations

Once you make it once, you’ll start tweaking.

Add Veggies

• Spinach (stir in at the end)
  
• Mushrooms (sauté with garlic)
  
• Broccoli (blanch and toss in)
  

Make It Spicier

• Extra chili flakes
  
• A pinch of cayenne
  

Swap the Protein

• Shrimp
  
• Salmon
  
• Crispy tofu
  

This sauce is loyal. It works with almost anything.

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Make It Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead

You can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Reheat gently and add pasta fresh.

Storage

• Fridge: up to 3 days
  
• Store pasta and sauce together for best texture
  

Reheating

Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or milk. Never blast it—the sauce deserves kindness.

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When I Love Making This Most

This is my:

• Date night dish
  
• “I cooked!” dish
  
• Comfort-after-a-long-day dish
  
• Impress-without-stress dish
  

As a female chef, I love recipes that feel generous but grounded. This one does that beautifully.

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Common Mistakes (Let’s Avoid Them)

• Overcooking the chicken (dry chicken ruins romance)
  
• High heat after adding cream (hello, separation)
  
• Pre-shredded parmesan (it won’t melt smoothly)
  

Low heat. Fresh cheese. Taste as you go.

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What to Serve With It

Keep it simple:

• Garlic bread
  
• Simple green salad
  
• Roasted vegetables
  

This pasta is the star. Let it shine.

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Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about warmth, comfort, and flavors that linger. The kind of meal that makes people slow down, lean back, and smile.

If food is a love language—and I fully believe it is—this dish speaks fluently. Make it for someone special. Or make it for yourself.
Either way, it delivers.