Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich parmesan-garlic cream sauce, this pasta is designed to impress—hence the name! Best of all, everything comes together in a single pot for easy cleanup, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

ingredients

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

boneless skinless chicken breastssaltblack pepperolive oilgarlic cloves (minced)chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheesesun-dried tomatoes (chopped)Italian seasoningred pepper flakespenne or your favorite pasta (uncooked)fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

directions

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and deglaze the pan.

Add grated parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes to let flavors combine.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies and texture.

Substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Try different pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.Not recommended for freezing due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

What does “Marry Me Chicken” mean?

It’s a fun name because the dish is so delicious it might just inspire a marriage proposal!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh or undercook slightly and finish reheating in the sauce.

Is it spicy?

Only mildly, from the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, the oil-packed ones add the most flavor. Just drain and chop before using.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne or rotini works great because it holds the sauce well.

Do I need to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream gives the best richness, but half-and-half can work in a pinch.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just stir it in at the end to warm through.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes if it’s too thin, or add a bit more cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it against the grain for tenderness.

Conclusion

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that wins hearts and brings people together. Rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, it’s an easy yet elegant dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or just treating yourself, this pasta is love at first bite.