You ever take one bite of something and immediately wonder where it’s been all your life? That’s exactly what happened when I made this creamy, dreamy, straight-out-of-a-rom-com dish—Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

It’s not just dinner. It’s an edible love letter. It’s the kind of meal that makes your partner pause mid-bite and go, “Wow,” then keep going back for seconds like they’re falling in love all over again.

Now, this isn’t just some pasta with sauce. This is golden-seared chicken thighs, juicy and seasoned to perfection, cuddling up with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and sizzling garlic in a rich, velvety cream sauce.

The parmesan doesn’t just melt—it transforms. Everything gets tangled with tender pasta that soaks it all up like it was meant to be. One spoonful in and suddenly the lights are lower, the background music is softer, and you’re wondering why you haven’t made this before.

So yeah, if you’re ready for a dish that’s bold, beautiful, a little dramatic (in a good way), and potentially life-changing… grab a skillet and let’s make magic happen.

Recipe Snapshot

Category	Details
Yield	4 servings
Serving Size	1 plate (approx. 1.5 cups)
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes
Calories per Serving	~630 calories
Primary Cooking Method	Stovetop
Occasion	Date night, comfort food craving
Diet Type	Non-vegetarian

Calories are approximate and may vary depending on exact ingredients used.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Recipe by Angela JonesCourse: DinnerCuisine: American-ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

plate

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

630

kcal

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that says, “I like you enough to use heavy cream on a weeknight.” Picture this: golden-seared chicken thighs, drenched in a silky garlic-parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, all tangled up with your favorite pasta.

It’s dramatic, delicious, and dangerously easy to fall for. Whether it’s a Netflix night or a surprise date dinner, this dish brings the heat—and maybe even a ring.

Ingredients

For the Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce & Pasta
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work great)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of your chosen pasta (like penne or rigatoni) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
Prepare the Chicken
Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry and cut them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Season with 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Start the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Build the Creamy Sauce
Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up the browned bits. Then stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add 3/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the Flavor Boosters
Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped, drained sun-dried tomatoes. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 more minutes to thicken slightly. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is coated and the chicken is warmed through. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot, ideally with good company and a cozy vibe.

Extra Tips

Get That Golden Chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken—this helps lock in flavor and gives you that beautiful golden sear.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente. Since the pasta will cook slightly more when tossed with the hot sauce, starting a little firm helps avoid mushiness.
Save Your Pasta Water: That starchy pasta water is liquid gold for adjusting the consistency of your sauce. Add it a splash at a time if things look too thick
Cheese Choice Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan if you can. The pre-shredded stuff often contains anti-caking agents that can mess with your sauce texture.
Garnish Like You Mean It: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra parmesan isn’t just pretty—it adds fresh flavor that brightens up all the creamy richness.

Equipment List

Large skillet or sauté pan
Pot for boiling pasta
Tongs or spatula
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater (for the parmesan)

Make-Ahead Tips

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is weeknight-friendly, but you can make life even easier with a few prep moves.

Chicken: You can chop and season the chicken up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to cook.
Sauce Base: Mince the garlic, grate the parmesan, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes ahead of time. Keep them refrigerated separately.
Complete Sauce: The sauce itself can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.
Cooked Pasta: Cook the pasta, drain it, and toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking. Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Just reheat everything together before serving, and you’ve got a fuss-free dinner ready in minutes.

Substitution Options

Chicken

No chicken thighs? You can totally go with chicken breasts—just be extra careful not to dry them out. Want to keep it meat-free? Try roasted cauliflower or some hearty mushrooms instead. Still dreamy, still delicious.

Pasta

Go ahead and grab whatever pasta shape you love—penne, rigatoni, even fettuccine. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it can soak up all that creamy goodness without going limp. Gluten-free? Totally doable.

Dairy

Cutting back on dairy or need to go lactose-free? Swap the heavy cream for oat or cashew cream and use a dairy-free parmesan. You still get the richness without the tummy drama.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Not into sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers are a great alternative, or throw in some juicy cherry tomatoes for a fresher pop.

Storage Instructions

This dish is best served straight from the skillet, but leftovers still shine when handled right.

In the Fridge

Transfer any extra pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, use the microwave or stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream, broth, or water to bring back the luscious texture.

Reheating Tips

Don’t panic if the sauce gets soaked up by the pasta—it’s normal. Stir in a little liquid as it warms and the magic comes right back.

Freezer Advice

You can freeze it, but be warned: the pasta will soften a bit. It’s still tasty, just not as fabulous as fresh. Portion it out, freeze it flat, and it’ll be your backup dinner hero.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general estimate per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: ~630 kcal
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~48g
Fat: ~35g
Saturated Fat: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~145mg
Sodium: ~700mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~4g

These values are approximations and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time for a dinner party?

Totally! Prep the chicken by cutting and seasoning it a day ahead, and mix your sauce ingredients so they’re ready to go. Store everything separately in the fridge. Then, about 30 minutes before your guests arrive, combine and heat it all together. This way, you serve up a creamy, dreamy pasta that tastes like you just made it fresh—because you basically did.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

No stress! You’ve got options. Roasted red peppers offer a similar rich, tangy vibe, while cherry tomatoes bring in fresh sweetness. You can even go minimalist and leave them out—just bump up the garlic or herbs for extra flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely. Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes and you’ve got a cheesy, creamy pasta that even picky eaters will demolish. If your kids love chicken Alfredo, this dish is like its cooler, tastier cousin.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, and honestly—it’s encouraged! Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully right into the sauce. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini can be sautéed and folded in. It bulks up the meal, adds color, and gives you bonus nutrition points.

Final Serving Suggestions

Looking to elevate this dish to “restaurant-at-home” status? Here’s how to bring the whole experience together:

Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette—that zesty freshness balances the richness of the sauce. Don’t forget a warm piece of garlic bread or a thick slice of herby focaccia, perfect for sopping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.

A chilled glass of white wine—Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay—adds a little sparkle. And if you’re feeling romantic, dim the lights, light a candle, or toss on some jazz. It’s that kind of vibe.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one pasta that’s gonna win hearts and silence a room at first bite, it’s this one. Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Comforting, creamy, and loaded with flavor, it checks every box. Whether you’re cooking to impress, stress-eating with flair, or just need a one-pan wonder to end your day, this recipe shows up and shows off. So go on, give it a try—and if someone proposes afterward, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Delight

Recipe Snapshot