Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe You’ll Fall For

Introduction + First Part of the Recipe

If there’s one thing I believe with my whole heart, it’s that food can tell a love story—and let me tell you, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta is pure poetry on a plate. I remember the first time I made it: I was craving something creamy, something savory, and honestly, something that felt a little extra special without a ton of extra work. Little did I know, one bite in and my husband jokingly said, “You could’ve proposed to me with this.” Hence, the name stuck—and the recipe became a regular in our house.

There’s just something magical about tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce, with little pops of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Add a bed of perfectly cooked pasta to soak up all that goodness, and you’ve got a meal that’s basically a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re whipping this up for a date night, a family dinner, or just a Wednesday night treat-yourself situation, it’s guaranteed to impress.

So, let’s dive right in—because trust me, you’re going to want this one in your back pocket.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs if you love a little extra richness)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, but adds such a nice kick!)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, spaghetti—whatever you love most)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
First things first, we want to give our chicken tons of flavor right from the start. Pat the chicken dry (this helps it sear better) and season it generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. I like to sprinkle the seasoning on both sides and really press it in.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken and sear it until it’s beautifully golden brown—about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Don’t stress if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through yet; we’re just getting that gorgeous color and locking in the juices.

Tip: Resist the urge to move the chicken around too much. Let it sit and develop that crust—it’s worth the patience!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is sizzling away, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente (you want it to have a little bite left). Drain it, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil so it doesn’t stick, and set it aside for a minute.

P.S. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold if you need to loosen your sauce later on!

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce Base
Once the chicken has that irresistible sear, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. (No need to clean the pan—those browned bits are packed with flavor!)

In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them around for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling like pure heaven.

Now, pour in the chicken broth, and using a wooden spoon, gently scrape up all the caramelized bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This step, called deglazing, is what brings that deep, rich flavor to your sauce.

And just like that, your kitchen is officially the best-smelling spot in the house.

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Continuing the Recipe + Helpful Tips

Alright, now that we’ve got that flavorful base started, it’s time for the real magic—the creamy, dreamy sauce that’s going to pull everything together.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
With the skillet still over medium-low heat, slowly stir in the heavy cream. Take your time here—you want the cream to warm gently and pick up all those delicious flavors we built earlier. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, just until it thickens ever so slightly.

Now for my favorite part: whisk in the Parmesan cheese. As it melts, it’ll transform the sauce into a silky, cheesy blanket that’s rich but not too heavy. It should coat the back of a spoon when you run your finger through it—that’s how you know you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Once the sauce is smooth and glossy, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These little jewels bring a burst of sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the creaminess just perfectly. I love using the oil-packed ones because they’re soft and flavorful right out of the jar. If you’re using dry ones, soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes first to plump them up.

Step 6: Bring the Chicken Back
Now it’s time for the chicken to rejoin the party! Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce, spooning a little bit of that luscious cream over the tops. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temp of 165°F is your magic number).

While the chicken is finishing, your sauce will get even richer, and the sun-dried tomatoes will soften just a bit more. You might find yourself sneaking a spoonful of the sauce—no judgment here!

Step 7: Toss in the Pasta
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, take it out one last time and set it aside. Toss the cooked pasta right into the sauce, using tongs to gently swirl it around until every piece is lovingly coated. If the sauce feels a little too thick, now’s the time to add a splash of that reserved pasta water we talked about earlier. It’ll thin the sauce just enough without watering down the flavor.

Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice the chicken into thick, juicy strips, and lay them across the top of the pasta. Don’t worry about making it perfect—this is rustic comfort food at its best. Sprinkle with a handful of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and a little extra brightness.

At this point, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be standing there with a fork, twirling up a bite straight from the pan. And honestly? That’s the cook’s reward.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use Good-Quality Parmesan:
Grate it yourself if you can. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little grainy.

Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
Since it continues to cook a bit once it’s in the sauce, try to pull it from the skillet when it’s just cooked through to keep it juicy.

Adjust the Spice Level:
Love a little heat? Feel free to up the crushed red pepper flakes. Not a spice fan? You can leave them out completely and the dish will still be insanely flavorful.

Pasta Water Is Your Friend:
If your sauce thickens up too much before serving, a splash of the starchy pasta water will loosen it right back up without making it watery.

Fresh Herbs Matter:
A handful of fresh basil really wakes up the dish at the end. If you have some parsley lying around, you could throw that in too!

FAQ Section + Conclusion

By now, your kitchen probably smells incredible, your pasta is swimming in the dreamiest sauce, and you’re ready to dive face-first into a bowl. But before you do, let’s quickly go over a few questions you might be wondering about.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

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Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Food

There’s something so special about sitting down to a meal like this one. Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just food—it’s a feeling. It’s cozy, comforting, and a little bit fancy without being fussy. Every bite is creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, and it’s the kind of dish that just brings people together.

Whether you’re cooking for someone you love, feeding a hungry crew, or simply treating yourself after a long day (and you totally deserve it), this pasta is a guaranteed win. And who knows—someone just might propose after tasting it. 😉

If you try this recipe, I would love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And if you added your own twist—maybe a sprinkle of extra cheese, a handful of spinach, or a splash of white wine to the sauce—tell me all about it. Sharing kitchen stories is half the fun, after all.

Happy cooking, friends! Can’t wait for you to fall head over heels for this one.

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