Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Save this recipe on:

There’s something magical about a dish that brings both comfort and elegance to the table—and that’s exactly what this Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta delivers. I still remember the first time I made it for a dinner date; creamy, rich, and bursting with bold flavors, it instantly became the star of the evening. The name might sound playful, but trust me, this pasta has serious charm.

What makes this pasta unforgettable is the balance between creamy garlic parmesan sauce, tender seasoned chicken, and the subtle tang from sun-dried tomatoes. Toss it all with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil, and you’ve got a meal that feels restaurant-quality but comes together quickly at home. It’s my go-to for when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This pasta recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a statement. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and has just enough sophistication to make it special for guests, while still being simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. The savory sear on the chicken, the indulgent creamy sauce, and the punch of sun-dried tomatoes combine to create something truly irresistible.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is my personal favorite for this dish. Its hollow shape soaks up the sauce beautifully, and the ridges cling to all that creamy goodness. But if you’re in a pinch, rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine would work just as well. The key is choosing a pasta that will hold onto the sauce and support the hearty bits of chicken and tomatoes.

Options for Substitutions

If you want to make this recipe a bit lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even go with a dairy-free creamer. Boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts for a juicier texture. And for a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based chicken. Not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers bring a similar pop of flavor and color.

---

Ingredients for This Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken breasts – The star protein, seared for flavor and tenderness.
• Penne pasta – Holds the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor of the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet punch.
• Heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and crucial for creamy texture.
• Chicken broth – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
• Italian seasoning – A blend that ties the entire dish together.
• Red pepper flakes – Just enough heat to balance the creaminess.
• Fresh spinach – A touch of green for freshness and color.
• Olive oil & butter – Used to sear the chicken and sauté ingredients.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.
• Fresh basil – Optional but adds a fresh aromatic finish.

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up all the delicious bits from the bottom.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken

Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt. Add the sliced chicken back into the pan and simmer everything together for another couple of minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat it in the sauce. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Garnish with more parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful magic of this dish.

---

How Long to Prepare the Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Preparing this dish doesn’t take a lot of time, making it perfect for weeknights or quick special meals.

Prep Time: Around 15 minutes – This includes slicing the chicken, chopping garlic, grating cheese, and measuring out ingredients.

Cook Time: 25–30 minutes – That includes boiling the pasta, searing the chicken, and making the sauce. The entire dish comes together in under 45 minutes total.

---

Tips for Perfect Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
• Sear the chicken until golden—it builds incredible flavor into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the spinach. Add it at the end just until it wilts.
• Reserve pasta water—it’s your best tool to adjust the sauce consistency.
• Finish with fresh basil and more parmesan for a restaurant-quality presentation.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the pasta – Always cook it al dente to avoid mushy texture.
• Using pre-shredded cheese – It doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce gritty.
• Skipping the chicken rest time – Let it sit after searing to retain juices.
• Adding cream too quickly – Let the broth simmer first before adding dairy to prevent curdling.
• Neglecting seasoning – Taste the sauce before combining with pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

---

What to Serve With Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

2. Caesar Salad

The crisp romaine and tangy dressing are a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Light and slightly bitter, it balances out the richness of the dish.

4. Sparkling Water or White Wine

Cleanse the palate and elevate your meal.

5. Tiramisu or Panna Cotta

A creamy Italian dessert to round off the evening beautifully.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so it’s even better the next day.

Freezer: You can freeze it, but the cream sauce may separate upon reheating. If you do, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave to bring back the creaminess.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Note: Values are approximate per serving.

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 590mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 3g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild with just a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can adjust heat levels to taste.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your broth and seasonings.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well. Store the sauce and pasta separately if possible to keep the texture perfect.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or unsweetened coconut cream are good alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free version.

---

Conclusion

Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that impresses without the stress. With its creamy, garlicky sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and golden seared chicken, it hits every comfort food note while still feeling elevated. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a family meal, or just a self-care night in, this pasta always delivers flavor and warmth in every bite.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: