Name: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 8 oz penne pasta; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Hey y’all! If you’re craving something ultra-creamy, savory, and totally irresistible, The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is your go-to recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to impress someone with minimal effort, this dish blends tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, one bite and everyone will be asking for seconds! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of juicy chicken and pasta.
Ready in just 35 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
Makes excellent leftovers that reheat beautifully!

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and sliced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 oz of pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 10 minutes for al dente). Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoon olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta & Sauce

Slice the chicken into strips. Add pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Serve The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy while hot!

Notes for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

For extra flavor, use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—just drain well. Learn more about sun-dried tomatoes here.
If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
Letting chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.

Variations for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon more crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Vegetarian: Swap chicken for roasted vegetables or meatless chicken strips.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Required Equipment for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Large skillet (12-inch recommended)
Large pot for boiling pasta
Cutting board & sharp knife
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups & spoons

Storage Instructions for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Not recommended for freezing as creamy sauces can separate.

Suggested Pairings for Serving The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Pair with a crisp green salad with Italian dressing.
Serve alongside warm garlic bread to mop up the sauce.
Add roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.

Pro Tips for The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest, richest sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up best in the sauce.
For juicy chicken, always let it rest before slicing; read more about resting meat here.

FAQ: The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully; just adjust cooking time so they’re cooked through.
What pasta shapes work best?: Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, and even spaghetti work well—just choose your favorite!
Can I make The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead?: You can prep sauce and chicken ahead, but it’s best to cook pasta fresh before serving for the ideal texture.

Looking for more info on chicken nutrition? Check out this comprehensive guide to chicken health benefits.

The Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta