What is Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, sun-dried tomato pasta dish made with pan-seared chicken and rich Italian-inspired seasoning. It became viral for being so delicious that, legend says, someone proposed after eating it—hence the name!

Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken?

The name is playful, but it reflects how irresistible the dish is. The story goes: someone took one bite and jokingly said, “If you made this for me, I’d marry you!” That phrase caught on, and now “Marry Me” Chicken—and its pasta version—is a go-to recipe for date nights and romantic dinners.

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made in advance and reheated. Just store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. For best results: Reheat gently over medium-low heat Add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Short, sturdy pastas like penne , rigatoni , rotini , or ziti work best. They trap the creamy sauce in their ridges and tubes. Long pastas like spaghetti can be used, but won’t hold the sauce as well.

Is Marry Me Chicken Pasta spicy?

Only if you want it to be. The original recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can leave them out for a milder dish or add more for a spicier kick.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and add more richness to the dish. Just trim the excess fat and cook until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try: Tomato paste Roasted red peppers Fresh cherry tomatoes (sautéed briefly) However, sun-dried tomatoes give the dish its signature tangy-sweet depth.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Try these swaps: Coconut cream or oat cream instead of heavy cream Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for cheese Olive oil + garlic puree as a base flavor enhancer

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Rich, and Irresistible 😍

Description

A creamy, dreamy pasta dish with juicy seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs—so delicious, it might inspire a proposal! Easy enough for a weeknight, fancy enough for a date night.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
3 garlic cloves (minced)
½ cup onion (finely chopped)
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed)
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water
Salt & black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water and drain.
Sauté onions in olive oil and butter until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 sec.
Add chicken. Season with spices, salt, and pepper. Sear until golden and cooked through.
Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Add cooked pasta and reserved water. Toss to coat and simmer for 2 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a creamier finish.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Swap pasta for zoodles or GF pasta for dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Category: Dinner, Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 575 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 34 g
Saturated Fat: 17 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 135 mg