Why is it called marry me chicken pasta?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so irresistibly good, someone might propose after one bite. It’s rich, creamy, flavorful, and hits all the comforting notes of a perfect homemade meal — hence the playful, romantic name. Even if no one pops the question, you’ll probably get asked to make it again and again.

Can I make marry me chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and even cook the chicken ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers. When you're ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently and cook the pasta fresh. Then combine everything in the pan for a quick finish. This method is great for prepping meals or hosting dinner with less stress.

What’s the best pasta to use in this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce inside their curves and ridges. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti, which won’t catch the sauce as well. For a rustic feel, you can even try handmade pasta or the fresh varieties we highlight in our pasta prep guide.

Can I make a dairy-free or gluten-free version?

Absolutely. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese. For gluten-free, choose pasta made from brown rice, chickpeas, or lentils. The flavor will be slightly different, but you’ll still get that creamy, cozy texture that makes marry me chicken pasta a favorite.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta – 1 Irresistible Skillet Recipe

Description

Creamy, garlicky, and full of flavor, this marry me chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort meal made in one pan — perfect for date night or any cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden and fully cooked. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant.

4. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan and stir in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.

5. Let the sauce simmer until slightly thickened.

6. Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.

7. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente, then drain.

8. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to combine.

9. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat before adding the pasta.

For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 560
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 115mg