Some dinners feel like a warm hug, and this Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is exactly that kind of meal. It’s creamy, rich, and filled with tender chicken coated in a luscious Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. The sun-dried tomatoes add just the right tang, making it quick enough for weeknights yet special enough to impress anyone at the table.
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Why This Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta Works
There’s something irresistible about a creamy chicken pasta that feels both comforting and fancy. This Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings tender, golden chicken and perfectly cooked pasta together in a dreamy Parmesan sauce. Each bite is rich, a little tangy, and completely satisfying. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special but comes together quickly, perfect for weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Pasta and Sauce Components
- 10 oz penne pasta (or rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
- 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
- Substitute roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes if desired
Step-by-Step: How to Make Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Cook the Pasta
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later if you need to thin the sauce.
Sear the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Then, remove from the pan and set aside.
Build the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until the sauce turns creamy and silky.
Next, mix in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens. Avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent curdling.
Combine and Finish
Return the chicken and pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is well coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, top with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Choosing the Right Pasta Shape
Penne is ideal because it holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli also work well.
Preventing Cheese Curdling and Sauce Separation
Always remove the pan from direct heat before adding cheese. Stir continuously until smooth for that perfect silky texture.
Getting the Perfect Chicken Sear
Pat the chicken dry before seasoning. A dry surface helps achieve that golden crust that seals in flavor.
Easy Ingredient Substitutions
Protein Swaps
Try boneless chicken thighs for juicier results or even shrimp for a lighter twist.
Pasta and Dairy Alternatives
Use gluten-free pasta if needed, and swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Seasoning Options
Roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes add a fresh pop. You can also use Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Pasta
This pasta pairs perfectly with garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. You can also enjoy it alongside Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or the comforting The Best Crockpot Chicken Alfredo.
Storage, Reheating, and Freezing Guide
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Stir well when reheating, as the sauce may separate slightly.
FAQs
What type of pasta is best for marry me chicken?
Penne is classic for this dish, but rigatoni or fusilli also soak up the sauce beautifully.
Why is it called “marry me chicken pasta”?
The name comes from its irresistible flavor it’s said to be “so good, it could make someone propose!”
What is Marry Me pasta made of?
It combines juicy chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes tossed with pasta.
What is the sauce for marry me chicken?
It’s a rich mix of chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings that blend into a velvety sauce.
More Such Recipes
- Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta
- Best Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables
- Ground Chicken Meatballs for Kids
- Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken Recipe
- Simple Crockpot Chicken Marsala

Conclusion
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta is comfort food that always delivers. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filled with cozy vibes, making every bite feel like home. Share it at dinner or save it for a special night in it never disappoints. For more quick, family-friendly recipes, check out our latest updates on Pinterest and Facebook.
Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta | Amazing Creamy Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 40–55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful chicken pasta with Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs that comes together in under an hour — perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken cut into 1-inch pieces
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
10 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle)
3 tbsp butter
2 tsp minced garlic
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed)
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil salted water in a large pot, cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until cooked through; remove from pan.
3. Melt butter in the same pan, sauté garlic briefly, then stir in flour to create a paste.
4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then add heavy cream and Parmesan; stir until sauce is smooth.
5. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and paprika; let simmer until sauce thickens.
6. Return chicken and pasta to the pan, stirring to coat with sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning if needed, remove from heat, and garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
Any short pasta works well, though penne is ideal for holding sauce.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
Top with extra Parmesan or basil for added flavor.
Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese to avoid curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500–700
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
