Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is the indulgent, one-pan dinner that lives up to its romantic name. Featuring tender chicken in a rich, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For another comforting chicken dish, try this Creamy Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect meal for a special date night or any weeknight craving.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a rich and comforting bowl of Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, where tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes meld in a velvety Parmesan sauce.

• 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups half and half (or substitute heavy cream for a richer sauce)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Optional: extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is ready in about 40 minutes, which is roughly 25% faster than many similar creamy chicken pasta dishes that require longer simmering or marinating.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Mince the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Measure out your broth, cream, and grated Parmesan. Having everything ready makes cooking this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta seamless.

Step 2 — Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to rest.

Step 3 — Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will turn bitter.

Step 4 — Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 5 — Add Cheese and Thicken

Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6 — Slice Chicken and Combine

Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes. Add the chicken and any accumulated juices back into the creamy sauce, stirring to coat. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Step 7 — Cook Pasta and Finish

While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the Creamy Marry Me Chicken sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen it.

Step 8 — Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a final sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil and an extra dusting of Parmesan. Serve your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta immediately while hot and wonderfully creamy.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~620 kcal
Protein	~38 g
Carbohydrates	~45 g
Fat	~32 g
Fiber	~3 g
Sodium	~850 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size for this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Values can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is wonderfully adaptable. Here are simple swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing the rich, comforting flavor.

• Protein Swap: Use Shrimp or Tofu — For a seafood twist or plant-based version, swap chicken for large shrimp or extra-firm, pressed tofu. Both cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Lower-Carb Option: Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or roasted spaghetti squash for a lighter, veggie-packed base that still holds the sauce.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream — Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a blended cashew cream for a luxuriously rich, dairy-free sauce with a subtle, nutty sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, like those made from brown rice or chickpeas. Be sure to reserve some starchy pasta water to help the sauce cling perfectly.
• Low-Sodium Version: Homemade Broth & No-Salt-Added Tomatoes — Control the salt by using low-sodium or homemade chicken broth and no-salt-added canned tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes.
• Lighter Cream: Greek Yogurt or Evaporated Milk — For a protein boost with less fat, stir in plain Greek yogurt at the very end off the heat, or use evaporated milk for a lighter cream consistency.
• Herb Boost: Fresh Basil or Oregano — Amplify flavor without extra salt by finishing the dish with a generous handful of fresh, chopped basil or oregano.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the rich sauce.
• For a cozy dinner, serve it alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or a soft, pull-apart loaf to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Elevate a weeknight meal by plating the pasta in shallow bowls, garnishing with extra fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper.
• This dish is perfect for a romantic occasion. Plate it elegantly, light some candles, and pair it with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio.
• For a heartier family-style meal, add a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Transform leftovers by stuffing the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into bell peppers, topping with mozzarella, and baking until bubbly.

Whether for a special date night or a comforting family dinner, these ideas will help you present your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Overcooking the chicken, making it dry and tough. Fix: Cook just until no longer pink inside (165°F) and let it rest before slicing.
• Mistake: Adding raw garlic directly to the sauce, risking a harsh, bitter flavor. Fix: Sauté minced garlic in the pan drippings for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
• Mistake: Using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Fix: Always grate Parmesan and sun-dried tomato cheese from a block.
• Mistake: Dumping in the heavy cream cold, which can cause it to separate or curdle. Fix: Let the cream come to room temperature and add it off the heat, stirring constantly.
• Mistake: Skipping the fond (browned bits) in the pan after searing the chicken. Fix: Deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth to incorporate that deep, savory flavor.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the sauce, resulting in a bland Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Fix: Season in layers—salt the chicken, season the sauce base, and do a final taste before serving.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pan when searing chicken, which steams instead of browns it. Fix: Cook chicken in batches to ensure each piece gets a perfect golden sear.
• Mistake: Using the oil from sun-dried tomatoes without tasting it first, which can be overly salty or sharp. Fix: Taste the oil and adjust the amount of added salt in your recipe accordingly.
• Mistake: Adding the fresh herbs too early, causing them to wilt and lose their vibrant flavor. Fix: Stir in fresh basil or parsley just before serving for a bright, aromatic finish.
• Mistake: Pouring the sauce over under-salted pasta water, making the final dish taste flat. Fix: Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea—as this seasons the pasta from within.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. You can also use the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

For best results, store the pasta and sauce together to keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than two hours.

Conclusion

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy date night or a special family dinner. If you love this recipe, try our Chicken Alfredo Bake Recipe next! We’d love to hear how yours turned out—leave a comment below and subscribe for more delicious, easy recipes.

Print

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that’s so good it might just earn you a proposal.

• Author: Sophie Lane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ cup yellow onion, diced
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 ½ cups half and half
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
• Optional: extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds, then slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the half and half and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in the cooked chicken and chopped spinach. Cook just until the spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, substitute heavy cream for half and half. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 6
• Sodium: 780
• Fat: 32
• Saturated Fat: 14
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 45
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 34
• Cholesterol: 115

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Store the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency before combining with freshly cooked pasta.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for a lighter version?

For a lighter Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, substitute full-fat canned coconut milk or half-and-half for the heavy cream. Note that lower-fat dairy alternatives may not thicken as effectively, so you may need to simmer the sauce a bit longer or add a small cornstarch slurry to achieve the desired texture.

How can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Control the heat in your Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a smaller amount, then taste and add more after simmering. For a completely mild dish, omit the flakes entirely and rely on the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs for flavor.