Marry Me Chicken Pasta Is Creamy Dreamy Irresistible 30

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, dreamy pasta dish I created for busy professionals who crave comfort with a touch of indulgence.
I’m a chef who runs Cookeroni, sharing quick, show-stopping meals you can sling together on a hectic weeknight.
From skillet to table in about 30 minutes, this sun-dried tomato garlic cream sauce with tender chicken proves you can get restaurant-worthy flavor at home, even on a schedule that never slows down.

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what make this Marry Me Chicken Pasta special

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is my cozy weeknight dream, a dish I pull from a hectic day and place on the table with a sigh of relief. I designed it for busy moms and professionals who crave comfort without spending hours at the stove. The creamy sun-dried tomato garlic sauce swaddles tender chicken and al dente pasta in a hug you can taste. It starts in a single pan and finishes in about 30 minutes, turning chaos into a warm, restaurant-worthy dinner at home.

A warm, relatable opening that ties back to busy evenings

On nights when the to-do list bites back, I pull out this dish. It’s a little luxury that doesn’t derail the evening. The creamy sauce feels like a hug after a long day.

One-pan appeal and weeknight efficiency

One-pan is the secret here. I brown the chicken, then let the sauce simmer in the same skillet, which means fewer dishes and less cleanup. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta stays comforting with bright sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, all in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Comfortingly creamy with a bright sun-dried tomato finish

I’m hooked on the creamy hug Marry Me Chicken Pasta gives.
Sun-dried tomatoes spark a bright, tangy note.
Every bite feels comforting and lively at once.

Its velvet texture clings to every noodle.
It tastes luxurious without needing fancy ingredients.
That balance makes weeknights feel special.

Quick, affordable, and crowd-pleasing for family dinners or busy personal schedules

Marry Me Chicken Pasta comes together fast and frugally.
Most pantry staples cover the sauce and seasoning.
It feels like a restaurant dish, without the price tag.

It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser for family meals or solo wins.
Leftovers reheat well, keeping its creamy charm.
That makes it a smart weekly staple for busy households.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need at a glance for Marry Me Chicken Pasta. I keep these ingredients on hand for weeknights when flavor matters most.

What you’ll need at a glance

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine) — sturdy shapes soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced or cubed — lean protein that browns quickly for weeknights.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — for searing and glossy finish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced — the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped — bright, tangy sweetness you’ll notice.
• 1 cup chicken broth — adds depth and helps loosen the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream — gives that rich, velvety texture.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan — salty, nutty finish that ties flavors together.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning — herb notes without fuss.
• ½ tsp paprika — color and a subtle smoky kiss.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) — a gentle heat if you like a kick.
• Salt and pepper, to taste — essential seasoning.
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish — bright, fresh contrast.
• Gluten-free pasta option — swap if needed for gluten-free eating.
• For a lighter version: half-and-half or 2% milk for cream, and reduce Parmesan.

Exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article and in the printable version.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1 – Cook the pasta

I start by boiling a salted pot of water.

I cook the pasta until al dente.

I drain and set it aside.

Tip: reserve a splash of pasta water.

This is the base method for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.

Step 2 – Sear the chicken

In a large skillet, I heat olive oil.

I season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

I sear until golden and cooked through, then rest.

Step 3 – Sauté aromatics and sun-dried tomatoes

In the same skillet, I add minced garlic.

I toss in sun-dried tomatoes and cook one to two minutes.

The kitchen smells bright and garlicky.

Step 4 – Build and thicken the sauce

I pour in chicken broth and simmer two to three minutes.

Then I swirl in heavy cream and Parmesan.

Let the sauce thicken, stirring often.

If it gets too thick, splash in pasta water.

Step 5 – Combine pasta and chicken with sauce

I return the chicken to the skillet.

I add the pasta and toss to coat.

Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 6 – Finish, garnish, and serve

I finish with fresh basil or parsley.

I spoon the creamy chicken pasta into bowls.

A last shower of Parmesan is optional.

Serve warm and enjoy the silky sun-dried tomato sauce.

Tips for Success

Quick flavor boosters and timing tips

• Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper for Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
• Dry the chicken well; pat dry for a better brown crust.
• Let the pasta water return to a boil after adding pasta.
• Reserve a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce.
• Sear in batches; avoid crowding the pan.
• Garlic goes in when the oil is hot.
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes small; finish with Parmesan whisked off heat.

Equipment Needed

Essential tools and simple substitutions

• 12-inch skillet or wide sauté pan (nonstick works) for browning and sauce.
• Large pasta pot for boiling noodles.
• Colander or fine-mesh strainer to drain pasta.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring.
• Tongs or a pasta fork for tossing.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board for chicken and aromatics.
• Measuring cups and spoons for exact amounts.
• Grater or microplane for Parmesan and garnish.

Variations

Dairy-free and gluten-free swaps

• Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, dairy-free finish without dairy.
• Choose gluten-free pasta to keep Marry Me Chicken Pasta friendly for gluten-sensitive eaters.
• If sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of gluten-free broth or pasta water.
• Always verify broth and seasonings are labeled gluten-free.

Spice level and greens additions

• Double or halve red pepper flakes to control heat to your family’s taste.
• Stir in spinach, arugula, or kale at the end for color and nutrition.
• Finish with lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Top with extra fresh basil or parsley for a fresh, herbal finish.

Protein and pasta variety ideas

• Swap in chicken thighs for juicier bites and extra flavor.
• Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops for a seafood twist.
• Try chickpeas, white beans, or cubed firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Experiment with pasta shapes like rigatoni, farfalle, or orecchiette to change texture.

Serving Suggestions

Plate presentation and pairing ideas

• Plate the Marry Me Chicken Pasta in warm shallow bowls for a cozy presentation.
• Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a crack of black pepper.
• Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up sauce.
• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water for balance.

Make-Ahead and Meal-Prep Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

How to prep components in advance

Preparing elements in advance keeps Marry Me Chicken Pasta stress-free.

• Cook pasta to al dente, cool, and store in an airtight container.
• Brown chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate in its pan juices.
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes and garlic; keep handy with a pinch of salt.
• Make the sauce base (broth, garlic, and tomatoes) up to simmer; refrigerate until ready to finish with cream.
• Label and date containers for quick weeknight retrieval.

Storing and reheating for best texture

Reheat slowly to keep the sauce silky and not split.

• Warm sauce in a skillet, adding a splash of broth or pasta water as needed.
• Reheat pasta separately and toss with sauce just before serving.

Freezing guidance and thawing tips

Freeze components separately for best texture.

• Freeze cooked chicken and the sauce base (no cream) up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight; reheat gently and finish with cream and cheese.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

Yes. You can swap chicken thighs for breasts in Marry Me Chicken Pasta. Thighs stay juicier and brown richly. If you use thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces and simmer a few extra minutes. The rest of the method stays the same.

Is this sauce suitable for lactose-sensitive diets, and can I swap cream?

Yes, you can make this sauce lactose-friendly with dairy-free swaps. Use cashew cream or coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Skip Parmesan or substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy note. If needed, thicken with a light cornstarch slurry and adjust salt.

Can I use frozen chicken or pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken or pre-cooked chicken. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking. You may need a few extra minutes to cook or rewarm. If using pre-cooked, just reheat and coat with sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheated?

To prevent the sauce from separating when reheated, warm gently on low. Whisk often and add a splash of broth or pasta water as needed. A quick whisk off heat helps emulsify the sauce again.

Final Thoughts

The everyday luxury of a creamy, comforting dinner

I treasure the everyday joy that Marry Me Chicken Pasta brings to my table.
Its creamy, sun-dried tomato kiss makes weeknights feel special.
And I love how a simple skillet meal can reset the mood in minutes.

Cooking it teaches me to pause, breathe, and savor the aroma.
The sauce coats every noodle like a satin ribbon on a gift.
Comfort can be fast, achievable, and deeply satisfying.

To you, busy reader, I say: grab your pan, trust the process, and taste the joy.
Share it with someone you love, and let the day melt away.
The everyday luxury of this creamy dinner is waiting at your stove.

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