Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The Creamy, Irresistible Dish Everyone Falls For

There’s a reason Marry Me Chicken Pasta has captured so many hearts — it’s creamy, flavorful, and undeniably romantic. This dish combines tender seared chicken with a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, perfectly coating every strand of pasta in rich, velvety goodness. The name isn’t an exaggeration — one bite and you’ll understand why it’s said to inspire proposals! I tried this recipe with penne pasta and a splash of white wine, and the result was pure indulgence. It’s the perfect balance of savory, tangy, and creamy, making it ideal for a cozy date night, special occasion, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish checks every box for comfort and sophistication. It’s quick enough for weeknights but elegant enough for entertaining. The sauce combines garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan into a luxurious coating that clings to the pasta beautifully. Juicy chicken adds heartiness, while the hint of spice from red pepper flakes keeps the flavors exciting. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a loved one or treating yourself, this recipe feels like a restaurant-quality meal made at home.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. When seared properly, they stay juicy and tender while absorbing all the creamy sauce.

Pasta
Short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, or bow ties work best — they hold the sauce beautifully.

Sun-dried tomatoes
These add a tangy sweetness and depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture.

Garlic
A few cloves of minced garlic infuse the sauce with aromatic richness.

Heavy cream
The base of the sauce, heavy cream provides a silky, indulgent texture that brings the whole dish together.

Chicken broth
Adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy.

Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty flavor.

Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic and tomatoes — it adds richness and helps develop flavor.

Red pepper flakes
Just a pinch gives the sauce a subtle kick, perfectly balancing the creamy and tangy notes.

Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings that bring harmony to the dish.

Fresh basil or parsley
Adds color and freshness as a garnish before serving.

Optional splash of white wine
Deglazing the pan with a bit of wine deepens the flavor and enhances the sauce’s complexity.

Directions

Start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Deglaze with white wine if using, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet, letting it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as the cream sauce may separate.

Variations and Customizations

Spinach and Tomato Version
Stir in fresh spinach at the end for added color and nutrition.

Mushroom Lover’s Twist
Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

Bacon or Pancetta Addition
For a smoky touch, sprinkle crisp bacon or pancetta pieces on top before serving.

Lighter Version
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole-wheat pasta for a lighter meal that still tastes indulgent.

Vegan Adaptation
Swap chicken for tofu or roasted vegetables, use coconut cream instead of dairy, and vegan Parmesan for a plant-based option.

Extra Spicy Kick
Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil for those who enjoy more heat.

FAQs

1. Why is it called “Marry Me” Chicken?

The dish earned its name because it’s so delicious that it’s said to inspire marriage proposals!

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly and stay extra juicy.

3. What pasta shape works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal since their ridges hold the creamy sauce.

4. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free.

5. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and chicken in advance. Reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

6. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream can work, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

7. How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the sauce once you add the cream — keep it at a gentle simmer.

8. Can I make this without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, but they add great flavor. Substitute with roasted red peppers for a similar sweetness.

9. What wine pairs well with this dish?

A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, savory flavors beautifully.

10. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — try adding spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas for extra color and texture.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a true showstopper — creamy, rich, and full of irresistible flavor. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly. Perfect for romantic dinners, special occasions, or whenever you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, this pasta proves that love really can be served on a plate. One taste, and you’ll understand why this recipe has earned its name — it’s that good.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!