Introduction
If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish that’s packed with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, then this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a must-try! This dish gets its name from the idea that it’s so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! With tender, seasoned chicken, a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit on your dinner table.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through every step of making Marry Me Chicken Pasta from scratch, including pro tips to elevate your cooking game. Whether you’re making this for a special date night, family dinner, or simply treating yourself to a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- Salt (for boiling water)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)).
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and coat it with the sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until fully coated.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Marry Me Chicken Pasta!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—it should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more depth of flavor.
- Use pasta water if the sauce gets too thick—this helps keep it silky and smooth.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta
1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken Pasta?
The dish is so rich, creamy, and delicious that it’s rumored to be proposal-worthy—hence the name!
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are popular choices, you can also use rigatoni, spaghetti, or even gnocchi.
4. Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes! Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
5. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a hearty, creamy, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, rich Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta makes it a meal worth savoring. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or simply indulging in a comforting homemade dish, this recipe is sure to be a favorite in your household.
Give it a try, and who knows—maybe you’ll inspire a proposal! 💍❤️
Enjoy your homemade Marry Me Chicken Pasta and let us know how it turned out in the comments below! 🍝
Print
Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Delicious
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
For the Pasta:
12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
Salt (for boiling water)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
Cook the Pasta:
6. Cook pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
Combine & Serve:
7. Slice chicken into strips and return to the skillet.
8. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat everything evenly.
9. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.