Marry Me Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for that one meal—the one that makes someone fall in love, ask for seconds, or maybe even get down on one knee—Marry Me Chicken Pasta is it. Creamy, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight, this dish has earned its charming name for a reason.

And here’s a little story behind why it’s so close to my heart…

A Personal Note from My Tiny, Budget-Friendly Kitchen

Growing up in a home where every meal came from scratch and nothing went to waste, I learned early on how to create magic with just a few ingredients. My mom could turn pantry staples into feasts, and this pasta dish feels like a grown-up version of one of her favorite Sunday meals: creamy chicken and noodles with a twist of love (and a dash of garlic!).

Now, with two kids, a full calendar, and a need to stretch every dollar, this dish hits that rare sweet spot: budget-friendly, family-approved, and fancy enough to feel like a little celebration.

What Is “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

At its core, this dish is all about comfort and indulgence. Tender bites of chicken are simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce bursting with sun-dried tomato flavor, Italian spices, and just enough heat to make things interesting. Tossed with pasta, it becomes a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day (but really only takes 30 minutes!).

Whether you’re planning a date night at home or just want to treat your family to something special, this recipe delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or whatever you’ve got on hand)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken breast, diced
• ½ tsp each: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan, freshly grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Substitutions That Stretch Your Budget (and Still Taste Amazing)

• Chicken: Swap with chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken
• Cream: Use evaporated milk, half-and-half, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version
• Parmesan: Grated Romano or a budget-friendly hard cheese will work too
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Try roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes in a pinch
• Pasta: Any shape works—use what you’ve got!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta1. Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until soft (about 2–3 minutes), then stir in garlic and butter until fragrant.

3. Cook the Chicken

Add diced chicken and seasonings to the pan. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (about 5 minutes).

4. Make It Creamy

Pour in the cream, pasta water, and stir in Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss until everything is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.

Tips for First-Timers

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
• Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps bind everything together
• Taste as you go—adjust salt, pepper, or heat to your liking
• Serve hot, straight from the pan for maximum coziness

How to Serve

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic toast for the full experience. A glass of white wine (or sparkling lemonade) rounds it out perfectly. For a date night in, light a candle and let the pasta do the talking.

Meal Prep + Leftovers

This dish is best fresh, but you can make the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 2 days—just add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Chicken Pasta isn’t just another creamy chicken dinner—it’s a mood. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day or a celebration after a good one.

If you’ve been looking for a way to make dinner feel a little more special without breaking the bank, this one’s for you.

Whether you’re cooking for someone you love, or just loving yourself enough to make something delicious—you might just find yourself falling in love with this recipe, too.

Print