Marry Me Chicken Pasta – The Creamy Dinner Everyone Falls For

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines ease and elegance in one pan. It uses simple ingredients but produces deep, layered flavors. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, the chicken stays juicy, and the entire dish comes together in under an hour. It is ideal for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress without stress.

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Ingredients

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

Chicken breasts form the protein base of the dish. When sliced evenly and seared properly, they remain tender and flavorful while absorbing the creamy sauce.

Pasta acts as the backbone of the recipe. Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work especially well because their shape holds the sauce beautifully.

Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and building the initial flavor base. It adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the cream.

Garlic provides aromatic depth. Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and enhances the savory notes of the sauce.

Sun-dried tomatoes contribute a slightly tangy, concentrated tomato flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.

Heavy cream creates the signature silky sauce. It thickens naturally and gives the dish its luxurious texture.

Chicken broth lightens the sauce while adding savory complexity. It also helps deglaze the pan after searing.

Parmesan cheese adds nuttiness and saltiness. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the sauce.

Italian seasoning ties the flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.

Red pepper flakes add gentle heat. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference.

Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Fresh basil, added at the end, brings freshness and a pop of color.

Directions

Begin by cooking the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a small cup of pasta water before draining.

Season the chicken on both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add garlic. Sauté briefly until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.

Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Finish with fresh basil and adjust seasoning 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.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe serves four people comfortably.

Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Total time is around 45 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s texture.

Variations and Customizations

This dish is incredibly flexible and easy to adapt to your preferences. For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. I tried this once when I ran out of cream, and the result was still rich, just slightly less decadent.

If you enjoy extra vegetables, spinach or mushrooms make excellent additions. Stir them into the sauce just before adding the pasta so they cook gently.

For added protein variety, shrimp can replace chicken. Sear them quickly and remove them before building the sauce, then return them at the end.

You can also experiment with different cheeses. A blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano adds sharper flavor.

For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure it is cooked just to al dente to avoid breaking.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

This dish is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the chicken and Parmesan. It is best enjoyed as an indulgent meal, but portion control and lighter substitutions can make it fit into balanced diets.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Perfectly Seared Chicken
Sear the chicken without overcrowding the pan to achieve a golden crust.

Balanced Sauce
Always taste the sauce before adding pasta to adjust salt and acidity.

Pasta Water Magic
Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and improve texture.

FAQs

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but long pasta also works.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it is best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently with added liquid.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat, which can be adjusted by reducing red pepper flakes.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.

What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted cherry tomatoes are a good alternative.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low when adding cheese and cream.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

A splash of white wine adds depth if reduced properly.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, simply omit red pepper flakes.

What side dishes pair well?

A simple green salad or garlic bread works perfectly.

Conclusion

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels luxurious without being complicated. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and adaptable nature, it is a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation. Whether for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, it never fails to impress.

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