Indulge in a dish so rich, comforting, and irresistible it might just earn you a marriage proposal — yes, we’re talking about the legendary Marry Me Chicken Pasta. This creamy, flavor-packed delight combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce with perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that’s elegant enough for date night, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Bursting with flavor, this dish is more than just a viral trend — it’s a restaurant-quality pasta you can make at home in under 40 minutes. With its creamy texture, savory richness, and beautiful presentation, this is the kind of recipe that makes people fall in love — bite after bite.
Why You’ll Love Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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🍝 Ultra-creamy and comforting
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🧄 Loaded with garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
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⏱️ Ready in under 40 minutes
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💕 Perfect for date nights or dinner parties
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🍗 One-pan, minimal cleanup option
Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
For the Sauce:
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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¾ cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or basil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
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8 oz penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
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Salt for boiling water
Optional Garnishes:
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Freshly chopped basil or parsley
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Extra Parmesan cheese
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A drizzle of olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Season and Sear the Chicken
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Pat chicken dry and season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Sear chicken on each side for 5–6 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
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Remove from skillet and let rest. Slice into strips once cooled slightly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
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Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Stir in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
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Add sun-dried tomatoes and let simmer for 2 minutes.
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Pour in heavy cream and stir.
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Slowly whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.
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Season with thyme (or basil), salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Combine Everything
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Add sliced chicken back to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes.
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Toss in the cooked pasta and mix to coat evenly.
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If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce.
5. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle with fresh basil, parsley, or extra cheese.
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Serve immediately with crusty bread or a green salad.
Tips for the Creamiest Marry Me Chicken Pasta
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Don’t overcook the chicken — searing until just golden keeps it juicy and tender.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
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Sun-dried tomatoes in oil bring the best texture and deep, sweet-tangy flavor.
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Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil, to avoid separating.
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If you want it extra decadent, stir in a pat of butter at the end.
Variations to Try
Add Veggies:
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Toss in spinach, kale, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
Make It Spicy:
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Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Protein Swap:
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Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
Low-Carb Option:
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Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
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Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs perfectly with the creaminess.
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Side: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, or a Caesar salad complement beautifully.
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Dessert: Finish the evening with tiramisu or chocolate mousse for a romantic touch.
Meal Prep and Storage
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Gently warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
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Freeze: Not recommended due to the cream sauce separating upon thawing.
Why It's Called “Marry Me Chicken”
This dish earned its romantic name for a reason — the first bite is rich, buttery, garlicky, and impossible to resist. It’s said to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal! While we can’t guarantee that outcome, we can promise a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels special every time you serve it.
Conclusion
The Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is more than just a viral sensation — it’s a beautifully balanced, flavor-forward dish that delivers every time. With juicy seared chicken, a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce, and the savory punch of sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is pure comfort in a bowl.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic evenings, or impressing guests, this pasta will quickly become one of your most-requested meals.
