Marry Me Chicken Pasta | Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a flavorful, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, al dente rigatoni pasta, and a rich, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce. This restaurant-quality meal is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort. The name comes from the idea that it’s so delicious, it might just lead to a marriage proposal!

This easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes less than 30 minutes to prepare but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce features the perfect balance of tangy sun-dried tomatoes, savory garlic, and sharp Parmesan cheese that coats every bite of pasta and juicy chicken.

Whether you’re looking for the best chicken pasta recipes, quick dinner ideas, or creamy pasta dishes, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes and will quickly become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast dinner recipe
• Creamy and Flavorful: The rich sauce combines heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan for restaurant-quality taste
• Versatile: Easily customize with additional vegetables or adjust spice levels to suit your preference
• One-Pan Recipe: Minimal cleanup with most cooking done in a single skillet
• Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week
• Family Favorite: Both kids and adults love this creamy pasta recipe
• Impressive Dish: Perfect for date nights or dinner parties when you want to wow your guests

Ingredients for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Essential Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half or light cream instead of heavy cream
• Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use coconut cream
• Protein options: Substitute with chicken thighs, shrimp, or Italian sausage
• Extra vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts
• Herb variations: Try fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley
• Spice adjustments: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper for more heat

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Step by Step

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
2. Add rigatoni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes)
3. Drain pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use
4. Set cooked pasta aside

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice into thin, even pieces
2. Season chicken slices generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering
4. Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if needed)
5. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F)
6. Transfer cooked chicken to a clean plate and tent with foil to keep warm

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic
2. Cook garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon
4. Add heavy cream and stir to combine
5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using)
6. Bring sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices
2. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and incorporated
3. Add cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing gently until pasta is well-coated with sauce
4. If sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached
5. Allow pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb flavors

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove skillet from heat
2. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired
3. Serve immediately in warm bowls
4. Offer extra red pepper flakes on the side for those who prefer more spice

Pro Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Slice chicken uniformly: Cut chicken into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking
• Use quality ingredients: Fresh garlic and good Parmesan cheese make a noticeable difference
• Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercooked pasta works best as it will continue cooking in the sauce
• Don’t rush the sauce: Allow it to simmer and reduce for the best flavor development
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes: They have more flavor than dry-packed varieties
• Add white wine: For extra depth, add 1/4 cup of dry white wine to the pan after cooking the garlic
• Reserve pasta water: This starchy water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency
• Freshly grate your cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting

Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Perfect Pairings

• Crusty bread or garlic bread: Ideal for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce
• Simple green salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the rich pasta
• Roasted vegetables: Try asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts as a nutritious side
• Sautéed spinach: Quick and easy to prepare while the pasta is cooking

Wine and Beverage Pairings

• White wine: Pair with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio
• Red wine: Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir also work well
• Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea provides a refreshing contrast

Presentation Tips

• Serve in wide, shallow pasta bowls for the best presentation
• Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color
• Add a lemon wedge on the side for guests who enjoy a touch of acidity
• Drizzle with high-quality olive oil just before serving for extra richness

Nutritional Information for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Per serving (1/4 of recipe):

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 145mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Calcium: 220mg
• Iron: 2mg

This creamy chicken pasta dish provides a good balance of macronutrients with plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates for a satisfying meal.

Storing Your Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may thicken considerably

Freezer Storage

• Freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating

Best Reheating Methods

• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth to restore creaminess
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals at 70% power, stirring between each interval
• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F for 15-20 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Can I make Marry Me Chicken Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve, then combine with the reheated sauce and chicken.

What is the origin of the name “Marry Me Chicken”?

The dish earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious that serving it might lead to a marriage proposal! The original version was just chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, but adding pasta makes it a complete, hearty meal.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time accordingly as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You could also add a diced jalapeño with the garlic or finish with a drizzle of chili oil.

Can I make this dish with a dairy-free cream substitute?

Yes! Coconut cream or cashew cream work well as dairy-free alternatives. For the cheese, use nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes (cooked down in the sauce) can provide a similar flavor profile.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make this keto-friendly, substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles, hearts of palm pasta, or shirataki noodles.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta, try these other delicious pasta and chicken dishes:

• 7 Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipes – Easy Dinner Ideas
• Cheesy Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells – Best Family Dinner Recipe

Conclusion

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Now you know how to make the best Marry Me Chicken Pasta at home! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you in the comments below. Did anyone propose after trying it?

Happy cooking!

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