Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Flavor-Packed, and Easy to Make

If you’ve been searching for a rich, creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that’ll win over your family—and maybe a few hearts along the way—this Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the one. I’ve made this so many times for dinner parties, cozy Sunday nights, and even just to impress myself, and it never disappoints. It’s saucy, tender, and just the right amount of indulgent.

Named for its love-at-first-bite reputation, this dish combines golden seared chicken with a luscious cream sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and the warmth of Italian herbs. One bite, and it just might have someone dropping to one knee.

Why You’ll Love This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Creamy, dreamy, and rich
• Full of flavor thanks to garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
• Weeknight-friendly yet dinner-date worthy
• A pasta dish even picky eaters will adore

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ lb (8 oz) penne pasta
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Tip: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes give a richer flavor than dried ones. Don’t skip them!

How to Make Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and sear until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
4. Remove from skillet and set aside.

I like to cube the chicken so it mixes perfectly into every bite of pasta.

2. Make the Roux

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a golden paste.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

1. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
2. Add heavy cream and whisk again until the mixture is smooth.
3. Stir in parmesan cheese until melted.

4. Add Flavor & Simmer

1. Add sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Let everything simmer for a few minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.

5. Combine Everything

1. Return the chicken to the sauce.
2. Meanwhile, cook pasta until al dente. Drain well.
3. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until fully coated.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

My kids call this “wedding pasta” and ask for it on birthdays. It’s that good.

FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Pasta

What pasta is good with Marry Me Chicken?

Penne holds the creamy sauce beautifully, but fettuccine or rigatoni also work well.

What is a good side dish for Marry Me Chicken?

Try garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted asparagus.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken Pasta”?

Because it’s so delicious it might just trigger a proposal—seriously, it’s that kind of good.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

You can try cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or omit them entirely.

How do I thicken the sauce?

Use a bit more flour in the roux, simmer uncovered, or add extra cheese.

Variations to Try

• Marry Me Pasta Shrimp: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Marry Me Chicken Orzo: Use orzo pasta instead of penne for a risotto-style base.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas.
• Thermomix Method: Yes, you can make this using your Thermomix for extra ease.

What to Serve with Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Garlic knots or baguette slices
• Green beans with lemon zest
• Simple garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• A chilled glass of Chardonnay or sparkling water with lime

More Pasta Recipes to Fall For

• Try this equally rich and indulgent Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
• If you love creamy Tuscan flavors, don’t miss this Healthy Tuscan Chicken Pasta variation
• For another velvety and satisfying chicken dinner, try this Creamy Chicken Gnocchi recipe

Final Thoughts

This Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is creamy, flavorful, and everything I want in a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly super simple. Whether you’re making it for someone special or just want to treat yourself, it’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Save it, pin it, and make it often. You won’t be sorry.

Tag me on Pinterest at @ritzyrecipes if you give it a try—I’d love to see your spin on it!

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