Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Parmesan Sauce Recipe

This viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta has taken the internet by storm for good reason – it’s the ultimate romantic dinner that’s surprisingly easy to make! With tender chicken swimming in a luxurious creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce, this one-pan wonder delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for date nights, weeknight dinners, or when you need some serious comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Expert Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper browning. This creates flavorful fond that enhances your sauce.

Use the pasta water: The starchy pasta water is key to creating a silky, emulsified sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.

Quality ingredients matter: Use real parmesan cheese (not the powdered kind) and good quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.

Make it ahead: This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

If you love creamy pasta dishes, you’ll also enjoy our Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta or try our Creamy Tuscan Salmon Pasta for another restaurant-style dinner option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time as needed.

How can I make this dish lighter? Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

What pasta works best? Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine also work beautifully.

Can I add vegetables? Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli would be delicious additions. Sauté them after cooking the chicken.

For more easy chicken dinner inspiration, check out our Chicken Parmesan Casserole or explore our collection of one-pan chicken recipes for busy weeknights.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Parmesan Sauce Recipe

This viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta features tender chicken in a luxurious creamy sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for date nights or weeknight dinners, this one-pan wonder is surprisingly easy to make and has taken the internet by storm.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
4. Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
5. Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately while hot and creamy!

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning. Use starchy pasta water to create a silky, emulsified sauce. Quality ingredients like real parmesan cheese and good sun-dried tomatoes make a big difference in flavor.