How to Make Marry Me Chicken with Pasta – Easy Recipe

There’s something special about a meal that feels like a celebration, even on regular days. Marry Me Chicken with Pasta is one such dish. It’s rich, creamy, and comforting, making it a favorite for many. It’s sparked many kitchen-table proposals and second helpings.

Imagine sun-dried tomatoes from Italy, tender chicken, and pasta in a velvety sauce. This dish is more than a recipe; it’s a moment to share. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, it’s perfect.

The Marry Me Chicken recipe with pasta is quick and flavorful, ready in under 40 minutes. It combines bold tastes with ease. With sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cheeses, every bite is like a warm hug. Ready to make dinner special without much effort?

Key Takeaways

• Ready in 40 minutes total, serving 4 people with 316 calories per serving.
• Uses Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and parmesan.
• Perfect for date nights or weeknights—no advanced cooking skills required.
• Stores well for 4-5 days, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Adjustable seasoning ratios let you customize spice levels to your taste.

What is Marry Me Chicken and Why It’s So Popular

Imagine a dish so good, it inspired a marriage proposal joke. Marry Me Chicken is more than a meal; it’s a flavor sensation. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, making it a viral hit.

The Origin Story Behind the Name

“Marry me!”

In 2016, a videographer exclaimed, “Marry me!” over Delish’s Tuscan Chicken Pasta. He tweaked the recipe, making it so irresistible, people joked it was worth proposing. The name stuck, blending humor with culinary art. By 2023, it topped The New York Times’ list, proving it’s more than a meme—it’s a comfort food masterpiece.

Why This Dish Has Taken Social Media by Storm

Three reasons for its viral success:
• Instant shareability: Beautiful shots of golden chicken and sauce are all over TikTok.
• Quick wins: It’s ready in 30 minutes, yet tastes like a restaurant dish.
• Emotional hooks: The “marry me” joke captures hearts in captions and hashtags.

What Makes This Creamy Chicken Dish Special

The sauce is its secret: sun-dried tomatoes add tang, garlic deepens the flavor, and parmesan makes it creamy. Even plain chicken breasts become special here. Sliced thin, seared, and simmered in the sauce, they’re a hit. Add pasta, and it becomes a delicious chicken pasta perfect for any occasion. No wonder it’s called “marriage-level” comfort food.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Marry Me Chicken Recipe with Pasta

Creating the marry me chicken recipe with pasta begins with top-notch ingredients. Start with fresh, boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Add oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness. Use their oil to enhance the flavor.

Fresh garlic cloves and whole milk cream cheese are crucial. They make the garlic parmesan chicken pasta rich and delicious.

• 16 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni)
• 1.5 lbs boneless chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
• Heavy cream and cream cheese for sauce body
• 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour for thickening
• Garlic (3-4 cloves minced), fresh only)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning blend or dried oregano
• Tomato paste for depth, and red pepper flakes for heat

Pro tip: Use freshly grated parmesan for meltiness—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t blend as smoothly.

Adding spinach or bell peppers can make the dish healthier. You can also swap chicken with shrimp or tofu. Always choose whole milk cream cheese for the best results.

Adding basil leaves at the end makes the garlic parmesan chicken pasta even better. Fresh ingredients like basil and garlic are essential. They add to the creamy, savory taste. Don’t forget the sun-dried tomatoes—they’re what make the dish special.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Cooking one pot chicken pasta is easy with the right tools. Start with a large pot or skillet, like a Lodge cast iron skillet. It’s perfect for the recipe’s one-pot magic. This piece ensures even heat and makes cleanup a breeze.

You’ll need a sharp knife, cutting board, and basic measuring spoons. A wooden spoon or silicone spatula is great for stirring the sauce. These basics are essential for any easy chicken pasta recipe.

• Pot/Skillet: 12-inch skillet (Lodge or Le Creuset) for searing and sauce
• Cutting tools: Chef’s knife and board with juice groove
• Utensils: Spatula, tongs, and slotted spoon

Optional upgrades make prep easier. A garlic press saves time, and a Microplane grater shaves parmesan well. Kitchen shears help cut chicken in the pot, reducing risks. A splatter screen keeps counters clean during searing.

Stick to these basics to master this one pot chicken pasta dish. Even budget-friendly tools like a stainless steel pot work great. Your kitchen’s gear likely has everything you need to start cooking tonight.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Preparing the Chicken

Mastering chicken prep is key to making the best chicken pasta. Follow these steps to start your savory dish.

“Using scissors, I like to cut the chicken directly over the pot I will be cooking with. Trust me, prepping the chicken this way will save so much time and create less mess.”

Selecting and Preparing Your Chicken Breasts

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking. Thighs are great for beginners because they have more fat. Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes with sharp kitchen shears over your pot.

This makes cleanup easier and keeps ingredients organized. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the meat sear better.

Seasoning Tips for Maximum Flavor

Cover chicken in a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Add garlic powder and a pinch of smoked paprika for extra flavor. This blend enhances the dish’s base flavors.

Rub the seasoning into the meat until it’s evenly coated.

Perfect Searing Techniques

Heat oil from sun-dried tomatoes in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to form a golden crust. Flip pieces and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Avoid overcrowding—cook in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate once done to prevent overcooking while preparing sauce.

Creating the Signature Creamy Sauce

Mastering the creamy chicken pasta sauce turns this dish into a hit. Start by using the same skillet for the chicken. This step adds more flavor.

1. Melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2–4 minced garlic cloves and cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
2. Stir in 1 tbsp tomato paste, cooking 1 minute until deepened. Deglaze with ¼ cup white wine, scraping pan drippings.
3. Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Simmer until slightly thickened, 5 minutes.
4. Stir in ½ cup grated parmesan, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, and 2 cups spinach until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

• Substitute coconut cream for dairy-free garlic parmesan chicken pasta.
• Swap in Barilla gluten-free penne for pasta.
• Add ¼ cup pasta water if sauce thickens too much.

For extra depth, toss cooked pasta directly into the sauce. This way, it absorbs all the flavors. Serve hot with a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil. This creamy chicken pasta recipe is versatile and packed with umami.

Choosing and Cooking the Perfect Pasta Companion

For a delicious chicken pasta or weeknight chicken pasta, the pasta must balance texture and flavor with the creamy sauce. Choose shapes that catch every bit of sauce. They should also hold up to the dish’s rich flavors.

Best Pasta Shapes for Marry Me Chicken

• Penne or rigatoni: ridges trap sauce for maximum creaminess
• Fusilli: spiral twists grip thick sauces effortlessly
• Farfalle (bowtie): flat surfaces blend well with savory ingredients mixtures
• Linguine: long strands pair with lighter cream bases

How to Cook Pasta to the Ideal Texture

1. Boil 4-6 quarts water with 1 tbsp salt until rapid boil
2. Cook 8-10 minutes (check 2 minutes early for al dente firmness)
3. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
4. Combine cooked pasta directly into sauce, adding reserved water 1/4 cup at a time

Timing is key: pasta should finish cooking just before the chicken finishes browning. Always stir frequently to prevent sticking. This keeps your weeknight chicken pasta fresh and creamy every time.

Bringing It All Together: Combining Your Chicken and Pasta

Mastering the final steps of your one pot chicken pasta or best chicken pasta recipe is key. It ensures every element works together perfectly. Use a 10-12-inch skillet to keep flavors evenly distributed.

Timing Tips for a Perfectly Coordinated Dish

1. Combine the cooked chicken back into the sauce to reheat briefly (1–2 minutes).
2. Add spinach and basil last, stirring until wilted but vibrant. Remove from heat to preserve texture.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Presentation Strategies for an Impressive Meal

• Serve in a wide, shallow dish to showcase the dish’s creamy layers.
• Top with extra parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
• Arrange basil leaves on top for freshness, not cooked into the dish.

For the one pot chicken pasta method, ensure all components finish cooking simultaneously. Adjust seasoning with extra parmesan or pasta water for optimal creaminess. This dish shines best fresh from the pan—leftovers lose their peak texture after 15 minutes.

Marry Me Chicken Variations to Try

Love the marry me chicken recipe with pasta but want new flavors? Try these twists to keep your savory chicken pasta dish exciting. Swap chicken breasts with shrimp for a quick 2-minute sear. Or add roasted zucchini and sun-dried tomatoes for more veggies.

“A mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage creates a Mediterranean backbone for this dish.”

• Seafood Fusion: Use 1 lb. jumbo shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side. Toss with lemon zest and parsley.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with 1 can chickpeas, roasted eggplant, or 8 oz. sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in the sauce.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in 2 tbsp. harissa paste when sautéing garlic, or top servings with chili oil.
• Keto Adaptation: Use spiralized zucchini “noodles” and add 1 tbsp. coconut aminos for umami depth.

For a creamy dairy-free version, replace heavy cream with ½ cup coconut milk and ¼ cup nutritional yeast. Pair gluten-free pasta like quinoa or lentil varieties—8 oz. cooks in 8-10 minutes. Always reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Wine Pairings and Serving Suggestions for Your Savory Chicken Pasta Dish

Elevate your savory chicken pasta dish with the right wine and presentation. Here’s how to make every bite and sip shine:

Best Wine Selections to Complement the Flavors

• Pair with crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Noir to balance the creaminess.
• Light whites like Pinot Grigio cut through richness with citrus notes.
• For reds, choose Sangiovese or Chianti for subtle fruitiness without overpowering.

Side Dishes That Enhance the Meal

Balance the dish’s richness with fresh, zesty sides:

• Arugula salad tossed with lemon and olive oil.
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini for earthy contrast.
• Crisp garlic bread for texture and umami depth.

Garnishing Ideas for an Instagram-Worthy Plate

Add visual flair to your delicious chicken pasta:

• Top with chopped parsley, basil, or thyme.
• Drizzle basil oil around the plate’s edge for color.
• Finish with red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of paprika.

Arrange chicken pieces on top of pasta, following the rule of thirds for balance. A few sun-dried tomatoes as accents complete the dish.

Conclusion: Why This Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe Deserves a Place in Your Regular Rotation

This easy chicken pasta recipe is more than just a quick meal. It’s a favorite that’s both easy to make and delicious. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great for busy nights or special occasions. With only 450 calories per serving, it’s both tasty and healthy.

The recipe is also very flexible. You can add spinach, mushrooms, or even bacon to make it your own. The one-skillet method makes cleaning up a breeze. Plus, leftovers can be stored for up to three days. With 7 five-star reviews, it’s clear that many people love it for weeknight meals.

Whether you stick to the classic version or try new ingredients, this recipe is a winner. It’s packed with 28g of protein and only takes 15 minutes to prepare. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so popular. It’s a comforting dish that always hits the spot.