The BEST Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

*BE SURE TO READ THE VARIATIONS TO MAKE IT FRIENDLY FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD (ex. dairy free, extra saucy, Gluten Free ect.)

As a mom of three, dinnertime in my house is a whirlwind. Between helping with homework, mediating sibling arguments, and making sure the laundry mountain doesn’t become a permanent fixture, finding time to make something delicious and satisfying for dinner can feel like a challenge.

That’s where this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe comes in.

It was a particularly chaotic Tuesday when this dish saved the day. I had just 30 minutes to pull something together before the kids declared a snack rebellion.

While digging through the pantry, I spotted a box of penne and a jar of sun-dried tomatoes.

The fridge had chicken and heavy cream waiting to be used—destiny, right? With a bit of quick chopping and stirring, magic happened. By the time I plated the pasta, the kids were at the table, forks in hand, and my husband gave me that “You’re amazing” look.

So, trust me when I say: if this recipe can please a family of five on a busy weeknight, it’s definitely going to win over your crowd, too.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need for this dreamy, creamy pasta:

• 8 oz dried pasta (I like penne, but feel free to use your favorite.)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup onion, finely chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• 1 pound chicken, cut into bite-size pieces (Chicken breast works best, but any cut will do.)
• ½ teaspoon EACH Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream (30–35% milk fat for the best results)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (canned or jarred are perfect)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken
   Push the onions and garlic to the side of the skillet and melt the butter in the center. Add the chicken pieces, season them with the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Create the Creamy Sauce (Alfredo)
   Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
   Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting their tangy sweetness infuse the sauce.
6. Toss in the Pasta
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Watch the smiles spread around the table as everyone digs in!

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Variations and Twists To This Classic Recipe

Whether you’re looking to accommodate dietary needs or just add your personal flair, these suggestions are sure to take this recipe to the next level:

Mushrooms, Bacon, and Spinach Combo
Swap the sun-dried tomatoes for mushrooms, bacon, and spinach. Sauté the mushrooms with the onion and garlic to ensure they’re tender and flavorful. The addition of bacon adds a smoky richness, while spinach provides a fresh, vibrant touch. This combination adds great depth of flavor and is sure to impress!

Dairy-Free Option
Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and add a squeeze of lemon juice and nutritional yeast to balance the coconut flavor. To thicken the sauce, sprinkle in a bit of psyllium husk powder. This is a great option for those reducing dairy intake, and it’s so creamy your family won’t even notice the difference.

Bell Peppers and Chili Garlic Oil
Add chopped red, orange, and green bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch. A spoonful of chili garlic oil crisp adds a little spice and a lot of flavor, giving the dish a bold, vibrant twist that’s sure to be a hit at the table.

Pesto Lovers’ Upgrade
Stirring in a bit of pesto elevates the dish with fresh, herbaceous flavors. It’s a simple addition that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce and chicken.

Extra Alfredo Goodness
If you love Alfredo sauce, double the recipe to make extra sauce! This ensures every bite of pasta is coated in creamy, cheesy goodness—perfect for families that can’t get enough of that luscious flavor.

Crockpot Variation

If you’re looking for an easy, hands-off way to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta, the crockpot is your best friend. This variation allows you to let the chicken and sauce cook slowly, soaking up all those delicious flavors, while you go about your day. Here’s how to adapt the recipe for the slow cooker:

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Ingredients

You’ll need the same ingredients as the original recipe with just a few adjustments:

• Use whole chicken breasts or thighs instead of cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. They’ll shred easily after slow cooking.
• Reduce the pasta to 6 oz, and cook it separately just before serving.
• Use 1½ cups chicken broth to ensure there’s enough liquid to prevent the sauce from drying out during the long cooking time.

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Instructions

1. Prep the Crockpot
   Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil.
2. Layer the Ingredients
   Place the whole chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle them with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Top with the chopped onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
3. Add the Liquid
   Pour the chicken broth over the chicken mixture. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks.
4. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
5. Finish the Sauce
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
   Stir the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the liquid in the crockpot, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot and stir to combine.
6. Cook the Pasta
   Cook the pasta according to the package directions while the sauce finishes. Once cooked, drain and toss the pasta directly into the crockpot with the sauce and chicken. Mix everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
7. Serve
   Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this Marry Me Chicken Pasta will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Let’s break it down:

1. Quick and Easy to Make
   This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time but still want to serve a homemade meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can nail this dish.
2. Family-Friendly Comfort Food
   The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting pasta are a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether your little ones are picky eaters or adventurous foodies, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors to please everyone at the table.
3. Restaurant-Quality at Home
   Who needs to order takeout when you can create a dish this good in your own kitchen? The combination of the creamy Parmesan sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes gives this pasta a gourmet feel that rivals any Italian restaurant.
4. Customizable to Your Preferences
   Not a fan of penne? Swap it out for spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta shape you love. Prefer chicken thighs over breasts? Go for it! You can also add extras like spinach, mushrooms, or even crispy bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
5. Perfect for Special Occasions or Everyday Meals
   While it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, this dish is elegant enough to serve on special occasions, date nights, or when hosting guests. It’s versatile and always delivers on flavor.
6. Rich and Flavorful Sauce
   The sauce is the star of this recipe! It’s creamy, cheesy, and infused with the bold flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Every bite is indulgent and satisfying without being overly heavy.
7. Loved by Everyone—Guaranteed!
   Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or someone special, this pasta dish has universal appeal. It’s one of those meals that leaves everyone asking, “When can we have this again?”
8. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
   You don’t need to break the bank to make a memorable meal. This recipe uses pantry staples like dried pasta, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, along with affordable chicken, to create a dish that feels luxurious without the high price tag.
9. Great Leftovers
   If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they reheat beautifully! The creamy sauce stays velvety, making this pasta just as delicious the next day for lunch or dinner.

Bottom Line

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress someone special, this dish has you covered. Trust me—after one bite, they’ll be asking for seconds… and maybe even a ring!

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