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.)
Dinnertime in my house with three kids is pure chaos—homework, sibling squabbles, and a laundry pile that never quits.
That’s exactly why I love this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe. On a hectic Tuesday, with just 30 minutes to spare, I pulled together chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne—total pantry magic.
The result? A creamy, crowd-pleasing dinner that even got a “you’re amazing” look from my husband. If it can save my weeknight, it’ll save yours too.
This post may contain affiliate links. Full privacy policy and disclosure here.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Pasta
A creamy, dreamy dinner that’s quick, comforting, and surprisingly easy to pull off—even on chaotic weeknights.
The dish first rose to fame thanks to its viral appeal and creamy flavor, with versions featured on Delish, where it quickly became a fan-favorite date-night dinner.
🍗 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)
👉 Optional but recommended kitchen tools:
Large non-stick skillet | Garlic press | Wooden spoon
If you’ve never used sun-dried tomatoes before, they’re rich, tangy, and packed with umami. Learn more about them here on The Spruce Eats.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less.
- Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside. To avoid overcooked pasta, aim for al dente. Here’s a quick guide from Serious Eats on how to nail it every time. - 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. - 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). - 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. - Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, letting their tangy sweetness infuse the sauce. - Toss in the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired. Watch the smiles spread around the table as everyone digs in!
💡 Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest texture
- Don’t overcook the chicken—juicy is the goal
- Want a touch of green? Toss in some baby spinach at the end
If you’ve never tried Marry Me Chicken Pasta before, this is the creamy, comforting weeknight dish you didn’t know you needed.
🥗 What to Serve With It
Make it a full meal with these simple pairings:
- Garlic bread or crusty rolls
- Caesar salad or roasted broccoli
- A glass of chilled white wine (for the grownups)
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is loaded with flavor—thanks to sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic heat.
🔁 Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or broth
One of the best things about Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how quickly it comes together using pantry staples and a single skillet.
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:
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.
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil. - 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. - Add the Liquid
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken mixture. This will keep the chicken moist and flavorful as it cooks. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley, if desired.
Whether you’re cooking for a date night or feeding a hungry family, Marry Me Chicken Pasta always impresses.
✨ More Family-Friendly Recipes
If you liked this, you’ll love:
- 15 Easy Chicken Sheet Pan Dinners for Busy Moms
- 15 Fun, Frugal, and New Dinner Ideas to Try Tonight (Something Different and Delicious!)
- 19 Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipe Ideas for Easy Dinners
- Quick and Easy 20-Minute Meals for After-Work Dinners
- 17 Dinner Ideas Even Picky Eaters Will Love
- Easy Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole (Dump & Go Dinner)
- 20 Crazy Easy Dinner Casseroles Your Family Will Love
I’ve tested a few versions, but this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe consistently earns rave reviews from my picky eaters.
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!
Pin for later!