There's something irresistibly comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that's loaded with tender chicken and a rich sauce that whispers promises of indulgence. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that – a recipe so delicious and satisfying, it might just earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

A large white pan filled with creamy orange pasta sauce coating short penne pasta and chunks of light brown cooked chicken, with small pieces of sun-dried tomatoes mixed in. The dish is garnished with finely chopped green herbs and a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top. A wooden spoon rests on the right side, partially covered in the sauce. Around the pan, fresh green basil leaves and bowls with white grated cheese and red chili flakes can be seen on a white marbled surface. The sauce looks rich and smooth, covering every piece of pasta and chicken evenly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe has been a total game-changer for me. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with that comforting aroma of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy sauce is just the kind of thing you want to cozy up with on a weeknight.

Effortless Elegance: Despite its fancy flavor, this pasta dish is surprisingly straightforward to make.
Flavor Bomb: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a creamy sauce makes every bite unforgettable.
Comfort Food Upgrade: Classic comfort food vibes with a fresh, slightly tangy twist thanks to the tomato paste and chicken broth.
Versatile: Whether you're serving it for a casual family dinner or a special date night, it always impresses.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: small penne pasta coated in a light orange creamy sauce, chunky pieces of cooked chicken mixed throughout in the sauce, and bits of red sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta is topped with fresh green basil leaves and chopped herbs sprinkled evenly, along with cracked black pepper adding tiny dark specks across the top. The textures show smooth sauce, tender chicken pieces, and soft pasta all combined in a rich, comforting mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a specific role – balancing richness, adding tang, and infusing that unmistakable depth. Here’s what you need and why each one makes a difference:

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with a light sprinkle of mixed spices (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) visible on their surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber olive oil, uncooked dry penne pasta loosely scattered, a few tablespoons of golden unsalted butter in a small white bowl, one large shallot with papery skin partially peeled and some finely chopped pieces beside it, several fresh garlic cloves whole and unpeeled, a small white bowl holding bright red tomato paste, a small white bowl with pale beige all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl containing creamy white half-and-half, a small white bowl with finely chopped deep red sun-dried tomatoes, a small mound of crushed golden chicken bouillon powder, a small heap of finely grated fresh Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley and basil arranged neatly – all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Tender, juicy, and the perfect protein to soak up the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds fruity richness and helps crisp the chicken for that golden crust.
Shallot: A sweet, delicate onion flavor that blends perfectly without overpowering the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Freshness and aromatic depth – garlic is essential here for that signature cozy taste.
Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up the palate without overwhelming the dish.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives the sauce body and a subtle tang.
Flour: Thickens the sauce beautifully when cooked with butter and tomato paste.
Chicken broth: Provides savory notes and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Half and half: Creaminess without being overly heavy; I’ve also used milk-thickened with cornstarch as a swap when needed.
Sundried tomatoes: Bursts of intense tomato flavor and a wonderful texture contrast.
Chicken bouillon: Amplifies the chicken flavor in the sauce for that umami punch.
Dried herbs (parsley, basil, oregano): Classic Italian flavors that give the dish a fresh, earthy note.
Freshly grated Parmesan: The crown jewel—adds sharpness and melts into the sauce creating irresistible richness.
Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A bright, herbal garnish that elevates every bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking the Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. It’s super adaptable—you can make it creamier, spicier, or even lighter with just a few swaps.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is swapping penne for rigatoni for a fun, chunkier pasta bite – it really holds the sauce well!
Vegetarian swap: You can skip chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies instead for a hearty meatless version.
Dairy-free: Try coconut cream in place of half-and-half and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan for a vegan take.
Spice level: If you like it spicy, I bump up the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne – just enough to wake up your taste buds.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken Cutlets

First things first: slice each chicken breast in half horizontally to create thin cutlets. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy can until they're about ½ inch thick. This step is key—I always find it makes the chicken tender and ensures every bite is juicy. Pat them dry, then drizzle lightly with olive oil and rub on the spice blend evenly. Let those flavors settle while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Pasta and Reserve the Water

Cook your penne until just al dente in plenty of salted water—don't forget to save a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining! Toss the drained pasta in a splash of olive oil so it doesn't stick and set aside. That reserved water will be a lifesaver later to tweak sauce consistency.

Step 3: Sear Chicken in Sundried Tomato Oil

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil reserved from your jar of sundried tomatoes in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. This oil is packed with flavor and crisps the chicken beautifully. Cook the cutlets for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Don't skip using a meat thermometer if you can—160°F is your perfect internal temperature. After cooking, let the chicken rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes to keep it juicy before slicing.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (no cleanup needed – all those tasty bits are there!), melt butter over medium heat in the chicken drippings. Toss in shallots and sauté until softened, scraping up any browned bits. Add your minced garlic and red chili flakes and cook for just 30 seconds to release their aroma. Stir in tomato paste and flour, letting it cook for a minute until it thickens. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half, keeping the heat low to prevent lumps. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken bouillon, along with your dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken while stirring often. Finish by stirring in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until silky smooth and luscious.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Finally, fold in your pasta and sliced chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until you get the consistency you like. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you want to add some green freshness. There you have it—a dish that truly delivers on all fronts.

Top Tip

Through the many times I’ve made this recipe, the biggest game changer for me has been the reserved sundried tomato oil. Using it to sear the chicken amps up the flavor dramatically, and skipping it just isn’t the same. Also, don’t rush the sauce thickening stage—it develops the rich flavor that makes this dish truly unforgettable.

Use Sundried Tomato Oil: Always save and use the oil from sundried tomatoes to pan-sear the chicken for extra flavor.
Don’t Skip Resting: Resting the chicken after cooking locks in the juices so it’s never dry.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: Keep some pasta water handy to thin the sauce just right without losing its creaminess.
Fresh Parmesan Matters: Grate your own Parmesan for melting—it blends better and gives a fresher taste than pre-grated.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh contrast to the creamy sauce. If you want extra indulgence, a sprinkle of more Parmesan on top never hurts!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or garlic bread if you’re in the mood for an all-out comfort feast. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans are also great options for a little veggie boost.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special night, I’ve served this pasta in shallow bowls garnished with edible flowers and a drizzle of olive oil. It also looks beautiful layered in a glass casserole dish fresh from the oven for family-style serving that feels cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep surprisingly well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the pasta naturally absorbs some of the sauce overnight, so a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating helps bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked chicken, sauce, and pasta together with decent results. Be sure to cool completely before freezing, and thaw overnight in the fridge. It’s best reheated gently on the stovetop with a bit of extra liquid to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

Reheating

When reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat and stir frequently, adding small amounts of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. This keeps the chicken moist and the pasta from drying out or sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and stay juicy, but you might want to adjust your cook time slightly since they’re a bit thicker and fattier than breasts. Just make sure they’re cooked through before proceeding.

What if I don’t have half-and-half?

No worries! You can use whole milk thickened with about a tablespoon of cornstarch whisked in, or evaporated milk mixed with cornstarch works nicely too. Just whisk to combine before adding to the sauce for smoothness.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes—enough to add warmth but not heat that overpowers the creamy sauce. You can always skip or increase the red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free creamer. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The sauce might be slightly different in texture, but it’s still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those special dishes I keep coming back to because it delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity every single time. It’s perfect for impressing guests or just making an ordinary night feel a little bit extraordinary. I’m excited for you to try it—it’s like a warm, delicious hug on a plate. Give it a go and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine!