One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, creamy taste of Marry Me Chicken Pasta, all made in just one pot for easy cleanup. This dish features tender chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all infused with bold, comforting flavors.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a whim, hoping to impress my husband with a cozy yet effortless dinner. It turned out to be an instant hit, and now, every time I make it, he jokingly says, "This pasta could make anyone say yes!"

Why You'll Love This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this ultra-creamy, flavor-packed pasta. It’s a perfect choice for busy weeknights, romantic date nights, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent but easy to make.

First off, it’s incredibly simple. Everything cooks in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash and a straightforward cooking process. No need for multiple pans or complicated techniques!

The flavors are irresistible. Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice come together in a creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s rich, slightly tangy, and full of depth.

It’s also customizable. Want to make it spicier? Add extra red pepper flakes. Need a lower-carb option? Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or serve the sauce over roasted cauliflower.

Best of all, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special someone, this dish has a way of winning over even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Marry Me Chicken Pasta lies in its combination of simple yet bold ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at the key players that bring this dish to life.

Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here, offering a lean yet juicy bite. If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs for extra richness and tenderness.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These little gems add a sweet, tangy depth to the sauce. I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for maximum flavor, but if you have the dry variety, just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.

Heavy Cream & Chicken Broth – The base of our luxurious sauce. Heavy cream gives it richness, while chicken broth ensures the sauce isn’t too thick or heavy. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used instead.

Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a nutty, savory kick. Avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Pasta – Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best. They hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Seasonings – Garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and a touch of salt and pepper create the perfect balance of spice and aromatics. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences.

You’ll also need a large skillet or Dutch oven to cook everything in one pot, making this dish as convenient as it is delicious.

How To Make This One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering pasta dish is easier than you think. Here’s how to bring it all together in just a few simple steps.

Start by searing the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook them until golden brown on both sides. This locks in flavor and creates a deliciously crispy crust. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside.

Next, build the flavor base. In the same skillet, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Let them cook for about a minute, releasing their fragrant aroma and deepening their flavors.

Now, it’s time to make the creamy sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then add the pasta directly into the pot. The pasta will absorb all those rich flavors as it cooks, making every bite incredibly delicious.

Once the pasta is almost tender, return the chicken to the skillet. Slice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and stir it back into the sauce. Add grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, mixing until everything is perfectly combined.

Let the pasta cook for another couple of minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh basil for a restaurant-quality finish.

The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy nights when you want something impressive but low-effort.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), this pasta stores well and makes for a fantastic next-day meal.

For refrigeration, store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating will bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate and change texture upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently over low heat.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to restore its texture. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to tweak it to suit your preferences.

Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a hearty, plant-based version.

Swap the protein – Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp, Italian sausage, or even grilled tofu for a different take.

Go gluten-free – Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this dish celiac-friendly. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary.

Add extra veggies – Stir in baby spinach, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms to boost the nutrition while adding more depth to the sauce.

Spice it up – If you love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the spice level.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is guaranteed to be a winner. So go ahead, give it a try, and see why so many people are falling in love with Marry Me Chicken Pasta!

Print