5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Rich, and Irresistibly Delicious

If you’re looking for a comforting dinner that tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant but requires very little effort, this 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe to try. It combines tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, a rich and creamy sauce, and the irresistible flavor of sun-dried tomatoes into one satisfying meal.

Inspired by the popular Marry Me Chicken recipe, this simplified version keeps things wonderfully easy by using just five main ingredients. Despite its simplicity, the result is a deliciously creamy pasta dish with plenty of flavor in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or whenever you want to prepare something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? You don’t need complicated cooking techniques or a long shopping list. With a few everyday ingredients and one skillet, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that everyone will want again.

Why You’ll Love This 5-Ingredient Marry Me Chicken Pasta

There are plenty of reasons to add this recipe to your regular dinner rotation.

Only five main ingredients: You don’t need an overflowing grocery basket to make a flavorful meal.
Rich and creamy sauce: Heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Tender, flavorful chicken: Pan-searing the chicken gives it a beautiful golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Quick and convenient: This recipe comes together in approximately 30 minutes.
Perfect for the whole family: Its comforting flavors make it a wonderful choice for both adults and children.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the reasons this recipe works so well is that each ingredient contributes something important to the finished dish.

1. Chicken breast (1 pound)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

2. Pasta (12 ounces)

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are excellent choices. Their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every forkful is flavorful. You can also use fettuccine if you prefer longer pasta.

3. Heavy cream (1 cup)

Heavy cream creates the signature rich and silky sauce. It balances the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes and helps bring all the ingredients together.

4. Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup)

Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated sweet and tangy flavor that gives Marry Me Chicken its distinctive taste. Chop them into small pieces before adding them to the skillet.

5. Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated)

Parmesan adds a delicious savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

Optional pantry seasonings: Salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a little olive oil can be used to enhance the flavor. These are not counted among the five main ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

Avoid overcooking the pasta because it will continue absorbing some of the creamy sauce once everything is combined.

Before draining, reserve approximately ½ cup of pasta water. This starchy water is useful for adjusting the consistency of your sauce later.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, prepare your chicken breasts by cutting them into small, evenly sized bite-sized pieces.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and set aside.