May be an image of pasta and shrimp

Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Flavorful Dinner Recipe Made Step by Step

Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish made with tender chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and pasta. It gets its fun name because the flavor is so delicious that people joke it could make someone want to marry the cook. The sauce is creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and full of warm Italian-style flavor.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights, weekend meals, or when you want something that feels restaurant-quality but is still simple enough to make at home. The chicken is seasoned and seared until golden, then simmered in a creamy sauce with garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Finally, the pasta is added and coated in the sauce until every bite is rich and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin pieces or bite-size chunks
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta

300–350 g pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or spaghetti
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt for the pasta water

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup chicken broth
¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
½ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup baby spinach, optional
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into thin slices or bite-size pieces. Thin pieces cook quickly and absorb the sauce well. If you prefer a more classic presentation, slice the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets and serve them over the pasta.

Place the chicken in a bowl. Season it with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until every piece is coated.

Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes. This short resting time helps the seasoning stick to the meat and gives the chicken better flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt to the water, then add the pasta.

Cook the pasta until al dente, which means it should be tender but still slightly firm. Do not overcook it because it will continue to absorb sauce later.

Before draining the pasta, save about ½ cup of pasta water. This starchy water is useful if the sauce becomes too thick.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.