Name: Marry Me Chicken Pasta: Easy, Creamy & Delicious!
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5-2 lbs) OR 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken); 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for chicken); ½ tsp smoked paprika; ¼ tsp red pepper flakes; ½ tsp salt (for chicken); ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper (for chicken); 12 oz dried pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, penne, or rigatoni); 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pasta water); 1 tsp salt (for pasta water); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (½ cup); 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, thinly sliced); 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving); 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped or left whole; ½ tsp Italian seasoning (for sauce); Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste, for sauce); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe – the name itself carries a delightful promise, hinting at a dish so irresistibly delicious, it’s rumored to inspire the most heartfelt of proposals! I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you my definitive take on this now-legendary meal. While its exact origins are debated, often attributed to Tuscan chicken variations that gained immense popularity online, this creamy, rich chicken pasta dish rose to viral fame for good reason, captivating hearts and palates across the globe. It’s a testament to how simple yet profound flavors can create a dish with a truly memorable impact, perfectly blending classic Italian-inspired ingredients with modern culinary appeal.

Why This Dish Captures Every Heart

What makes this dish so universally adored? I believe it’s the perfect harmony of tender, pan-seared chicken bathed in a velvety, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Every forkful offers a symphony of savory notes, from the aromatic garlic and herbs to the subtle tang of tomatoes, culminating in a deeply satisfying and utterly comforting experience. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for a celebration, yet is surprisingly approachable for a weeknight. This particular Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly embodies culinary romance, transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining moment that you, and your loved ones, will undoubtedly cherish.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total), or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. I find breasts work beautifully for slicing and presentation, but thighs offer incredible tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for searing. This helps us get a beautiful golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. This blend of herbs is a cornerstone of so many delicious dishes.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika. For a subtle depth and a hint of color.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste. Just enough to wake up the palate without being overwhelmingly spicy. You can always add more later if you love a kick!
- ½ teaspoon salt. Essential for enhancing all the other flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. For that fresh, aromatic finish.
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces dried pasta of your choice. I adore fettuccine or tagliatelle for this dish because the wide ribbons really cling to the luscious sauce, but penne or rigatoni also work wonderfully if you prefer a bite-sized shape.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for the pasta water (optional, but it helps prevent sticking and adds a little sheen).
- 1 teaspoon salt, for the pasta water. This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
For the Creamy “Marry Me” Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. The base of so many incredible sauces, adding richness and a beautiful golden color as it melts.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about ½ cup). For a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic is absolutely essential for that amazing aroma and flavor. Don’t skimp on it!
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and thinly sliced. These concentrated gems bring a burst of sweet-tart flavor and a beautiful color to our “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.”
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred). This is our deglazing liquid and forms the initial body of our sauce.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream. The star of our creamy sauce, making it unbelievably rich and decadent.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated makes all the difference, melting smoothly and providing a superior nutty, salty flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped or left whole. It wilts beautifully into the sauce, adding a touch of vibrant green and a boost of nutrients.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. To echo the flavors in the chicken and tie everything together.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Always important to season as you go!
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped. For a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color.
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese. Because who can resist more cheese?

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken for Your “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe”

Prepare the Chicken Breasts: If you’re using chicken breasts, I like to slice each large breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This ensures quicker and more even cooking. If your breasts are particularly thick, you can even pound them gently between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about ¾ inch thick. This step is key for tenderness and ensuring the chicken cooks through at the same rate. For chicken thighs, simply pat them dry and leave them as is. Patting the chicken dry is a crucial step, as it helps us achieve a beautiful sear and crispy exterior, rather than just steaming the chicken.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of your chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-coated. I always make sure to gently press the seasoning into the chicken so it really adheres and infuses every bite with flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, sear the chicken in two batches. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the outside and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). The development of that golden-brown crust, or “fond,” at the bottom of the pan is vital, as it adds immense flavor to our sauce.
Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the seared chicken to a clean cutting board. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is incredibly important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. If you cut it too soon, all those delicious juices will just run out onto your board. After resting, slice the chicken into ½-inch thick strips or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Building the Heart of Your “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe”: The Creamy Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it! Those browned bits, the “fond,” are pure flavor!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and let it melt. Once melted, add the finely diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. This gentle cooking brings out the natural sweetness of the onion.
Infuse with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. The sun-dried tomatoes will start to release their concentrated, sweet-savory notes, which are a signature component of the “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe.”
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the 1 ½ cups of chicken broth. With a wooden spoon or spatula, scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This deglazing step is where a lot of the magic happens, incorporating all the rich flavors left by the chicken and butter into our nascent sauce. Let the broth simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and concentrate those amazing flavors.
Create the Creamy Base: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually pour in the 1 ½ cups of heavy cream, stirring continuously. As the cream heats up, the sauce will start to thicken beautifully. Add the ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Let the sauce gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired consistency – thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember, the Parmesan cheese we add next will also contribute saltiness, so season judiciously.
Melt in the Parmesan: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. Removing it from direct heat helps prevent the cheese from clumping or becoming oily. The sauce should now be wonderfully velvety and rich.

Cooking the Perfect Pasta

Boil the Pasta Water: While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. I always say, “make your pasta water taste like the sea!” This ensures your pasta is seasoned from the inside out and won’t taste bland. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water if desired, to help prevent the pasta from sticking.
Cook the Pasta: Add your chosen pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, etc.) to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Cooking to al dente is crucial – it means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This prevents it from becoming mushy when tossed with the sauce and allows it to absorb some of the sauce’s flavor without overcooking.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, ladle out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set it aside. This liquid is gold! It’s full of starch, which helps emulsify the sauce and pasta together, creating a silky, cohesive dish if the sauce becomes too thick.
Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as rinsing removes the beneficial starches that help the sauce adhere.

Combining and Finishing Your Irresistible “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe”

Add Spinach to Sauce: Return the skillet with the creamy sauce to low heat. Add the 2 cups of fresh spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach just begins to wilt, which usually only takes about 1-2 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a lovely contrast and freshness to the rich sauce.
Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the drained, al dente pasta and the sliced or diced cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce and wilted spinach.
Toss to Combine and Adjust: Gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta, chicken, and spinach are thoroughly coated in that luxurious “Marry Me” sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or dry, gradually add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water, stirring until you achieve your desired silky consistency. This is where the magic really happens – everything comes together into one harmonious, incredibly flavorful dish. Taste one last time and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like.

Serving Suggestions and Tips for Your Perfect “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe”

Serve Immediately: Transfer your glorious “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe” to individual plates or a large serving bowl. This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove when the pasta is perfectly coated and the sauce is at its creamiest.
Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The vibrant green of the parsley really brightens up the dish and adds a final touch of herbaceous freshness. Prepare for rave reviews! This dish truly lives up to its name, inspiring adoration with every forkful.
Pairing Suggestions: For a complete and delightful meal, I love serving this “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe” alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would also be a fantastic accompaniment.
Storing Leftovers: If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a delicious encore!
Making it Your Own: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions and sun-dried tomatoes. You could also experiment with different cheeses, like Asiago or Pecorino Romano, to add a slightly different flavor profile. The beauty of the “Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe” is its adaptability to your personal taste while maintaining its core comforting and rich character.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! We’ve journeyed through every step of creating this truly remarkable dish, and I honestly can’t stress enough why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a moment of pure comfort and satisfaction that’s surprisingly easy to achieve. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s the kind of meal that silences a room, sparking smiles and contented sighs with every forkful. Its rich, velvety sauce, the perfectly cooked, tender chicken, and the comforting embrace of al dente pasta create a symphony of flavors that genuinely impresses without requiring hours slaving away in the kitchen. I truly believe you’re about to discover your new favorite go-to for weeknights and special occasions alike. Imagine the joy of serving something so effortlessly elegant, yet so profoundly delicious, that it becomes an instant classic in your home. It’s the kind of recipe that genuinely sparks conversations and makes people ask for the recipe, every single time. Trust me, this dish has a way of turning ordinary moments into extraordinary ones.

What truly sets this particular recipe apart is the magical balance it strikes. We’re talking about a sauce that is both indulgently creamy and wonderfully bright, thanks to that clever hint of sun-dried tomatoes and a whisper of garlic. The chicken, cooked to juicy perfection, absorbs all those incredible flavors, becoming a melt-in-your-mouth delight. Then there’s the pasta, the ultimate canvas, perfectly coated in that glorious sauce, ensuring every bite is consistently flavorful. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet, yet relies on simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any local grocery store. I love how it comes together relatively quickly, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying but don’t have endless time. It defies the expectation that incredible flavor must come with a hefty time commitment. Furthermore, the aroma alone as it simmers on your stove is enough to gather everyone around, eagerly anticipating their first taste. It fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that promises deliciousness, setting the stage for a memorable meal. This recipe isn’t just about feeding hunger; it’s about nourishing the soul with comfort and joy. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and the right technique, can transform into something truly spectacular.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing this already perfect meal. While it’s undoubtedly a complete and satisfying dish on its own, a few additions can elevate your dining experience even further. I always recommend serving this with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette; the fresh, tangy notes provide a lovely counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. A warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread or a fresh baguette, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce, is also an absolute must in my book. And for those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or a Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully, or even a light-bodied red if that’s your preference. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemon water or a refreshing iced tea works wonderfully to cleanse the palate. Remember, the goal is to create a well-rounded meal that delights all your senses.

One of the aspects I adore most about cooking is the freedom to customize, and this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feeling adventurous? You could easily swap the chicken for succulent shrimp or even add some Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor. For my vegetarian friends, seared mushrooms, chickpeas, or cannellini beans make fantastic protein alternatives that still offer that satisfying bite. Don’t be shy about experimenting with vegetables either; fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even blanched asparagus tips can be folded into the sauce for added color, texture, and nutrients. Want a bit more heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic will do the trick. If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle in some fresh mozzarella or even a sharp provolone for a different cheesy dimension. And for a lighter take, consider using whole wheat pasta or a dairy-free cream alternative, though I personally love the original richness. The core flavors are so robust that they can withstand playful modifications, making this a recipe you can truly make your own, reflecting your unique tastes and what you have on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into making this incredible dish. There’s something truly special about preparing a meal that brings so much joy, and I promise you, this is one of them. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe, I would absolutely love to hear all about it! Did you make any exciting variations? What was your favorite part? Share your culinary creations and feedback in the comments below, or better yet, snap a photo and share it on your favorite social media platform, tagging me so I can celebrate your delicious success! Your experiences are what truly bring these recipes to life for me and for other readers. Cooking should be an adventure, a chance to create, share, and savor. This recipe is your invitation to embark on that delicious journey. Get cooking, my friends, and prepare to fall in love with every single bite. Happy cooking!