Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan
21 January 2026
super easy
Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that doesn’t need much explaining — one bite and you understand the name. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes come together in a dish that feels both comforting and special. This creamy chicken pasta recipe is made in one pan and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a meal you want to impress with minimal effort.
The sauce is deeply flavorful, slightly tangy, and finished with Parmesan and fresh basil for balance. If you’re looking for an easy creamy chicken pasta that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough for a weeknight, this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe is a must-try.
So, if all that sounds good to you, read on!
Table Of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe?
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that instantly becomes a favorite. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even if it looks like something you’d order at a restaurant.
Creamy, rich, and full of flavor: The sauce is smooth and indulgent, made with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a touch of lemon for balance. Every bite is bold without being heavy, coating the pasta perfectly.
Easy enough for weeknights: Despite how impressive it looks, this is an easy creamy chicken pasta that comes together in one pan with simple steps. No complicated techniques, no special equipment — just good ingredients cooked well.
One-pan comfort food: From searing the chicken to finishing the sauce, everything happens in the same skillet. That means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.
Perfect for special occasions or everyday dinners: This marry me chicken pasta recipe feels fancy enough for date night, but it’s also practical for a cozy family dinner when you want something extra comforting.
Once you try it, you’ll see why this chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes is so loved — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
More Creamy Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
If this Marry Me Chicken Pasta hit the spot, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy these other comforting, flavor-packed pasta dishes too. They’re easy to make, rich in taste, and perfect for both busy weeknights and relaxed weekend meals.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta – A silky, indulgent pasta dish with tender shrimp and a rich cream sauce that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple to prepare at home.
- Easy Creamy Salmon Pasta – Flaky salmon paired with a creamy feta-based sauce for a comforting yet slightly lighter pasta option.
- Fajita Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe – A bold, cheesy mashup combining classic mac and cheese with flavorful fajita-style chicken.
- Tomato Basil Shrimp Pasta – Fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor, this shrimp pasta is perfect when you’re craving something lighter but still satisfying.
- Easy One-Pot Bacon Pasta – A comforting one-pot pasta loaded with crispy bacon and creamy goodness, with minimal cleanup.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, chicken, or a cheesy comfort dish, these recipes are perfect to add to your weekly dinner rotation and keep things deliciously simple.
Ingredients in Marry Me Chicken Pasta
What you will need
Pasta: Use short pasta like penne or rigatoni. Their ridges help hold onto the creamy sauce, so every bite is well coated.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into thin cutlets cook quickly and stay tender.
Olive oil & butter: This combination adds richness and creates a flavorful base for searing the chicken and starting the sauce.
Onion & garlic: Finely minced onion and garlic build the aromatic foundation of the dish.
Tomato paste: Cooked until slightly caramelized, tomato paste adds deep tomato flavor and gives the sauce its rich color.
White wine: Used to deglaze the pan and balance the creaminess of the sauce. It also helps lift all the flavorful bits from the skillet.
Chicken stock: Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates the signature creamy texture that makes this Marry Me Chicken Pasta so comforting.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a slightly sweet and tangy contrast to the rich sauce.
Oregano: Adds a subtle herb note that pairs well with the tomato-based sauce.
Lemon zest & lemon juice: Brighten the sauce and balance the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Fresh basil: Thinly sliced basil adds freshness and color just before serving.
Parmesan Reggiano: Finely grated Parmesan melts into the sauce, adding salty, nutty depth and extra creaminess.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken, pasta water, and sauce properly.
How to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Time needed: 40 minutes
- Prepare the chicken
Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into thin cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Start with a cold pan, then let it heat gradually so the chicken cooks evenly.
Sear the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken cutlets to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, undisturbed, until golden on the bottom.
Flip and finish cooking: Turn the chicken over and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until fully cooked through and lightly browned.
Remove and set aside: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you prepare the sauce. The chicken will be added back later to stay juicy and tender.
- Make the Sauce Base
Melt the butter: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add the butter over medium heat and let it melt completely.
Add onion and garlic: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until soft and fragrant.
Sauté until golden: Continue cooking the onion and garlic until lightly golden, making sure they don’t burn.
Add the tomato paste: Spoon in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and becomes caramelized.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
Deglaze the pan: Pour the white wine into the skillet with the caramelized tomato paste. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add the chicken stock: Stir in the chicken stock and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a minute to combine.
Stir in the cream: Add the heavy cream and mix well until the sauce becomes smooth and evenly colored.
Season the sauce: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
Finish with basil: Sprinkle in the sliced fresh basil and let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, until slightly thickened and creamy.
- Finish the Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Return the chicken to the sauce: Add the seared chicken cutlets back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let them simmer gently for a few minutes so they stay juicy and absorb flavor.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, boil the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
Remove the chicken: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside briefly. This makes it easier to mix the pasta evenly into the sauce.
Add pasta to the sauce: Stir the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
Serve: Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta. Toss gently if needed, then serve immediately while hot and creamy.
- Serving Suggestions & Final Notes
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is best served straight from the skillet while the sauce is hot, creamy, and perfectly coats every piece of pasta. Finish with a little extra freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves for freshness.
Serve it with:
– a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
– garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
-roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for balance
This creamy chicken pasta recipe is rich, comforting, and satisfying on its own, making it perfect for a cozy dinner, date night, or anytime you want a meal that feels special without being complicated.
One bite is usually enough to understand why this dish is called Marry Me Chicken Pasta — it’s creamy, flavorful, and impossible to forget.
Ready to Serve
Once the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce, remove the skillet from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Slice the chicken and place it over the pasta, spooning a little extra sauce on top. Serve immediately while hot and creamy, and enjoy the perfect combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta.
This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that brings comfort and flavor together in the best way. It’s rich, creamy, and simple enough to make anytime you’re craving a satisfying homemade meal. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this dish never disappoints.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to share it or save it for later – it’s one you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to keep the sauce creamy.
Reheat the pasta over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream, milk, or chicken stock to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through.
Absolutely. Penne works best, but rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine are great alternatives for this creamy chicken pasta recipe.
Heavy cream gives the best texture, but you can use half-and-half for a lighter version. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly thinner.
If you prefer not to cook with wine, simply replace it with extra chicken stock. The sauce will still be flavorful and well balanced.
No, this version is not spicy. It’s rich and creamy with a balanced tomato flavor. You can easily add heat if you like by stirring in red pepper flakes.
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Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts about 1.2 lb / 550 g, sliced into cutlets
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1¼ cups heavy cream
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 5 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- 12 oz ¾ lb / 340 g pasta (penne recommended)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan Reggiano
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts horizontally into cutlets and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil to a cold pan, then add the chicken cutlets. Cook for 5–7 minutes until golden on the bottom, flip, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the butter and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly and caramelizes.
- Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the chicken stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, and basil. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it, and keep on low heat while you cook the pasta.
- Cook the pasta in well-salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water, then drain.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and loosen with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and fully incorporated.
- Slice the chicken and serve it over the pasta. Toss gently if needed so the sauce coats everything evenly. Serve immediately.
Notes
- 2 servings total
- heavy cream + Parmesan
- chicken breast + pasta
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