Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled on a bed of twirly pasta, all coated in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Every bite tastes like your favorite restaurant date night—only this one comes straight from your own kitchen.

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta takes the classic “marry me” chicken recipe and turns it into a complete one-pan pasta dinner. It’s rich but surprisingly simple, with layers of garlic, Italian seasoning, and sharp Parmesan that cling to every curve of the noodles. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or someone special, this dish is designed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This recipe is the kind of comfort food that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a moment—with the occasional “wow” between bites.

Restaurant-level flavor at home. A deeply flavored, creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan feels fancy without requiring professional chef skills.
Weeknight friendly. Everything comes together in under an hour using one skillet plus a pot for the pasta, so cleanup is easy.
Family approved. Mild enough for picky eaters but easy to spice up with extra red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat.
Date-night worthy. It’s rich, cozy, and totally worthy of a special occasion, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night.
Customizable. Swap the pasta shape, add veggies like spinach or peas, or use chicken thighs—this dish is very forgiving.

What Kind of Chicken and Pasta Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Breasts stay lean and slice into pretty strips for serving, while thighs stay extra juicy even if they cook a minute or two longer.

Choose a short, shape-holding pasta that can trap the creamy sauce in every nook and cranny. Rotini, fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or shells are all great choices. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which can overcook easily and won’t hold the rich sauce as well.

If you’re cooking gluten-free, use your favorite sturdy gluten-free pasta and cook it just to al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the hot sauce.

Ingredients

This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta uses simple pantry and fridge staples that come together to create big flavor. Think juicy chicken, short pasta, garlic, cream, and Parmesan—all playing their part in a silky, clingy sauce.

Short pasta (rotini, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni) – Provides texture and plenty of nooks to hold the creamy sauce.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – The star protein; sears to a golden crust while staying tender inside.
Salt and black pepper – Essential seasoning that brings out all the flavors in the chicken and sauce.
Italian seasoning – Adds a blend of herbs that give the dish classic “marry me” chicken flavor.
Garlic powder – Layers extra savory flavor into the chicken seasoning.
Smoked paprika or regular paprika – Adds color and a subtle warmth to the chicken crust.
Olive oil – Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
Butter – Adds richness and depth to the sauce base.
Fresh garlic – Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil – Bring tangy, sweet, umami notes that make this sauce special.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Add gentle heat; adjust to taste depending on how spicy you like it.
Chicken broth or stock – Thins the sauce slightly and adds savory depth.
Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, silky texture of the “marry me” sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Thickens the sauce and adds nutty, salty flavor; grating it fresh helps it melt smoothly.
Reserved pasta cooking water – Helps loosen and emulsify the sauce so it coats the pasta perfectly.
Fresh basil or parsley – Adds freshness and color to balance the richness.
Cooked, crumbled bacon (optional) – Sprinkled over the top for smoky crunch and extra indulgence.
Fresh lemon juice (optional) – A squeeze at the end brightens the flavors and keeps the sauce from tasting too heavy.

How To Make the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This dish looks impressive, but the process is really straightforward: season and sear the chicken, whisk together the creamy “marry me” sauce, toss in the pasta, and finish everything in one pan.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so it sears instead of steams. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Gently press the seasoning onto the surface so it sticks.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and sear until deeply golden on both sides and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken sears, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta just to al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and leave it in the pot or a colander while you finish the sauce.

Step 4: Build the “Marry Me” Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the fresh garlic and cook just until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring so they soak up all those pan drippings.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan a little at a time, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat every spiral or tube. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it’s silky and clings to the pasta without being gloopy.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken and Serve

Slice the rested chicken into strips. Nestle the chicken on top of the creamy pasta in the skillet or transfer everything to a serving platter.

Scatter chopped fresh basil or parsley and crumbled bacon over the top for color and crunch. Add a final dusting of Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you like a bright finish. Serve immediately while everything is hot and glossy.

How to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

This rich, cozy pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side. Expect this recipe to comfortably feed about 4 hungry people as a main course.

Serve generous scoops of the creamy pasta in shallow bowls with slices of chicken fanned over the top. Add a big green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up every last bit of sauce.

For a date-night feel, garnish with extra basil leaves, freshly cracked black pepper, and a little extra Parmesan at the table. A sparkling water with lemon or your favorite chilled drink makes it feel like a restaurant meal.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Leftovers keep surprisingly well, making this a great make-ahead dinner or meal-prep option.

Store cooled pasta and chicken together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, so don’t worry if it looks a bit stiff.

To reheat on the stovetop, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to a skillet over low to medium-low heat. Stir the pasta gently until warmed through and the sauce loosens and becomes creamy again. Avoid boiling or heating it on high, which can cause the sauce to separate.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a small splash of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

Freezing isn’t ideal for cream-based sauces, as they can separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat gently with extra cream and whisk well to bring the sauce back together as much as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe and stay extra juicy. Just sear them the same way you would breasts and make sure they’re cooked through before slicing. You may need an extra minute or two of cooking time depending on their thickness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For the creamiest, most stable sauce, heavy cream is best. If you want to lighten it slightly, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be a bit thinner and more prone to separating. Avoid using regular milk alone, as it doesn’t have enough fat to create the rich “marry me” texture.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes are one of the signature flavors in marry me chicken, adding tangy sweetness and depth. If you really don’t like them, you can leave them out and add a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How can I make this pasta spicier or milder?
For more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle a little on top just before serving. To keep it very mild, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes entirely. You’ll still have tons of flavor from the garlic, herbs, and Parmesan.

My sauce turned out too thick or too thin—how do I fix it?
If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in more reserved pasta water, broth, or a splash of cream until it reaches your ideal consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, and add a little extra Parmesan to help it cling to the pasta.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta has earned a permanent spot in your dinner rotation, you’ll love these other comforting pasta favorites:

Try Marry Me Shrimp Pasta for a seafood twist with the same rich, romantic flavors.
Make a batch of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta when you’re craving ultra-cheesy, garlicky comfort.
Bake up Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a cozy, veggie-packed casserole-style dinner.
Serve Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo when you want a classic creamy Alfredo that always makes everyone happy.

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When you make it, come back and let me know how it turned out—did you add extra red pepper flakes, swap in chicken thighs, or sprinkle lots of crispy bacon on top?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and stress less on busy nights. For even more daily dinner inspiration and new pasta ideas, follow along on Pinterest at Life With Livia.

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta