Name: Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets or bite-size pieces; 10–12 ounces short pasta such as penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided; 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 3–4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4–1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley; Extra grated parmesan, for serving; 1 pinch red pepper flakes, for serving

Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes rich, garlicky, and a little tangy from sun dried tomatoes, with a silky sauce that hugs every noodle. It suits busy weeknights, date nights at home, or anyone who wants a restaurant-style pasta in about 35 minutes. I make this when I want something that feels fancy but still lets me cook in sweatpants.

Why Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe Is Worth It

This pasta gives you juicy, seasoned chicken in a creamy parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. The sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs add big flavor without a long ingredient list or tricky steps.

You cook everything in one large skillet plus a pot for pasta, so cleanup stays pretty painless. It works for picky eaters, pasta lovers, and anyone who wants a cozy bowl of comfort that still tastes special.

“This Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe tastes like a restaurant chef cooked it in your kitchen, but you secretly finished it in sweatpants. ★★★★★”

Ingredients You Need

Chicken and Pasta

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Slice into thin cutlets or small bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender.
10 to 12 ounces short pasta
- Use penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini.
- Whole wheat pasta works, but it soaks up more sauce, so keep a splash of pasta water handy.

Seasoning for Chicken

1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note that tastes great with cream and parmesan.

Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
- Use extra virgin if you like a stronger flavor, or light olive oil for a milder taste.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Jarred minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh garlic gives better flavor.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Adjust to taste or skip for kids who avoid heat.
½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- Use the jarred kind packed in oil; it adds flavor to the sauce.
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- Store brand works fine; choose low sodium so the sauce does not taste too salty.
1 cup heavy cream
- You can use half and half for a lighter sauce, but it thickens a bit less.
¾ to 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Use a block of parmesan and grate it yourself; pre-shredded cheese can clump.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (extra for the sauce)
1 tablespoon tomato paste
- This deepens the tomato flavor and gives the sauce a pretty color.
Salt and pepper to taste at the end

Finishing Touches

¼ cup chopped fresh basil or flat leaf parsley
Extra parmesan for serving
Pinch of red pepper flakes on top if you like a little kick

Pantry Shortcuts

Use pre-cut chicken strips from the meat section to save prep time.
Use jarred minced garlic and pre-sliced sun dried tomatoes when you feel tired.
Use boxed chicken broth and shelf stable cream if you keep them in your pantry.

Equipment List

Large pot for boiling pasta
Large deep skillet or sauté pan (12 inch works best)
Tongs or a spatula for the chicken
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the sauce
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and sharp knife
Box grater or microplane for parmesan

Quick Tips & substitutions

Salt the pasta water generously so the noodles carry flavor into the sauce.
Cook the pasta just to al dente, then finish it in the sauce so the pasta absorbs flavor.
Slice chicken thin so it cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Pat chicken dry before seasoning so it browns nicely in the skillet.
Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Swap parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper, saltier flavor; reduce added salt.
Use jarred sun dried tomatoes in oil; if you only have dry ones, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes.
If the sauce thickens too much, thin it with a splash of hot pasta water or chicken broth.
Use gluten free pasta and gluten free chicken broth to keep the recipe gluten friendly.
Add a handful of baby spinach at the end and stir until it wilts for extra veggies.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer richer, more forgiving meat.
Skip red pepper flakes for kids, or serve them at the table so everyone controls the heat.

How to Make Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Add them to a bowl and sprinkle on salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss until every piece of chicken looks coated in seasoning.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it generously. Add the pasta and cook it until just al dente, usually 1 to 2 minutes less than the package suggests. Scoop out 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the fat shimmers and the butter foams, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer without crowding the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the pieces look golden and cooked through, then transfer them to a plate.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells fragrant. Stir in the sun dried tomatoes and tomato paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes so the tomato paste darkens slightly and tastes richer.

Step 5: Add Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Stir in the Italian seasoning and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so it reduces slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce looks smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Adjust

Lower the heat to medium low so the sauce gently simmers. Add the grated parmesan a small handful at a time, stirring between each addition so it melts smoothly. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of salt and pepper if you need more seasoning.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and the seared chicken, along with any juices from the plate, into the skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce coats the pasta and chicken evenly. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your favorite creamy texture.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped basil or parsley. Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes so the flavors settle and the sauce clings even more. Serve the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe hot with extra parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.

Recipe Variations

Gluten free: Use gluten free pasta and confirm your broth and seasonings list gluten free on the label.
Lower carb: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli florets and toss them in the sauce.
Dairy lighter: Use half and half instead of heavy cream and reduce parmesan slightly, then simmer longer to thicken.
Extra veggies: Add spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce near the end of cooking.
Extra protein: Stir in crispy cooked turkey bacon or grilled shrimp with the chicken.
No sun dried tomatoes: Use cherry tomatoes, halved and quickly sautéed, for a fresher tomato flavor.
Extra spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Ways to Serve Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Serve with a simple green salad with lemony dressing to cut through the richness.
Add garlic bread or warm crusty bread so you can scoop up every bit of sauce.
Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
Pack leftovers in a thermos for a cozy work or school lunch.
Top each bowl with extra fresh herbs and parmesan for a restaurant style touch.

Storage Success

Let the Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe cool until it feels just slightly warm, then store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or broth so the sauce loosens and turns silky again. Stir often while you reheat so the sauce does not separate and the pasta heats evenly. Freeze leftovers only if you feel okay with a slightly softer pasta texture, and thaw in the fridge before you reheat.