There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, flavorful pasta that feels like a special occasion on your weekday dinner plate. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that—a rich, saucy dish that’s effortless to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s a recipe that’ll quickly become your go-to for impressing yourself and guests alike.

A white pot filled with creamy orange pasta made of penne noodles mixed with light brown cubes of cooked chicken and red sun-dried tomato pieces. The sauce looks smooth and thick, covering every part of the pasta and chicken. Small green herb pieces and a few fresh basil leaves sit on the top, adding bright green color. A wooden spoon is partly visible on the right side, resting inside the pot on top of the pasta. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with some scattered basil leaves around it and bowls of grated cheese and red pepper flakes nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe checks all the boxes when it comes to flavor, ease, and that just-right creamy texture that feels indulgent without being overwhelming. I fell for it the first time I made it, and I know you’ll appreciate how the bold sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan combine with tender chicken in a luscious sauce.

Incredible Creamy Sauce: The blend of chicken broth, half-and-half, and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry or fridge, making for a quick pantry-friendly meal.
Flavor-Packed Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken cutlets seasoned with a medley of spices and cooked in sun-dried tomato oil add a wonderful depth.
Flexible and Customizable: You can easily swap pasta types or skip the pasta for a low-carb option—this recipe adapts to your preferences.

This dish shows pasta with three layers: the pasta pieces are pale yellow, shaped like small tubes or shells, and fully coated in a creamy orange sauce. The sauce has a smooth texture with small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes mixed in. There are chunks of light brown cooked chicken scattered evenly. Fresh green herbs, including flat and curly leaves, are sprinkled over the top, adding a fresh touch. Cracked black pepper is lightly scattered across the whole dish, adding texture and spots of black. The pasta is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures. The mix of aromatics, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh Parmesan ensures the sauce is rich and layered. Here’s the lowdown on the major players you'll use:

Flat lay of two medium raw chicken breasts with smooth skin, a small pile of mixed ground spices (salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) neatly arranged, a few small fresh shallots whole and unpeeled, several cloves of fresh garlic unpeeled, a handful of vibrant sun-dried tomatoes roughly chopped, a bundle of uncooked penne pasta with smooth edges, a small mound of freshly grated Parmesan cheese with fine texture, fresh green parsley and basil sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, another small white bowl with creamy half-and-half, a white bowl containing low-sodium chicken broth with pale golden tint, a white bowl with bright red tomato paste, a white bowl holding fine all-purpose flour, a white ceramic dish with crushed chicken bouillon powder, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in a small white bowl — all arranged in perfect symmetry and realistic proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Sliced thin and pounded for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Spices (salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika): A balanced seasoning combo that brings out savory warmth without overpowering.
Olive Oil: Used both in cooking the chicken and finished with for a light richness and that perfect sauté gloss.
Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully, plus it’s approachable and familiar to most of us.
Shallot and Garlic: They build the flavor base; sautéing them slowly unlocks their sweetness and punch.
Tomato Paste & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add that subtle tang and umami kick that make this dish irresistible.
Chicken Broth & Half and Half: The backbone of the sauce—creamy but balanced with savory depth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics without burning.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated to melt smoothly and contribute a salty, nutty finish.
Dried Herbs (parsley, basil, oregano): They add earthy, herbal notes that round out the sauce.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in season. This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe is a fantastic base that you can personalize easily without losing its soul. Play with the heat level, swap the pasta, or elevate it with extras like fresh cherry tomatoes or spinach.

Variation: One favorite twist I've tried is swapping penne for gluten-free pasta, which worked beautifully without losing the creaminess. Also, adding a handful of fresh baby spinach toward the end brightens the dish and ups the veggie count.
Spice it Up: I sometimes add more red pepper flakes or even a splash of smoked paprika for smoky depth if I want a little kick.
Low-Carb Swap: Skip the pasta and serve the sauce over roasted cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes for a cozy comforting meal.
Protein Alternatives: Tender shrimp or even Italian sausage can step in for chicken if you want a new flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Pound the Chicken

I always slice the chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets — this helps them cook quickly and evenly. Cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or even the bottom of a heavy can. This step ensures the chicken is tender and ready to soak up all that delicious seasoning.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Mix your spices—salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika—and pat them generously on both sides of the chicken. Drizzle with olive oil or use an oil sprayer for even coverage. Heat the reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes in a skillet, then sear the cutlets over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Let them rest a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken rests, cook your penne pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, save a cup of pasta water—this magic liquid will help loosen your sauce if needed. Toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter in the chicken drippings over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and sauté until tender and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes). Then add garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for just 30 seconds until you can hardly resist the smell. Stir in tomato paste and flour, cooking for about a minute to avoid a raw flour taste—this thickens your sauce beautifully.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Simmer the Sauce

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half to keep it smooth, then stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and chicken bouillon for extra depth. Sprinkle in dried herbs and some salt and pepper. Bring the sauce up to a gentle simmer and stir frequently until it thickens to a luscious consistency that clings perfectly to the pasta.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta

Turn the heat to low and add freshly grated Parmesan cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted and silky. Now, fold in your cooked pasta and sliced chicken. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until you reach your desired texture. Adjust seasoning if needed, then it’s ready to serve!

Top Tip

One thing I’ve learned while making this recipe multiple times is that the key to perfect texture is resting the chicken and saving some pasta water. These simple steps can transform the dish from good to restaurant-quality.

Rest Chicken Properly: Don’t skip the resting—this keeps juices locked in for tender bites and prevents dryness.
Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy water is your best friend for loosening the sauce without watering down flavor.
Don’t Overheat Cheese: Add Parmesan off the direct heat or on low to keep the sauce smooth and avoid graininess.
Sauté Aromatics Gently: Low and slow on shallots and garlic unlocks sweetness and depth, which creates a magic flavor base.

How to Serve Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby lift right at the end. Sometimes, I’ll toss on a little extra Parmesan for good measure.

Side Dishes

This pasta holds its own as a hearty meal, but I like serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic asparagus to add brightness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated this in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra sauce and garnished with whole basil leaves and sun-dried tomato strips for an elegant look. Serve with warm, crusty bread to sop up every last drop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so it’s a good idea to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to that perfect consistency.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe before, though I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta if you can. This keeps textures better. When thawed, combine and warm gently on the stove for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to bring back that original silky texture. It even tastes like it was freshly made!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well because they stay juicy and tender. Just adjust cooking time slightly to make sure they’re fully cooked. The flavors will be just as delicious.

What can I substitute for half-and-half in the sauce?

You can use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the sauce or evaporated milk with cornstarch. Both give you creamy texture without needing heavy cream.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written since it uses flour to thicken and traditional pasta. You could use gluten-free flour alternatives and gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead and reheat gently before serving. Cook the pasta fresh or keep it separate to avoid sogginess. This lets you enjoy your guests without last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a hug on your plate—comforting, indulgent, and easy enough to make any night of the week. It’s one of those dishes I recommend to friends when they want something impressive but totally doable. Give it a try, and I’m confident you’ll fall in love with how simple ingredients come together to create such an unforgettable flavor experience.

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe