Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need for this recipe. For the full measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

Chicken Pasta

• Chicken – Chicken breasts or thighs will both work; just make sure it’s boneless or skinless.
• Pasta – You can truly use any shape you like, but I think a small to medium variety is best, especially one that does a good job gripping onto creamy sauces.
• Salt and Pepper – For seasoning the chicken. 
• Olive Oil – For cooking the chicken.

Sauce

• Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the dish. Salted or unsalted both work; you’ll just need to add a little less salt at the end of the cooking time if you use salted.
• Garlic – Fresh is best, but powder works in a pinch.
• Tomato Paste – For an intense tomato flavor with a hit of umami.
• Chicken Broth – Creates a savory foundation for the sauce. I use my Homemade Chicken Stock when I have it in the freezer.
• Heavy Cream – For a sauce that’s creamy and luxurious; half-and-half can be used for a lighter option (but then he might just give you a promise ring instead of marrying you).
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistible. Use freshly grated Parm for the best results.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes – I love their chewy texture and their tangy, sweet flavor.
• Seasonings – Paprika, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
• Fresh Herbs – Basil and parsley add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for full printable instructions.

1. Cook the pasta. Boil pasta in a pot of water as directed on the package. Reserve a cup of the cooking water, then drain.
2. Cook the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Cook in skillet with oil or butter until both sides are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Make the sauce. Add the garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the stock and deglaze the pan, then stir in the cream, half the cheese, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and remaining salt and pepper. 
4. Finish. Slice the chicken and add it to the sauce, along with the pasta. Stir to combine, then fold in the herbs. Garnish with additional basil and cheese, then serve.

Tips for Making Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Before you walk down the aisle with this recipe (okay, I promise, I’ll stop now), read over these tips so you can make sure it turns out perfect!

• Salt the water for cooking the pasta. This will add flavor to the pasta as it cooks. You can add a generous amount of salt since most of it will be poured out with the water.
• Don’t forget to set aside some pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the sauce to make sure it reaches the right consistency.
• Use a large skillet or Dutch oven. You want enough room for all the chicken and pasta to fit comfortably so things don’t spill out onto the stovetop when you’re stirring it all together.

Variations and Substitutions

Like most pasta recipes, there’s a lot of room for variation with this one!

• Add additional vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would all be delicious additions. You could also add a handful of spinach at the end for some added greens.
• Try another protein. I think shrimp would work well in this recipe.
• Use a different type of cheese. While Parmesan is the most common choice, pecorino or another aged, assertive cheese would work.
• Make it gluten-free. For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Transfer leftover marry me chicken pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. Unfortunately, this is not a dish that will freeze well; sauces made with heavy cream tend to split when frozen, thawed, and reheated. 

When reheating, there are a few methods to choose from. For smaller portions, the microwave is a convenient option, although it does run the risk of making the chicken rubbery. Warming the pasta in a pan on the stovetop over medium-low heat is best; if the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of broth to thin it.

What to Serve With Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Homemade Garlic Bread
• Roasted Cauliflower
• Garlic Parmesan Baked Asparagus
• Sautéed Spinach
• Our Best House Salad
• Parker House Rolls

More Chicken Pasta Dinners

• Lousiana Chicken Pasta
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta
• Easy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
• Easy Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Baked Chicken Florentine Pasta