Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and romantic dish that’s said to be so good, it might just inspire a proposal! Tender chicken is simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, paired with pasta, and finished all in one pot for easy prep and clean-up. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for both date nights and comforting weeknight dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)saltblack peppergarlic powderolive oilgarlic (minced)sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)chicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheese (grated)red pepper flakes (optional)Italian seasoningpenne or rigatoni pastabasil or parsley (for garnish)

directions

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

In a large deep skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through (about 4-5 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

In the same pot, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

Add uncooked pasta to the pot and stir well. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir gently to combine and let it warm through.

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Add spinach or baby kale for extra greens.

Use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a thicker sauce.

Top with mozzarella for an even cheesier finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.

FAQs

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from the idea that the flavor is so irresistible, it could lead to a marriage proposal!

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice and add it at the end to heat through.

What pasta works best?

Short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce well.

Is this dish spicy?

Only mildly, and you can adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use coconut cream and dairy-free parmesan alternatives.

What if the sauce gets too thick?

Add a splash of broth or milk to thin it out.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No, it cooks directly in the sauce—making it a true one-pot meal.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, or peas are great choices.

Is this good for meal prep?

Absolutely, it reheats well and makes great leftovers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure your pot is large enough to hold everything.

Conclusion

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of elegance and ease. With creamy, cheesy, and sun-dried tomato richness in every bite, it’s a dish that wins hearts and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this one-pot wonder is sure to impress.