The Ultimate One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for Love

Creamy one pot marry me chicken pasta promises to sweep you off your culinary feet with its irresistible charm.

Weeknight dinners often feel mundane, but this recipe changes everything.

Tender chicken nestles among perfectly cooked pasta strands, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Garlic and herbs mingle effortlessly, infusing each bite with Mediterranean-inspired magic.

Parmesan cheese melts luxuriously, binding ingredients into a velvety embrace that feels like a warm hug.

Simplicity meets sophistication in this dish that requires minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

You’ll fall head over heels for this comforting meal that turns an ordinary evening into a romantic culinary adventure.

One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Magic

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Create a complete meal in a single pot, reducing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Packed with Flavor Punch: Combine creamy sauce, zesty sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs for a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and cheesy sauce guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Adaptable recipe perfect for busy families, date nights, or casual gatherings with minimal cooking skills required.

Ingredients for One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender pieces that provide the main protein base for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the chicken and pasta.
• Thyme, Oregano: Aromatic herbs that add depth and Mediterranean-inspired taste to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the pasta.

• Garlic: Provides a rich, pungent flavor that serves as a flavor foundation for the sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the cooking liquid that helps cook the pasta and develop the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, luxurious texture to the dish.

• Penne Pasta: The primary carbohydrate that serves as the base of this one-pot meal.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provides a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the chicken and creating a base for the sauce.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a fresh, bright finish to the completed dish.

How to Make One-Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat. Drop diced chicken pieces into the pot, sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook until the chicken develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the pot and stir quickly.

Let the garlic dance and release its aromatic magic for about 60 seconds until it becomes wonderfully fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Flavor Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes
• Uncooked penne pasta

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Wait until the pasta reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Melt and Thicken

Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the pot. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce that hugs each pasta piece.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Serve the pasta piping hot, straight from the pot, ready to make everyone fall in love with this irresistible dish.

Expert Guidance for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender meat.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
• Rinse sun-dried tomatoes to reduce excess saltiness and enhance their rich flavor.
• Use fresh herbs like basil and thyme for a more vibrant and aromatic dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance for a personalized heat level.

Delicious Twists for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrates while maintaining rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free protein option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan cheese to create a creamy texture for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap thyme and oregano with fresh rosemary and basil, adding kalamata olives and extra sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified Mediterranean profile.

Pairing Ideas for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Romantic Dinner Date Night: Serve this creamy pasta on elegant white plates with soft candlelight, creating a romantic atmosphere perfect for impressing your special someone.
• Cozy Family Meal: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread, making it a comforting weeknight dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
• Italian-Inspired Gathering: Create a rustic spread by adding a charcuterie board with cured meats, olives, and crusty bread alongside the pasta, transforming the meal into a Mediterranean-style feast.
• Quick Meal Prep Option: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy lunches, adding a sprinkle of extra parmesan and fresh basil just before eating to maintain maximum flavor.

Best Storage Tips for Marry Me Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store pasta in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and sauce intact to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in sealed freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for maximum 2 months, ensuring complete cooling before storing.
• Reheat refrigerated pasta by adding a splash of chicken broth or cream in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

• What is the origin of Marry Me Chicken Pasta?

The dish gained popularity through social media as a creamy, flavorful pasta recipe that’s so delicious it supposedly makes someone fall in love with the cook.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti that will hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a less spicy version.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or add more sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms for extra flavor and protein.

Creamy One Pot Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one pot marry me chicken pasta brings together tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich parmesan sauce. Quick comfort meets romance with this Italian-inspired dish that promises to delight dinner companions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, diced

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Pantry and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta (uncooked)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot olive oil over medium heat until they develop a rich, golden exterior, seasoning with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
2. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence without burning.
3. Create a luxurious one-pot base by combining chicken broth, velvety heavy cream, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a harmony of herbs including thyme, oregano, and a whisper of red pepper flakes.
4. Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the liquid mixture, ensuring each piece is submerged and coated with the fragrant sauce.
5. Bring the concoction to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender over 10-12 minutes.
6. Introduce grated parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to create a silky, thickened sauce that embraces the pasta and chicken.
7. Finish the dish with a vibrant sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, transforming the one-pot wonder into a visually stunning and delectable meal ready to be served immediately.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Choose quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for superior melting and authentic taste.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, reducing calories without sacrificing creaminess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 587 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg