This Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food!
It’s creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor—and the best part?
You can whip it up in 30 minutes using just one pan. Perfect for a quick dinner or an impressive date night meal, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s dive into how you can create this crowd-pleaser from scratch!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this rich, flavorful pasta:
Chicken & Pasta
- 1/2 lb chicken (breast or thighs)
- 1/2 lb pasta of your choice (penne, linguine, or fusilli work great)
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (use the oil, too!)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium shallot, diced
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (or adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (use smoked paprika if you prefer)
- 1/2 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- Dash of cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
Sauce Components
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half & half (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, plus extra for garnish
Extras
- Handful of spinach
- Fresh basil, torn, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Pasta
Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a rich, creamy pasta dish ready in no time.
- Cook the Chicken:
In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil from the sun-dried tomatoes along with 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add your chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. Once cool, chop it into bite-sized pieces. - Sauté the Aromatics:
Lower the heat to medium-low and add another tablespoon of butter to the pan. Toss in the shallot and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, and chicken bouillon. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the pan looks dry, drizzle in a little olive oil. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. - Simmer the Broth & Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and add your pasta. Stir everything well, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pasta is al dente. Stir every few minutes to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom. - Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the half & half and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes along with parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. - Finish with Spinach and Chicken:
Add in the spinach, the reserved chicken, and a handful of torn basil. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts. - Serve & Garnish:
Plate the pasta immediately and top with more fresh parmesan for extra flavor. If you love a little kick, sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top.
Tips & Tricks
- Want a smoky twist? Swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika.
- Need a dairy-free version? Use coconut milk instead of half & half.
- Add more greens! Feel free to toss in kale or arugula if you don’t have spinach.
- Prefer more heat? Adjust the cayenne and red pepper flakes to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal!
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy sauce and savory chicken make it a hit for everyone.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
Marry Me Chicken Pasta is the perfect mix of savory and creamy with a touch of spice. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a deep, rich flavor that feels restaurant-quality—without the hefty price tag. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date, or just yourself, this dish will make you want to come back for seconds (or thirds).
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll understand why it’s called Marry Me Chicken Pasta—it’s that irresistible!